#56 Paul Simon

Paul Simon is of the 100 people that have shaped our world. (At least according to Time Magazine). What do you do when you’re the talented half of the greatest duo in music history? Go solo! Simon was wildly successful through the 1970s with songs such as “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” which struck a chord in a era with skyrocketing divorce rates. His popularity continued into the 1980s most notably with “You Can Call Me Al” featuring a video dominated by Chevy Chase. He also experimented with African music in his much acclaimed "Graceland" album. In the 1990s, he wrote a Broadway Musical. Today, he continues to write and record. His latest, “Surprise” is highly acclaimed.

Rock n Roll Moment: He married Princess Leia and then hippie Edie Brickel.

Essential Simon:

The Paul Simon Songbook (1965-UK, 2004-US)
Paul Simon (1972)
There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973)
Still Crazy After All These Years (1975)
Graceland (1986)
The Rhythm of the Saints (1990)
Surprise (2006)

Paul Simon’s Top 10:

You Can Call Me Al
Graceland
Slip Slidin’ Away
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
I am a Rock
Kodachrome
Late in the Evening
Still Crazy After All These Years
Loves Me Like A Rock