New for 2025!
“Brian Hilligoss sings his tail off on one of my songs, “My Prayer,” first recorded by Glen Campbell. Great job, compadre!” ~ Singer/Songwriter Micheal Smotherman (writer of “Can You Fool?,” and other songs by Glen Campbell) .
“Brian does not impersonate Glen Campbell. He doesn’t look like him, but he captures the spirit of Glen Campbell in every note.” ~ Bob S., Iowa.
“It’s refreshing to go out and hear a tribute show where someone stays so connected to the artist, but truly makes it their own. Makes me wonder why Brian isn’t a huge star!” ~ Maggie M., Tennessee
“I learned things about Glen Campbell that I never knew!” ~ Sharon H., Ontario
Check out the video demos below!
Utilizing his decades of experience as a stage performer, vocalist, guitarist, and storyteller, Brian takes audiences on a musical journey weaving together career highlights from legend, and multi-award winning recording artist, Glen Campbell.
Backed by a Nashville-based 5-piece band, folks reminisce and sing along with “Gentle On My Mind,” “Southern Nights,” “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and other hit songs.
Brian also performs solo for more intimate environments, and is seeking engagements with symphonies who want to experience “Southern Nights.” “I have performed with an orchestra quite a few times, in my career, in different capacities. It would be terrific to bring Glen’s legacy to life in this way, as he often did.”
Sample song list / program here.
Brian was singing on the Grand Ole Opry by the time he was 21 years old, but at a much younger age, was profoundly inspired by the many talents of Glen Campbell. From “Gentle On My Mind” to his guitar picking on “Classical Gas,” and “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on television, no doubt, Glen was the complete package, and a household name growing up for Brian. “I can almost remember his TV show, but I vividly remember my Uncle Doug taking me to the movie theater to see “True Grit” with Glen and John Wayne."
Brian always knew Glen had the “stuff” and some of it was “other-worldly.” “Hey, I can sing,” says Brian. “And, show me the stage, I am pretty at-home there. Heck, I’ve been playing guitar for several decades, but Glen is like no other in that realm!” It’s been said that Merle Haggard once quipped, “If there is such a thing as too much talent, Glen Campbell would be the example of that.”
Having toured as a sideman with Louse Mandrell in the late 80’s, Brian got a backstage pass to some of the world’s greatest entertainers in Las Vegas, television, and live shows, (Sammy Davis Jr., George Burns, Ray Stevens, Mickey Gilley, Roy Clark, and others) and Glen Campbell was no exception. “We worked Branson with Glen, Las Vegas, and quite a few private dates. I shook his hand a few times, but mostly stood and watched in awe.”
How “Southern Nights - A Tribute To Glen Campbell” came about: "Practically, all my life, I have been listening to Glen Campbell songs. They were always around and about, but funny enough, I never bothered to learn all the words and chords to play one, until the last couple of years. Maybe it’s one of those things, where, if you can’t add to what’s already been done - why bother?”
But as fate and dreams would have it, Brian had a Facebook friend who requested he learn “Wichita Lineman,” because, she thought it fit his voice well. Soon enough, Brian recorded a video of it and put it on social media, where, a few months later, music festival promoter and producer, Ernie Evans, ran across it and asked Brian if he would be interested in putting together a Glen Campbell tribute show of some sort for his, mostly, bluegrass festival audiences and Country Music Cruises. Well, as they say, the rest is history.
“The response and enthusiasm has been tremendous! Interest and bookings have been unexpected and positive. I look forward to many more appearances honoring Mr. Campbell. And, yes, his music does fit me well :)” Brian adds.
“I went to college with Glen’s wife (widow), Kim Campbell. We were in some theater shows and dance classes together. I hope one day to meet her, again.” Please donate to Kim and Glen Campbell Foundation for Alzheimer’s. They bring about great awareness and support.
“I have to thank my friends Nancy, Lonnie, and Ernie for encouraging me to do this and thanks to the fine musicians who support me on the road. It has been a fulfilling journey, so far! Special thanks to Glen Campbell and all of the songwriters, and many others who helped make him the shining star that he was and is.”
