Songwriters Hall of FameInducted 1982 | BMI Writer

Paul Simon is one of those unique individuals whose impact on the culture has continued unabated in many different guises over the nearly 30 years of his creative life. He has literally been a musical spokesman for the sentiments of many eras.

Beginning with his first persona of friend and duo mate Art Garfunkel, in the hit-making Simon and Garfunkel coupling, he was largely responsible for writing, arranging and producing the pair's classic folk and rock material. Many of his songs are now standards, collected in albums such as Sounds of Silence, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, the soundtrack The Graduate and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Another song, "Mrs. Robinson," itself one of his earliest classic hits, was the highlight of his soundtrack score for the film "The Graduate."

Following these numerous triumphs, Paul Simon struck out on his own in 1971, commencing a brand new phase of his career, which became notable for its many varied and complex new directions. His debut album as a solo performer, appropriately titled, Paul Simon, combined jazz, reggae, rock and Latin music in a compelling and cosmopolitan mix.

In 1986, Simon found fascinating the "township jive" songs of South African musicians, resulting in the highly acclaimed Graceland album, which in turn marked a change of direction from his earlier introspective work toward new forms of musical expression. His album, Rhythm of the Saints, was released in conjunction with the "Born at the Right Time Tour" of 1991. The album featured a number of prominent Brazilian artists highlighting once again Simon’s understanding and deep respect for international talent and its music.

In the late-1990’s,…

More »

Related Songwriters