Horace and Pete...Julio, Love me Like a Rock, Scarborough, Bridge...ugh...we need MORE Paul Simon
Several centuries into the future, his music will be preserved and studied by that era's version of our scholars of medieval and Renaissance music. I wonder whether they will be scratching their heads over the reference to Mrs. Wagner pies. (Heck, how many people alive today know anything about that defunct baking company?)
1
Correction : in my previous comment I incorrectly named one of the songs. It's 'Trailways Bus' from Songs From The Capeman (1997). The album was not a bestseller. The songs were selections from Mr. Simon's first and only musical, which briefly played on Broadway to generally negative reviews but the music received much praise. 'Trailways Bus' is one of the most powerful, poignant and haunting songs in the Simon canon. It is most effective if one listens to the entire album as it is a summing up of the protagonist's life, his regrets, an uneasy hope for the future and the constant reminder of the act years before that changed his life forever. Another song of similar magnitude is the more recent 'So Beautiful or So What'. Paul Simon truly has a treasure trove of masterpieces that will live on for generations.
2
Paul Simon, and Art Garfunkel, are both great poets of our times. Simon is obviously still a sensitive artist and a pro who retains his considerable musical and performance chops. Thankfully, many of his great songs are recorded. Thank you Paul Simon for incredibly beautiful music. I have loved and enjoyed it all of my adult life. Enjoy your retirement. Also, great interview Mr. Dwyer.
1
Mr. Paul Simon has always made me feel good inside, and made me smile! If I have had a bad day all I have to do is listen to any of his & Mr. Garfunkel's music!! He has given so many musicians from all over the world, opportunities that they might never have had to be heard on his albums! Lady Blacksmith Mambozo is one example of a wonderful group he introduced to USA audiences.
A million thanks to Mr. Simon, and good luck in all future endeavros!!!
A million thanks to Mr. Simon, and good luck in all future endeavros!!!
There are so many Paul Simon songs rarely mentioned that are equally great and compare to masterpieces such as 'America'', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water',' The Boxer', 'American Tune', 'Still Crazy After All These Years'. So many come from his solo studio albums : 'Congratulations' (Paul Simon); 'Something So Right' (There Goes Rhymin' Simon'); 'The Late Great Johnny Ace' and just about every song on his under-appreciated gem Hearts and Bones ; 'The Obvious Child' and 'The Rhythm Of The Saints' from that titularly titled landmark record; the wealth of great songs from Songs From The Capeman, Simon's failed Broadway musical that offered a brilliant score, including the haunting, heartrending final cut, 'Greyhound Bus'; from You're The One, the unforgettable title song about a broken relationship and 'Love', a love song with apocalyptic imagery that evokes both beauty and terror. I think it's one of his greatest songs.
Wishful thinking but I hope Stranger To Stranger will not be his final album.
Wishful thinking but I hope Stranger To Stranger will not be his final album.
1
American Tune. My anthem. My heart. He made it alright when it wasn't. Saw him at Wolftrap. Perfect night.
2
One hundred years from now, people will not only still be enjoying his music but inspired by its depth and majesty.
Can there be a more perfect testament to this mans contribution to the soul of world?
A true American genius the likes of which we are not likely ever to see again.
Can there be a more perfect testament to this mans contribution to the soul of world?
A true American genius the likes of which we are not likely ever to see again.
Paul Simon and Jimmy Buffett are the finest.
1
You're half right
1
Mr. Simon, here's something else you did in your life: it was 1968 at a Be-in in Central Park. I was a small, awkward, and insecure teenaged girl from the neighborhood in a green loden (that's what we called them back then) coat. A bunch of tall (to me) girls were clustered around someone who turned out to be you. You were wearing a trench coat, with a camera around your neck and a beanie on your head. I stuck my head into the cluster of fans and since you and I were about the same height, you noticed me and said, "You have a beautiful smile". I laughed and wandered off into a wonderful day and, ultimately, a very wonderful life. Before that day, no one had ever told me I had a beautiful anything, not even my parents. Nowadays, I forget where I put my car keys, but I'll never forget that day in the NYC. Thank you!
8
Could this be any further from some other music legends Paul's age, some of whom do the same thing in the same way for decades, phoning it in and releasing terrible new music every couple of years, music which the artist doesn't play live because no one wants to hear it?
Even Elton John, when I saw him a few years ago, apologized for having to include ONE song off the new album.
Go Paul Simon!! :)
Even Elton John, when I saw him a few years ago, apologized for having to include ONE song off the new album.
Go Paul Simon!! :)
2
He may never produce another album, but I can't believe he will ignore his Muse: he will write with just himself to please. He is a musician.
Mr. Simon, we have loved your music for at least a couple of generations. Our son learned the Graceland CD by heart while still in gestation. He is now 24.
Recently, I've learned some things about forgiveness that might help, if you're still interested.
Recently, I've learned some things about forgiveness that might help, if you're still interested.
2
Were I to be stranded on a deserted island with only one recording artist forever, the only choices are Simon, Dylan, the Beatles or the Stones. Hard to say which, but that's beautiful company.
1
My favorite song is the boxer, it says it all, only eclipsed in my mind by Mr. Dylan, the nobel laureate of the 20th century.
2
I have seen Paul Simon many times over the years. One of the most amazing things about his music is the people he consistantly gathers around him to play. He has a knack of getting incredible musicians from all over the world to join him on tour. Indeed one of the things I look forward to the most is seeing who he has found this time. A recent concert in Denver showed that talent still exists in addition to his many others (talents). Thank you Mr. Simon for a truly amazing career.
3
Although I am indeed one of those who was "not born when Graceland was released," Simon & Garfunkel are by far my favorite musicians, my girlfriend's favorite musicians, my mother's favorite musicians. Rarely a day goes by when I don't listen to them and I look forward to carrying on their legacy.
1
Paul Simon, James Taylor, a sprinkling of Leonard Cohen. These people have been the soundtrack of my life since childhood. Where would I be without them?
1
Ever since college days at Penn State when S and G did a concert there Simon has been a musical hero, a perfectionist, innovator, sensitive lyricist, and like no other "star' in some ways he feels like family to me. Sitting in an army barracks at Ft Bragg listening to Bridge over Trouble Water, he put my mind at piece during tough times. Graceland re-awakened my devotion to his music after a bit of a lull. Took my son an aspiring musician to see Simon live in Durham in 2011 for probably the best concert I ever experienced, sensing all of the hype about his dedication, spirit, and talent, and both my son and I glowed on the way home and talked about the concert for weeks. Yes he'll be missed; however as with all the great musicians who retire or pass away...we always have their music. Every time I pick up a guitar, (just a self taught hack) there's at least one Simon song played in my concert for the geese, ducks, and the heron in the pond in front of my home.
5
Right On, Brother! Paul Simon is a gift to the world. Simon and Garfinkle's music helped explain the 60s,.
All of his music is spiritually and intellectually relevant. Even today, when I hear the opening strains of ' Bridge, Mrs. Robinson, Boxer, and The Sounds of Silence, I pause to embrace that moment, because the lyrics still resonate with truths that one can understand.
So, carry on Mr. Simon.
We need you!
All of his music is spiritually and intellectually relevant. Even today, when I hear the opening strains of ' Bridge, Mrs. Robinson, Boxer, and The Sounds of Silence, I pause to embrace that moment, because the lyrics still resonate with truths that one can understand.
So, carry on Mr. Simon.
We need you!
Yes, indeed, this is truly news. While we - and, yes, I - get so caught up in the slog of the world, this man just keeps doing what he was put here to do. Instead of being selfie-centered, he realizes after all these years that it's his place to give, and ours to receive. When he says "I can’t participate in it while I’m doing it and still do it right.”, he means it with the humility and sincerity of a man who chops wood to keep his family warm and knows that if he takes his eye off of the log the ax may surely miss its mark.
At the start of my day, I look at the the number of comments here in comparison to the hundreds and thousands of comments on other more controversial articles, and I vow today to keep my mind of of myself and on to others and what I can do for them, and how I just might be a small part of that bridge over troubled water.
Oh. That's good.
At the start of my day, I look at the the number of comments here in comparison to the hundreds and thousands of comments on other more controversial articles, and I vow today to keep my mind of of myself and on to others and what I can do for them, and how I just might be a small part of that bridge over troubled water.
Oh. That's good.
1
There are great Musicians and there are great Poets, and then there is the wonderful combination of these:
Bruce, Dylan, Rakim, Bowie, Paul Simon.
His life's work is the stuff of legend that will echo long after we are all gone.
Bruce, Dylan, Rakim, Bowie, Paul Simon.
His life's work is the stuff of legend that will echo long after we are all gone.
1
What I most admire about Paul Simon is his ability to change and find new avenues for his creativity. I'm sure he will succeed in this new phase of his life.
1
Discovered Paul Simon almost by accident in my mid 20's during his tour with Sting (2014).
I have never heard a man with a lyrical 'play on words' gift combine with musicianship like I did that night.
What a legend.
I have never heard a man with a lyrical 'play on words' gift combine with musicianship like I did that night.
What a legend.
8
The article could have been titled: "Hallo darkness, my old friend, .........."
The article shows him as someone dissatisfied with what he achieved from such an early age, someone grappling with the meaning of life, wondering whether 'fame' is all there is to it. Indeed, a lot of 'darkness' in the interview.
The article shows him as someone dissatisfied with what he achieved from such an early age, someone grappling with the meaning of life, wondering whether 'fame' is all there is to it. Indeed, a lot of 'darkness' in the interview.
9
I don't see so much darkness. Some wistfulness perhaps, some nostalgia, some sorrow, but generally a joyful outlook.
2
If more songs well up from inside you while you're retired, Paul, please document them. If you decide to share them with us, the public who loves you without knowing you personally, we will be glad to hear them. Wherever you are or go, whatever you do, we will support and love you, even if we miss you and your music. Thank you for filling our souls for decades with the fruits of your heart, hands, soul.
21
Simon and Garfunkel were the sound track of my teen years. I was so excited when I won "Bookends" for the best costume at my church youth group Halloween party (a costume that would be banned today. How did the Puritans win?). When they parted ways I became a steadfast Paul Simon fan, and my admiration of his work ethic was part of it. In the sixties we wanted to glorify spontaneity and freedom from routine, but, as all great artists know, it is the commitment to the *work* of art that makes art great . . .
10
Bookends is such an amazing album. I love the 'clean' East Coast sound when compared to the chaos (which I also love) of the West Coast at this time.
1
He appeared at the opening of the 9/11 Memorial, I believe it was the 11th anniversary of the day, and sang ... I can't remember for certain ... maybe "Sounds of Silence"?. (It was an emotional day; I am a family member.) But to see him there, to hear his special lyrics ring out over the space ... it was a special and gracious gesture on his part. A New Yorker through and through is the sense I get ... and he came to pay respect and honor the meaning of the day.
My husband and I also saw him a year or two later in our hometown in Wisconsin in a traditional concert situation. A very different experience than the 9/11 anniversary, of course.
It was a lovely evening for us, and the care and precision he took with his work and presentation, and that was mirrored by the entire, amazing band onstage ... we felt fortunate to be there.
My husband and I also saw him a year or two later in our hometown in Wisconsin in a traditional concert situation. A very different experience than the 9/11 anniversary, of course.
It was a lovely evening for us, and the care and precision he took with his work and presentation, and that was mirrored by the entire, amazing band onstage ... we felt fortunate to be there.
9
I respect Paul Simon, he is a legend and an icon. But with all due respect the most Grammy deserving recording of 2016 is without question David Bowie's monumental Black Star. Heaviest and most spiritually moving recording of the last 30 years. Simon looks backwards, while Bowie looked to the heaven's and beyond.......
3
Paul Simon said once that he knew the song would have the line about Dimaggio before he even wrote the rest of it. that always amazed me.
4
What this reveals is that the search for self comes in through the writing process, and the performance end is fraught with ambivalence and contradiction. The adulation, the worship, the catering to fans is riddled with appeasement and overthinking. Paul Simon is and will be a national treasure because of the thoughtful nights he spent with a guitar and a pen, rendering the genius of his heart and mind. His enduring legacy will not be how well his voice held up at 75, or how iconic his Central Park concerts were, but how he channeled the darkness and 'sent it echoing,' to quote one of his favorite poets, Seamus Heaney.
13
If Mr. Simon decides he is finished with music, my life will be different, because he has been at it since I can remember, (being one of those schoolboys when Bridge Over ...was released.) Thanks for all the rhymin' Mr. Simon, but even more, for the depth and world view of your music and lyrics.
Some day, musicians will look back in awe on the era of the 60s-70' and 80's, as a remarkable flowering of a new art form, the singer songwriter making a record album. An astonishing number of groups and musicians created amazing works. an opportunity invented because new technology of recording albums combined with new FM radio waves, creating a need for "commercializing" music, and for cultivating artists in ways that may never exist again. Mr Simon was from the beginning among the greatest of them all, I do hope he sees our joy as a life well spent.
And now, Mr. Simon renews our spirit again, simply with his youthful attitude. Maybe that's why his work remains so fresh and his oldest work so enduring.
Some day, musicians will look back in awe on the era of the 60s-70' and 80's, as a remarkable flowering of a new art form, the singer songwriter making a record album. An astonishing number of groups and musicians created amazing works. an opportunity invented because new technology of recording albums combined with new FM radio waves, creating a need for "commercializing" music, and for cultivating artists in ways that may never exist again. Mr Simon was from the beginning among the greatest of them all, I do hope he sees our joy as a life well spent.
And now, Mr. Simon renews our spirit again, simply with his youthful attitude. Maybe that's why his work remains so fresh and his oldest work so enduring.
9
Go listen to " For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her." Keep on listening, album after album, masterpiece after masterpiece. Only a special few with the gift. We are so fortunate to have lived in his era.
14
magic
Artie singing that I think
Artie singing that I think
Simon, Neil Young are both absolute living legends.
There locality, lyrics, and social values cast a long shadow over everyone else.
There locality, lyrics, and social values cast a long shadow over everyone else.
3
Paul Simon has been a blessing in my life for 50 years. His words and his beautiful voice have followed me and enriched and informed and supported me. And with great gratitude I say, thank you Paul. Whatever you do next, please keep us all close because we love you so damn much.
11
These are my thoughts exactly. Paul Simon was with me through the brightest and darkest periods of my life. What a gift to me.
3
I hope Mr. Simon can internalize & smile that his music had (still has) a tremendous impact on those sensitive to the love of poetry and the love of love. "Cathedral bells tripping down the alley ways." Holy s***!
4
Thank Goodness no one said anything negative. Only those that create know the emotional toll it takes. People/artists literally give of themselves.
Songwriters make good writers. I see a book in the future.
Peace Love Best Wishes Paul Simon
Songwriters make good writers. I see a book in the future.
Peace Love Best Wishes Paul Simon
6
I find it fascinating that Paul Simon wants too redirect his energy from creating and playing music to exploring topics of a more metaphysical nature ("Forgiveness. Do we need forgiveness?). Perhaps he will continue to inspire me as his music has done for my entire life.
Thanks Paul, for all the wonderful music you've shared with us over the years. I grew up with you and Art, and over time came to realize your poetic use of language spoke to me across the decades. I'm been inspired by your ability to reinvent your music, and add to a canon that will certainly have a lasting impact on music long after we are both gone.
Thanks Paul, for all the wonderful music you've shared with us over the years. I grew up with you and Art, and over time came to realize your poetic use of language spoke to me across the decades. I'm been inspired by your ability to reinvent your music, and add to a canon that will certainly have a lasting impact on music long after we are both gone.
8
My top ten
1. Bruce Springsteen
2. Bob Dylan
3. Paul Simon
4. Mick Jagger
5. Michael Jackson
6. Aretha Franklin
7. Sam Cooke
8. John Lennon
9. James Brown
10. John Fogerty
1. Bruce Springsteen
2. Bob Dylan
3. Paul Simon
4. Mick Jagger
5. Michael Jackson
6. Aretha Franklin
7. Sam Cooke
8. John Lennon
9. James Brown
10. John Fogerty
So, you love Mick Jagger's solo albums? Or, you rate the Rolling Stones #4?
not to mention, diamond, denver and joel.
His comments are appropriate. He's a great musician but I've never been a big fan so I don't hold him w the appreciation & awe true fans may have. He sees himself as we all are - just a very small blip in time. That's from someone who's probably lived a good life.
3
There must be 50 ways to leave the music business without giving up music
9
One of best pieces I have read here, thank you.
4
Paul Simon talks about moving on from music and the notion of forgiveness, both giving and receiving. One would hope that his notoriously fraught relationship with a certain you know who may serve as a test piece.
6
A nicely told story by Mr. Dwyer. It is full of the unhurried importance that Simon brings to his music and, apparently, his life. Maybe this is nothing more than an extremely creative person recognizing his own mortality and sharing it.
4
Some people play music, and some people are music. You can retire from the career, but not from life.
Once away from the touring and applause, which can be addictive, I'm looking forward to some 'Late String Quartets' from this great musician. Onward!
Once away from the touring and applause, which can be addictive, I'm looking forward to some 'Late String Quartets' from this great musician. Onward!
5
And how is it that someone who has brought so much thoughtful music and joy to so many people, over the course of so many years, can sum it up with "this is what I've done with my life....everybody's gotta do something, right?"
We should all be so fortunate. Come to think of it, thanks to Paul Simon, we have been. We can revel in the memories, and endless enjoyment, of nearly 50 years of his music and extraordinary lyrics. (Love In Hard Times has to rank as one of Simon's supreme masterpieces. As beautiful and sublime as any song by Schubert)
We should all be so fortunate. Come to think of it, thanks to Paul Simon, we have been. We can revel in the memories, and endless enjoyment, of nearly 50 years of his music and extraordinary lyrics. (Love In Hard Times has to rank as one of Simon's supreme masterpieces. As beautiful and sublime as any song by Schubert)
28
I don't know much about Paul Simon, though, like so many, I have loved his music over the years. I was very impressed with his dedication after such a long career in music. He obviously still really cares.
13
Like millions of others, I've been a Paul Simon fan for most of my life. His success came early and never left, and yes, he is incredibly talented and keeps challenging himself. I do admire that. It's inspirational.
But I have to ask, on behalf of so many struggling and very talented artists who never got a break: Where's his gratitude? Especially in such hard times for musicians, don't we all know that luck figures in? That the devotion we pay for is also exceptional?
But I have to ask, on behalf of so many struggling and very talented artists who never got a break: Where's his gratitude? Especially in such hard times for musicians, don't we all know that luck figures in? That the devotion we pay for is also exceptional?
18
How do you know he isn't grateful?
3
Maybe he's just tired. He's in his mid-70s and he looks tired. i hope he's well, because he doesn't look so well. So maybe at the moment(s) he was talking with Jim, he had other things on his mind. Yes, than gratitude. You're only seeing a small slice of his life. You don't know if Jim edited out the gratitude, or if an editor did. And if you don't know Paul Simon personally, you don't have any idea about his gratitude. Maybe he's just tired.
1
There are some days when a Paul Simon lyric is not running through my head, but they are rare. I wish him well.
43
Paul Simon can no more easily stop living his remarkable life than the Statue of Liberty can swim back to France. Godspeed, Paul.
17
I admire people who cross the finish line and keep on running. It shows they love what they do, not just the product of their efforts.
And I admire Mr. Simon for his music and his thoughtfulness. No one gets to his age without thinking about what might have been, even a person as accomplished as he is. But, it takes some courage to talk about such matters publicly.
And I admire Mr. Simon for his music and his thoughtfulness. No one gets to his age without thinking about what might have been, even a person as accomplished as he is. But, it takes some courage to talk about such matters publicly.
36
Follow your heart, Paul. You've done enough for us. But if a song should float into your head, please grab a tape recorder and let us hear.
24
While I am happy Paul Simon is reflecting on his career, the performance on Friday, July 2nd was awful. Not because of his voice but the weather was torrential downpours, thunder and lightening. Yes, I stayed, completely saturated to hear him sing but I must say, after an hour and fifteen minutes waiting in horrific rain for the concert to begin, it should have been called and rescheduled. Particularly playing to his hometown, Forest Hills, crowd. I am still annoyed that he did not have the gumption or consideration to reschedule. The music was ok but the intent to make fans sit in pouring, torrential rain? Awful! I wasn't leaving after paying a huge amount of money to hear him play. And I should not have had to make that choice as a fan. It was his to make and certainly revealed a rather nasty, mean spirited element to his personality.
19
I was not there, I didn't realize that it was pouring rain the night he played Forest Hills, and of course that's a real drag. However, I know for a fact (because I have been in the business of live music a very long time) that it was not Paul Simon's choice, and that it's utterly wrong for you to make disparaging remarks about his character because of the bad weather. It is up to the presenter (Live Nation, or AEG perhaps, I don't know) to make that call, and a rain date for a one-off outdoor show such as that has to be established at the time the venue is booked by the presenter - and it had to have been many months ago. And rain dates for outdoor shows are REALLY expensive. Ever been to JazzFest in New Orleans? This year, the day after Paul Simon played there, the headliners - Stevie Wonder, Beck, and Snoop Dog - were all cancelled due to torrential storms. Terrible, but that's the breaks (cold as that sounds). How do you think Paul and his band and staff felt about that show being impacted that way? Ever consider that for a moment?
12
I love his music ... but was surprised and disappointed when, recently, he was so incredibly rude to Chris Thile on Prairie Home Companion.
And if he had cancelled, some other pillock would be on here now berating him for being "rather nasty" and "mean-spirited", which would be (and is) "rather nasty" etc.
1