'Jimmy Webb: American Songwriter' to Air on PBS's 'Great Performances': Full Song List

Jimmy Webb, the man who turned a guitar and a dream into a catalogue of songs that have lived in our heads for decades, just signed up to be the star of a new PBS special. On October 30th, the long‑running Great Performances series will air Jimmy Webb: American Songwriter, a concert recorded in February that brings the songwriter back into the spotlight for his 80th birthday. The program isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a showcase of Webb’s influence on pop, country and even disco, with guest artists and archival footage that underline how his melodies have been re‑imagined across generations.

The setlist is a masterclass in songwriting brilliance. Webb opens with the wistful “Wichita Lineman,” a tune that has become an anthem for the lonely road warrior. He then drops the haunting “Highwayman,” a song that was later immortalised by the HighwaymenJohnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoffersonwho turned it into a No. 1 country hit. The concert continues with “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,”“Galveston,” and “MacArthur Park.” Each track is paired with a guest performer: Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett, Ashley Campbell (the daughter of the late Glen Campbell), Sheléa and Ryan Shaw. Their presence is more than a cameo; they offer fresh interpretations and personal reflections that add layers to Webb’s already rich compositions.

The show pays special homage to the legendary partnership between Webb and Glen Campbell. Together they produced classics like “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,”“Wichita Lineman,”“Galveston,” and “Where’s the Playground.” Their collaboration was one of the finest artist‑songwriter duos in history, and the program includes archival clips of Campbell’s original recordings. The synergy between Webb’s songwriting and Campbell’s vocal delivery created a sound that still resonates with listeners today. It’s a reminder that great music often springs from a meeting of minds, not just a single talent.

Webb’s reach extends beyond the country and pop realms. In 1978, Donna Summer re‑imagined “MacArthur Park” as a disco hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100. The program highlights this version, underscoring how Webb’s compositions can be molded into entirely different genres while retaining their core emotional punch. The inclusion of Richard Harris’s original rendition and the 5th Dimension’s cover further illustrates the adaptability of Webb’s work. This versatility is evidence of his craftsmanship: melodies that can survive decades and shifts in musical taste.

Webb’s career began with a meteoric rise. At just 21, he won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1968 for “Up, Up and Away.” He was the youngest winner in that category until Alicia Keys broke the record in 2002 with “Fallin.” Webb also earned a nomination that same year for “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” making him the youngest person ever to receive two Song of the Year nominations in the same year. His accolades continued with wins for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists for Harris’s “MacArthur Park” and Best Country Song for “Highwayman.” By the time he was 39, Webb had already been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Famea rare feat for someone so young.

The PBS special is more than a celebration of a single artist; it’s a cultural touchstone that showcases the enduring power of well‑written songs. Webb’s work has crossed borders, genres, and decades, influencing artists from Glen Campbell to Donna Summer. For a generation that grew up with his hits, the program offers a chance to relive those moments. For younger listeners, it’s an introduction to the craft of songwriting at its finest. The concert, with its mix of live performance, guest commentary, and archival footage, encapsulates the legacy of a man who turned simple chords into a soundtrack for life.

The upcoming PBS broadcast is a reminder that great songwriting is timeless. It’s a chance to hear Jimmy Webb’s genius live, to see how his songs have been reinterpreted, and to understand why his melodies still echo in our collective memory. The special will air on October 30th, and it’s a must‑watch for anyone who believes that music is more than soundit’s a story that keeps on telling itself.