I was honestly surprised that the song became such a Country hit. I guess because of the title, and that the incomparable Glen Campbell came from Arkansas. I honestly didn’t know much about the phrase, but when heard it, I registered it in my mind as a potential title, and began shaping it into a song. It wasn’t inspiration, but perspiration that got the song written. After I moved to Nashville, twenty years later, I learned that I had unknowingly and luckily, combined my vision of a hungry for success New Yorker, with the imagery of Hank Williams, Hank Snow, and South-Western culture. I love accidents.
High Points with Rhinestone Cowboy:
A very high point for me during all the hoopla, was sitting in the audience at NBC Studios in Burbank, California, watching Johnny Carson sing my song, sending it to millions around the world. What a thrill.
Another is working on my first album with Hugh McCracken, Leeland Sklar, Rick Marotta and Tom Hensley. Literally, a life changing experience.
Another would be working with Tony Camillo in the early 70’s, who had already arranged a bunch of Motown hits, including producing and arranging “Midnight Train To Georgia”. Standing in the same room, and cutting sides with Motown’s rhythm section, was standing in the shadows of Motown itself.
Here’s some trivia..did you know that this rhythm section that played on Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” was the Funk Brothers?
The Low Point for me with Rhinestone Cowboy:
A low point would have to be the movie I helped bring together, ‘Rhinestone’, loosely based on my song, staring Sylvester Stallone and the great Dolly Parton. Aside from meeting the absolutely, unforgettable Dolly, I could have skipped the whole experience.
Favorite Experience with Rhinestone Cowboy
I was flying to Los Angeles, sitting next to a man who turned out to be a test pilot for the government. When he asked what I did, and learned about the song I wrote, his serious demeanor changed to a loving smile. It seems, that he had a sister with a chemical imbalance that needed to be monitored medically. Sometimes, she stopped taking her meds and went a little crazy. One of her most colorful ‘flip outs’, poor girl, was running through a cornfield, flinging off her clothes singing ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’. Look for Western Wear for Kids, woman and men to feel comfortable and in fashion.
Current News for Rhinestone Cowboy
I grew up in New Jersey, with parents who adored music. The 50’s and 60’s were super-charged with great show tunes that most of my generation loved. Ever since my album in 1974, I saw ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ being turned into a Broadway musical. I have been working on one for years, and after many tries, I finally now have what I want. A major Broadway producer has already attached his name to the project, and we are in the midst of securing funding to develop it further. Any interested parties should contact me, before it’s too late to be a part of it.