The Inquisition: Glen Campbell

Photo by Dax Kimbrough

You ever heard any Django Reinhardt?

In the '60s, you filled in when Brian Wilson was unable to tour with the Beach Boys. What was wrong with him?

He was abused a little bit when he was a kid. He really had to toe the line with his old man. Every good writer I know has something in their past they have to get out. That's why guys write books; that's why I sing songs. Especially songs like "Rhinestone Cowboy."

What was in your past?

Well, drugs. I was not a very good person. [To wife] Was I, honey? Ha ha! But I'm real good now, right, honey? She said, "You're good now, honey."

How did music help you?

My dad always said, "Whip light or drive slow, pay cash or don't go." [Pauses] I don't know what that means. I think it means you have to toe the line and do it God's way.

Who do you think this album will appeal to?

I think it'll make some waves out there. The young kids have never heard these songs before. Then there's the people who have heard 'em. It covers a lot of territory.

You were on The Mike Douglas Show when a two-year-old Tiger Woods came on to putt against Bob Hope. Are you surprised to see how Tiger turned out?

No. His dad started him from scratch. That shows what you can do with a kid that's athletic and has a clean mind. [Publicist reminds him of his own tee time] Oh, I gotta go soon.

Here's hoping you shoot a low score today.

I hope I shoot a low score every day.