The Great American Songbook Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission
to inspire and educate by celebrating the Great American Songbook.
Jimmy Webb
2013 Songbook Award
For more than four decades, Jimmy Webb has lent his remarkable songwriting expertise to many popular artists reaching multiple generations. His most recognizable tune “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” originally recorded by Johnny Rivers, was made popular by Glen Campbell and has since been covered by an impressive range of vocalists, including everyone from Art Garfunkel and Dean Martin to Gladys Knight and Reba McIntire. Broadcast Music Inc. later named “Phoenix” the third most performed song between 1940-1990. Other popular Webb compositions include hits such as “Wichita Lineman,“ “Up, Up, and Away,” “This Is Your Life,” and “Galveston.” “The Highwayman,” recorded by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, earned Webb a Grammy award for Best Country Song of the Year and a CMA for Song of the Year. Webb also worked with fellow Songbook Honoree Frank Sinatra, penning “Whatever Happened To Christmas” and “Didn’t We” for Sinatra. In addition to songwriting, Webb also launched his solo performance career in the 1970’s, releasing six albums in eleven years. Numerous artists have performed Webb’s work, including R.E.M., Carly Simon, Richard Harris, The 5th Dimension, Donna Summer, Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley, The Supremes and Michael Feinstein.
For more information, please visit JimmyWebb.com.
