Legendary Songwriter Jimmy Webb

Legendary songwriter, Jimmy Webb performs and tells stories behind the songs as part of the Carl J Shapiro lecture series, Thursday, Nov 15th at Remis Auditorium at the Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA on Thurs, Nov 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased on line (http://www.mfa.org/programs/lecture/evening-jimmy-webb-0) or at the door.  For info call 617-536-5300.

In his intimate one-man show, Jimmy will present songs from his 40-year career as a songwriter and recording artist. During the last portion, audience members will be given the chance to ask questions.  American Songwriter Magazine says: "Webb is a prodigious performer...It's hard to believe one guy could have written all these amazing songs...if you get a chance to see him live, grab it."

As the only artist to ever receive Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration, Jimmy Webb has made a profound and lasting impact on American popular music. He began his career as a songwriter in his teens in the 1960's, achieving a gold record by the age of 18. His career has included writing hits for Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Art Garfunkel, and many others. He has been inducted into and named chairman of the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriter's Hall of Fame and inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame for hits such as By the Time I Get to Phoenix, (the #1 most covered song from the 1960's to 1990) Wichita Lineman, MacArthur Park, Galveston and All I Know - - all platinum selling classics.


With a discography that reads like a who's who in the music world, Webb's songs grace a multitude of major recording artists' albums from Tony Bennett and Rosemary Clooney to Urge Overkill, Reba McIntyre and Shawn Colvin.


For his song, Up, Up and Away, a hit for the Fifth Dimension, he took home 8 Grammy Awards in 1967. He is also a successful performer in his own right, having released ten solo albums since the 1970's, while continuing to write for others. His song Didn't We was released by Barbra Streisand just a few weeks ago on her brand new CD, "Release Me," which debuted at #7 on the Billboard Album Chart. The song was also recorded by Frank Sinatra. Additionally, Webb has had songs performed by Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Judy Collins, and Carly Simon among others.

Webb's songs continue to traverse across generations. The recording of his song, "P.F. Sloan" by Rumer is a current hit in the UK, while his song "All I Know," a big hit for Art Garfunkel, was recorded by Five For Fighting and featured in the movie, "Chicken Little."

His latest CD, Just Across the River features duets with friends Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, JD Souther, and Glen Campbell plus Lucinda Williams, Michael McDonald and Mark Knopfler. His book "Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting" is considered a "bible" among musicians.

Patrons will enjoy a pop music review as Webb shares stories and performs songs on the piano, providing insight into his songs and prolific career. Jimmy is currently recording a new album with special guests David Crosby, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, Keith Urban, and others.


"When I was starting out as a songwriter, I looked to Jimmy Webb as one of the most innovative and musically proficient songwriters of our generation."

                                          -Billy Joel

Jimmy's web site