Jimmy Webb’s ‘MacArthur Park’ Is a Musical Monster That Keeps Rising from the Dead
Like a character from a pop song horror movie, “MacArthur Park,” the epic seven-minute single penned by Jimmy Webb, continues to revive itself.
The track—catapulted to chart-topping fame by the late actor Richard Harris—has found new life thanks to its use in Tim Burton’s latest film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” With over 218 versions of this memorable song existing, it is a gift that continuously keeps on giving. This resurgence is great news for composer Webb, who is expected to include the song in his setlist for his upcoming performances.
The celebrated multi-Grammy Award winner will be appearing at Hollywood's Catalina Jazz Club on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1.
“It’s unstoppable,” Webb noted with amusement in a recent interview. “I actually sent Tim Burton, who I don’t know, a short email thanking him for bringing my monster back to life. He replied, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to work with your monster.’ It was just a brief exchange, but it was significant. It conveyed mutual respect without needing to say much more.”
Webb believes the imagery of a monster fits well with “MacArthur Park,” describing it as a song that is both large and impactful. He feels that this aligns perfectly with the craziness of Burton’s movie. “There’s an interesting connection here, as both the song and film share a sense of dramatic flair,” he explained.
After writing the Grammy Award-winning hit “Up-Up and Away” for The Fifth Dimension in 1968, Webb accepted a challenge from producer Bones Howe to create a piece that was more classical in nature, featuring diverse tempos and themes, and could showcase a full orchestra.
Taking this challenge head-on, Webb created “MacArthur Park” and rushed to the studio to present it to The Association, a pop group whose album Howe was producing at the time. Unfortunately, the song was rejected, much to the disappointment of the producer.
“I was unaware of their decision until late that night,” Webb recalled. “Bones told me they passed on it and afterward, he made a bold statement that if ‘MacArthur Park’ went Top 10 on the charts, he would no longer be their producer. I thought that sounded a bit dramatic, and while I didn’t take it personally, it stung a little.”
Feeling the sting of rejection, Webb put the song aside, typical behavior for songwriters who face such experiences.
“Once a song is rejected, it tends to be put at the bottom of the pile,” he said. “That’s just how songwriters operate—they carry that burden.”
When he later traveled to London to collaborate with Harris, who was fresh off the musical “Camelot” and looking to record an album, Webb faced a moment of desperation when asked for additional song ideas.
To his luck, Webb brought out “MacArthur Park,” placing it atop the piano and beginning to play its grand introduction. “It had a classical feel, almost Wagnerian in style,” he shared. As they moved through the first verse, Harris emphatically struck the piano, exclaiming, ‘I’ll have that, Jimmy Webb. I, Richard Harris, will make a hit out of that song, and I’ll be a pop star.’”
“MacArthur Park” became a hit in Europe and Australia, clinching the number two spot on the Billboard charts in 1968, just behind Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s in Love With You,” and winning a Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) in 1969.
Concert-goers can expect these stories and more when Webb takes the stage, joined by singer-songwriter Pete Mancini on select numbers.
“We’re definitely going to have some laughs,” Webb said with a chuckle. “Our shows are fun, and we plan to share not just our music but some classics from the Great American Songbook.”
Having recently celebrated his 78th birthday, Webb reflects on his life and connections. “I had a chance to be on a cruise with The Beach Boys and reconnected with my old friend Bill Medley. I realized how much I missed him, having not seen him for 20 years. It made me realize the importance of cherishing friendships,” he said. “My wife Laura and I are focused on maintaining better contact with friends and enjoying the meaningful parts of life.”
This year might also bring new music and an update to “The Cake and the Rain: A Memoir,” Webb’s autobiography from 2017 that only covers up to his 23rd year. Webb acknowledges that he will need to dedicate time for writing.
“I believe I have at least one more album in me, with plenty of songs partially complete. I need to focus on recording, and my wife is setting up a writing space in our new home to let me devote six uninterrupted months to it. Writing requires a dedicated mindset, and I need to prepare fully,” he concluded.
Jimmy Webb Returns to Catalina Jazz Club
When: Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1 at 8:30 pm. Dinner service begins at 7:00 pm.
Where: 6725 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
For More Information: Visit Here
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