Devsig Podcast

Paul Simon: Singer, Songwriter, and Cultural Icon


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Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor. Born October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, he is known for his solo work as well as his collaboration with Art Garfunkel.Here is a summary of Paul Simon's career:
  • Early Career: Between 1957 and 1964, Simon wrote and recorded over 30 songs, sometimes reuniting with Garfunkel under the name Tom & Jerry. He also used pseudonyms such as Jerry Landis and Paul Kane.
  • Simon & Garfunkel: In early 1964, Simon and Garfunkel signed with Columbia Records. Their first LP, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., was released in October 1964. In 1965, Simon moved to London and performed in folk clubs. The duo gained recognition with hits such as "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "America," and "The Boxer". Their final album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970), was a best-selling album. The relationship between Simon and Garfunkel became strained, and they broke up in 1970.
  • Solo Career (1970s): Simon taught songwriting at New York University in 1970. He released albums such as Paul Simon (1972), There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), and Still Crazy After All These Years (1975).
  • 1980s: In 1980, Simon released One-Trick Pony with Warner Bros. Records, which he also wrote and starred in. In 1981, Simon & Garfunkel reunited for a concert in Central Park. Simon released the album Hearts and Bones in 1983. In 1986, he released Graceland, incorporating South African musical influences.
  • 1990s: Simon released The Rhythm of the Saints in 1990, with Brazilian musical influences. Another Simon & Garfunkel reunion took place in September 1993. Simon wrote a Broadway musical, The Capeman, which premiered in 1998.
  • 2000s: Simon released the album You're the One in 2000. In 2003, Simon and Garfunkel received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which led to a US tour. Simon released the album Surprise in 2006. In 2007, Simon was the first recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
  • 2010s: Simon released So Beautiful or So What in 2011. In 2012, a 25th-anniversary box set of Graceland was released. Simon collaborated with Sting for a concert tour in 2014. Simon released his thirteenth solo studio album, Stranger to Stranger, in 2016. In 2018, Simon released In the Blue Light, consisting of re-recordings of lesser-known songs from his catalogue.
  • 2020s: Simon released a new album, Seven Psalms, in April 2023.
Simon has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and sixteen Grammy Awards. He is also a co-founder of the Children's Health Fund.
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Devsig PodcastBy Bholendra Singh