Jimmy Webb, born Jimmy Layne Webb on August 15, 1946, in Elk City, Oklahoma, is a renowned American singer-songwriter celebrated for his contributions to easy-listening pop music since the 1960s. Webb's early life in Oklahoma was marked by poverty, but his mother encouraged his musical talents, leading him to learn piano and organ. By age 12, he was accompanying the church choir where his father was a minister. Webb wrote his first song, “It’s Someone Else,” which Art Garfunkel recorded two decades later.

In 1964, Webb's family moved to California, but after his mother's death, he stayed behind to study music at San Bernardino Valley College. He soon left college to work in music transcription. His career took off after signing a songwriting contract with Motown's Jobete Music, leading to his first commercial recording with the Supremes' “My Christmas Tree” in 1965.

Webb's breakthrough came with “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” recorded by Glen Campbell, and “Up, Up and Away” by the 5th Dimension, both earning Grammy Awards in the late 1960s. His songwriting success continued with hits like “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” and “MacArthur Park.” In the 1970s, Webb began performing his own works, releasing solo albums such as Words and Music and El Mirage.

Despite mixed reviews for his solo efforts, Webb's compositions remained popular when performed by other artists. His influence persisted into the 1980s with hits like “Highwayman,” recorded by the Highwaymen. Webb's legacy as a master songwriter is celebrated in his memoir, "The Cake and the Rain," and his live performances continue to captivate audiences.