It doesn't take much effort to get on YouTube and be overwhelmed by the Paul Simon relics that flash before you, so this week, I will honor the man himself. Paul Simon gained fame as one half of the Simon and Garfunkel duo and the group prospered until their breakup in 1970. After the breakup, both artists went their separate ways, but Simon proved to be the most successful. The duo reunited for the first of many occasions for a free concert in New York's Central Park. The show was attended by over 500,000 and helped the two musicians reform for a brief tour in 1982. Perhaps Simon's greatest solo work is 1986's Graceland. Much of the album was recorded with the assistance of the African collective Ladysmith Black Mambazo and is famous for such hits as "Graceland," "You Can Call Me Al," and "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes." The album helped relaunch Simon's name back into the forefront of American music and helped shine a spotlight not only on Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but on African music in general. Simon has done various solo projects over the past two decades and has reunited with Garfunkel on various occasions. Today, he is recognized as one of America's greatest living songwriters and has become an icon of America and more specifically New York City.
The first clip this week comes from a concert in Zimbabwe in 1986. Ladysmith Black Mambazo joins Simon on stage for a take of "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes." Some great stage presence from all parties involved, but check out how well the bass player can get around.
Up next is a video that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Paul Simon is shown here performing "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" on Sesame Street. The spotlight is almost stolen from Simon by an anxious young girl who tries to encourage her peers to get up and dance.
Much of Simon's best songwriting is from his days with Art Garfunkel. Here is a clip of him doing "The Only Living Boy in New York" on a British television show.
Lastly is one of the better feel-good tracks of all
time. Chevy Chase lends a helping hand for the goofy music video for "You Can Call Me Al." If you do not have Graceland, it is an essential for any collection.
www.paulsimon.com
Perry, great post. Lovin the Tuesday tributes.
ReplyDeleteIs that a young Macy Gray in the sesame street clip singing with paul?
Thanks Tom,
ReplyDeleteWhoever that is has got to be famous today. Not just anybody can try to steal the show from Paul Simon.
Wow....what a great post on Paul Simon! And you are right, the bass player on "Diamonds" is killer. No flies on that purcussion section either. But the little girl is unreal...pure magic. Thanks for putting all that together.
ReplyDeleteB-Man