cover image Rhinestone Cowboy:: An Autobiography

Rhinestone Cowboy:: An Autobiography

Glen Campbell. Villard Books, $22 (253pp) ISBN 978-0-679-41999-0

Campbell's autobiography shows the pop and country/western singer, guitarist and composer making it to the top, sinking and rising again as he overcame troubles with alcohol, drugs and three marriages--and found religion. Writing with Carter, who also collaborated with Ronnie Milsap and Ralph Emery on their books, Campbell recalls the grinding poverty he underwent as one of 12 children of an Arkansas sharecropper, the career he established playing backup for Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross, and his joining the Beach Boys at the height of their popularity, all before he made it on his own. As interesting as Campbell's story is, his book is disappointing, for his fundamentalism turns him to sermonizing against abortion, the banning of school prayer and the liberal press. Photos not seen by PW. Dou ble day Book Club selection; author tour. (Apr.)