“I’ve got more to go to heaven for than I had yesterday.” These words were penned some thirty plus years ago by one of our industry’s legendary songwriters, Jack Campbell. This is the sentiment of all of us who have known him through the years. Jack was born on August 6, 1927 and was promoted to his new home, on February 12, 2007. He has left a great void in the Gospel Music world.
I became acquainted with this gentleman, first through his music. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gospel radio was filled with his music. Many of the industry’s top artists, including, the Rambo’s, the Inspirations, the Speer Family, the Kingsmen Qt., and soloist, Governor Jimmie Davis, filled their albums with Jack Campbell’s music. More recently, country legend, George Jones recorded his classic song, “I Know a Man Who Can.” His catalog of songs include other great gospel songs such as, “Oh What a Happy Day,” “The Best Is Yet to Come,” “The Next Step,” “I’m Going Up,” “Jesus Use Me,” “March Around the Throne,” and “I’ve Got More to Go to Heaven For Than I Had Yesterday.”
Having grown up in Northeast Arkansas, I had the privilege of working concerts with and hearing Jack and his group, the Ambassadors. His group, through the years, was often made up of himself, his wife, and an array of young people. In his forty plus years of traveling, he mentored over 45 teens and young adults, giving them their first opportunity to sing and play Gospel Music. His son, Chris, a great bass guitar player and songwriter, would go on to play for the Happy Goodman Family and would later join the McGruders, singing baritone. Keyboard player, Denny Autry, would join the McGruders and play an instrumental part in their early success, both as a musician and vocalist. Even a young Gene McDonald, the great bass singer of the Florida Boys, would spend time as part of the Ambassadors, singing tenor.
One of the greatest honors of my life took place in October of 2006, as I was able to present the Mid America Gospel Music Association, Lifetime Achievement Award to Jack Campbell. After reading a list of his accomplishments, a standing ovation greeted him as he came to the stage. With the classic Jack Campbell sense of humor, he quipped, “I never knew that I was such a big shot.” Well sir, you most certainly were in my life and to generations of Gospel Music fans.
To Ms. Charlene, Chris, and his extended Gospel Music family, please accept our deepest love and condolences. I’m sure that he is already marching around the throne.
I will close by quoting the chorus to one of his great songs. This should be the theme of Christians around the world.
“Jesus use me, and Lord please don’t refuse me,
Surely there’s a work that I can do.
And even though it’s humble, help my will to crumble.
Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.”
Author: Gary O'Neal
| Author's Website: http://wandamountainboys.com
Written: 03/01/2007
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Category: Feature ArticlesTributes
Comments: 11
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such a great gospel writer will be sorely missed, but can be remembered by continuing to sing his songs.
This article took me down memory lane. Growing up in Southeast Missouri, we sang all of the songs mentioned at my church many times. Thanks for this tribute to an 'unsung hero' in Southern Gospel!
Jack Campbell is certainly among the top of my all-time favorites! He came to Greenville MS. on several occassions and if I knew about it, I would visit the First Assembly of God to hear this very humble but great man of God. He seemed to be the kind of guy that didn't know exactly how to receive compliments, but it would take a very thick book to tell of all his accomplishments. Through the years I have heard of this one and that one being referred to as a "legend" in flattery, but as someone already said Jack Campbell is a REAL LEGEND! The kind of songs he wrote will live on forever, and rightfully so.
I would love to know who wrote this wonderful tribute to Jack. As one of the original members of the Ambassadors, I can say that I couldn't agree more with every word you wrote.
Does anyone know where I can get sheet music for
You can write to:
Thank you so much Gary!!
I was Jack's bass player for 4 0r 5 years. He was a great man of God and a great mentor. There is not a day that goes by that I don't use something that Jack taught me. But one of these days I'm gonna hear him say give me D boys and we will play and sing once again. Remember this it won't be long until we see him again because "gloryland is not that far away".
I grew up listening to Jack's music my father was from gideon and Jack made a big impact on his life and the lives of his brothers and sisters. As an adult I went to Gideon as my family layed my uncle roy to rest and then again when we layed my aunt glenna to rest I loved to listen to jack tell stories about my family and I also loved to hear him sing. He was a very special man and he deserves his spot in heaven.
I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments. Dad was always the same at home as he was before the crowds. I thank the Lord everyday for his great example and I can not wait until I see him again.
Life has weathered me and I've been through allot, but I always look back at those times when I sat as a child in the choir section behind my uncle jack and Dad and watched countless people give themselves to God because of a simple song, because it was sang and played through what God wanted.(TRUE Gospel music) You will never believe how this has impacted my life and soul. Someday I'm gonna unload a van and carry a beat up guitar case with duct tape all over it in and plug in a cord so THIS man can play. I love ya Uncle Jack.
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