At 80, Jimmy Webb Says His Next Album Is Already Written

Jimmy Webb, the venerable American songwriter whose career spans nearly six decades, has disclosed that his next album is already completed. Now 80 years old, Webb continues to write and perform, maintaining a presence on the touring circuit with his show "An Evening with Jimmy Webb," which recently stopped in Connecticut.

Webb's songwriting career was famously launched by the 5th Dimension's Grammy-winning hit "Up, Up and Away" in 1968. Since then, his compositions have been recorded more than 1,600 times by a wide array of artists, including Richard Harris, Art Garfunkel, Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand. His songs such as "Wichita Lineman," "Galveston," and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" remain enduring staples in American music.

The songwriter recently released "Yours for the Taking: The Found Songs of Jimmy Webb" on Sun Records. This collection features tracks Webb initially penned for legendary vocalists who ultimately declined to record them. Webb explained that rejection is an inherent part of songwriting, noting that the vast majority of compositions never find a home with artists.

In reworking these previously unreleased songs, Webb invested significant effort to improve and reimagine them, resulting in fresh material that reflects both his past and present craftsmanship. Tracks like "Almost Alright Again" demonstrate his characteristic blend of melancholy lyricism and soaring melodies, underscoring his dedication to songwriting as a comprehensive art form.

Among the anecdotes Webb shared are moments of rejection by iconic performers. For example, a risqué song titled "Nasty Love" he offered to Bette Midler was met with a swift dismissal due to its emotional resonance with her personal history. Similarly, Frank Sinatra critiqued a song Webb wrote for him, deeming it only “half-baked,” yet continued to engage with Webb over the years, intermittently requesting new material.

Webb's creative process remains deeply grounded in traditional musical theory and compositional techniques. He emphasizes the importance of chord structures, melody, and lyrics working in unison to create songs with long-lasting appeal. His approach draws on established musical elements such as modulation and chord substitution to deliver unexpected yet harmonious results.

His dedication to songwriting craftsmanship contrasts with the contemporary music landscape, where the sheer volume of songs has increased drastically but the standard of compositional quality is, according to Webb, diminished. While acknowledging the prevalence of new music online, he maintains that few new songs achieve the enduring emotional impact of classic popular compositions.

Considering his historical significance as a bridge between the Great American Songbook era and post-Bob Dylan singer-songwriters, Webb remains an influential figure in the music industry. His work with artists like Glen Campbell has cemented his legacy and continues to attract critical and fan acclaim.

Webb's ongoing tour and recent PBS special ‘‘Great Performances: Jimmy Webb: American Songwriter,’’ featuring collaborations with artists including Lyle Lovett and Vince Gill, have renewed interest in his catalog. The program showcases his skill both as a pianist and storyteller, illuminating the depth behind his compositions.

The fact that Webb is already prepared with a fully written new album signals his enduring creative vitality. At an age when many peers have retired, he reinvigorates his career by refining past rejections into polished works and remaining actively engaged with audiences.

His career longevity and prolific output also highlight broader challenges in the songwriting profession, where rejection and artistic perseverance coexist. Webb’s experience illustrates the necessity of resilience and adaptability in sustaining a long-term career in music composition.

Looking at Webb’s recent releases and performances, it becomes clear that he values both honoring his past work and pushing forward with new creative endeavors. This balance enriches his catalog and offers fans a continuous stream of authentic and thoughtfully crafted music.

Actors, musicians, and songwriters navigating the current musical landscape can draw lessons from Webb's commitment to musical integrity and his meticulous attention to songwriting detail. His insistence on combining melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements serves as a reminder of the artistry involved in crafting enduring songs.

Webb’s story also underscores the evolving relationship between songwriters and performers, revealing how collaborations can produce iconic hits or, conversely, fail to materialize when songs are turned down. His ability to rework rejected material into fresh recordings demonstrates the creative potential inherent in revisiting and refining past ideas.