Paul Simon – Biography, Songs, Albums & Legacy of the Legendary Singer

Few artists have left as profound a mark on music as Paul Simon, the singer-songwriter whose career spans more than six decades. Known for his poetic lyrics, innovative melodies, and constant reinvention, Paul Simon has shaped the sound of American popular music and beyond.

From his early days with Art Garfunkel in the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel to his groundbreaking solo work such as Graceland, Simon’s songs have captured the human experience with unmatched intimacy and universality.

In this article, we explore Paul Simon’s biography, career, albums, legacy, and frequently asked questions about this musical icon.

Early Life & Musical Beginnings

Childhood in Queens

Paul Frederic Simon was born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in the middle-class neighborhood of Queens, New York City. His parents, Hungarian-Jewish immigrants, encouraged his love of music early on.

He met his future collaborator, Art Garfunkel, when they were just 11 years old. They bonded over their mutual love for the Everly Brothers and began singing together.

By the age of 15, they adopted the stage name Tom & Jerry, releasing their first minor hit Hey, Schoolgirl in 1957 — a song that reached No. 49 on the Billboard charts.

Simon & Garfunkel: The Iconic Duo

Rise to Fame

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel signed to Columbia Records in the early 1960s, during the folk revival. Their debut album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964) initially failed to gain traction.

But in 1965, a remixed electric version of The Sound of Silence became a surprise hit, reaching No.1 in the U.S.

From there, Simon & Garfunkel became one of the most beloved musical duos of all time, known for their tight harmonies and poetic lyrics.

Notable Albums with Simon & Garfunkel

• Sounds of Silence (1966) — with hits like I Am a Rock.

• Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) — featuring Scarborough Fair/Canticle.

• Bookends (1968) — with America and Mrs. Robinson.

• Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) — their masterpiece, with The Boxer, Cecilia, and the title track.

By 1970, the duo had sold millions of records and won numerous awards, but creative tensions led to their breakup.

Paul Simon’s Solo Career

After Simon & Garfunkel split, Paul Simon embarked on a solo career that allowed him to explore new genres and establish himself as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.

Early Solo Success

His self-titled album Paul Simon (1972) showcased his ability to blend folk, rock, jazz, and world music influences. Notable tracks include:

• Mother and Child Reunion — inspired by reggae.

• Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard — playful and catchy.

Other Notable Albums

• There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973) — featuring Kodachrome and Loves Me Like a Rock.

• Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) — won Album of the Year at the Grammys.

Graceland: A Cultural Phenomenon

Perhaps the defining moment of Simon’s solo career came in 1986 with the release of Graceland.

Why Graceland Was Revolutionary

• Recorded partly in South Africa, incorporating Zulu choral music, mbaqanga, and American pop.

• Helped popularize “world music” in Western markets.

• Featured collaborations with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Linda Ronstadt, and Los Lobos.

Awards & Impact

• Won Album of the Year at the 1987 Grammy Awards.

• Sold over 14 million copies worldwide.

• Brought international attention to South African musicians during the apartheid era.

Later Career & Recent Work

Paul Simon continued creating music well into the 21st century:

• The Rhythm of the Saints (1990) — inspired by Brazilian rhythms.

• You’re the One (2000) — Grammy-nominated.

• Surprise (2006) — produced by Brian Eno.

• So Beautiful or So What (2011) — hailed as a late-career masterpiece.

• Stranger to Stranger (2016) — experimental and fresh.

• Seven Psalms (2023) — a reflective, spiritual concept album.

In 2018, Simon embarked on his Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour, though he occasionally performs at benefit events and releases new material.

Musical Style & Contributions

Songwriting Genius

Paul Simon’s lyrics are known for their:

• Poetic depth

• Witty wordplay

• Emotional honesty

• Social and political awareness

Genre-Bending

Simon was one of the first mainstream artists to:

• Blend American folk and pop with African, Latin, Caribbean, and Brazilian sounds.

• Collaborate across cultures and genres without cultural appropriation.

Vocal Style

While not a powerhouse singer, Simon’s warm, understated voice complements his introspective songwriting.

Awards & Honors

Paul Simon’s accolades include:

• 16 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (twice — with Garfunkel and as a solo artist).

• Recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

• Kennedy Center Honors.

• Ranked among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Songwriters and 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Personal Life

Paul Simon has been married three times:

• Peggy Harper (1969–1975), with whom he has a son, Harper Simon.

• Briefly to actress Carrie Fisher (1983–1984).

• Married to singer Edie Brickell since 1992; they have three children.

Outside of music, Simon is known for his philanthropy, environmental advocacy, and love of baseball.

Paul Simon’s Discography (Selected Highlights)

Greatest Hits

Here are 10 of Paul Simon’s most beloved solo songs:

1. You Can Call Me Al

2. Graceland

3. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

4. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

5. Mother and Child Reunion

6. Kodachrome

7. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

8. Still Crazy After All These Years

9. The Obvious Child

10. Slip Slidin’ Away

Legacy

Paul Simon’s influence is immeasurable:

• Pioneered world music in mainstream pop.

• Elevated the role of the singer-songwriter.

• Inspired artists like Sting, Peter Gabriel, Vampire Weekend, and countless others.

• His songs remain timeless, still covered and studied by musicians and scholars alike.

FAQs About Paul Simon

Q1: What is Paul Simon’s most famous song?

A: As a solo artist, You Can Call Me Al and Graceland are among his biggest hits. With Simon & Garfunkel, Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Sound of Silence stand out.

Q2: How many Grammys has Paul Simon won?

A: Paul Simon has won 16 Grammy Awards, including three for Album of the Year.

Q3: Is Paul Simon still performing?

A: Simon retired from full-scale touring in 2018 but occasionally performs at benefit events and continues to record new music.

Q4: What was groundbreaking about Graceland?

A: Graceland introduced South African music to a global audience and blended African rhythms with Western pop in a way that was fresh and respectful.

Q5: Who are Paul Simon’s musical influences?

A: His influences include the Everly Brothers, Woody Guthrie, Chuck Berry, doo-wop groups, and African and Latin musicians he discovered during his travels.

Q6: Did Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel remain friends?

A: Their relationship has been famously complicated—marked by both deep respect and frequent disagreements. They’ve reunited several times over the decades.

Conclusion

Paul Simon’s career is a testament to the power of music to cross boundaries—geographical, cultural, and emotional. From his groundbreaking work with Simon & Garfunkel to his innovative solo projects, Simon has remained a restless creator, never content to repeat himself.

His songs have become part of the fabric of modern music, reflecting personal introspection and universal truths. Even in his later years, Paul Simon continues to surprise audiences with his creativity and vision.

Whether you’re discovering his music for the first time or revisiting his classics, Paul Simon’s work offers an enduring journey through the landscape of human experience.