Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 13, 1941 in Newark, NJ

 

Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the bass and his mother singing. Simon began playing the guitar at a young age and was influenced by the music of Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers. In the early 1960s, Simon formed a duo with his childhood friend, Art Garfunkel. They began performing together as Simon & Garfunkel and released their debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." in 1964. The album was not a commercial success, but the duo's fortunes changed when a remixed version of their song "The Sound of Silence" became a hit in 1965. Simon & Garfunkel went on to release a string of successful albums, including "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" (1966), "Bookends" (1968), and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970). The duo's music was characterized by Simon's intricate guitar work and Garfunkel's soaring vocals, as well as their thoughtful lyrics and harmonies. After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Simon embarked on a successful solo career. His first solo album, "Paul Simon," was released in 1972 and included the hit single "Mother and Child Reunion." Simon continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s, including "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" (1973) and "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975). In the 1980s, Simon experimented with world music, incorporating elements of African and Brazilian music into his work. His album "Graceland" (1986) was a commercial and critical success, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The album's fusion of African rhythms and American folk music was groundbreaking and influential, and it helped to popularize world music in the United States. Simon continued to explore world music on his subsequent albums, including "The Rhythm of the Saints" (1990) and "You're the One" (2000). He also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Brian Eno, and Philip Glass. Throughout his career, Simon has been recognized for his songwriting and musical contributions. He has won 16 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of Simon & Garfunkel and once as a solo artist. Simon's music has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has influenced generations of musicians. His thoughtful lyrics, intricate guitar work, and innovative use of world music have made him one of the most respected and influential musicians of his generation.

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