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Paul Simon

This article is about the musician; for other Paul Simons, see Paul Simon (disambiguation).

Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey) is a renowned Jewish American songwriter, receiving Kennedy Center Honors in 2002.

Simon and Garfunkel

Simon was the primary songwriter in the duo Simon and Garfunkel, which recorded several influential albums, including 1966's Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, and Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970). However, he wrote, recorded, and released more than thirty songs between 1957 and 1964 when Columbia first recorded the duo (Everett, 1997).

Simon and Garfunkel also contributed extensively to the soundtrack of the 1967 film The Graduate (starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft). They recorded Mrs. Robinson specifically for the film; other songs by the duo were also used in the film.

In 1981, he reunited with Art Garfunkel for the famous concert in Central Park. They next worked on a new studio album together, but Garfunkel left the project, not agreeing with Simon's lyrics. This album would later become Simon's Hearts and Bones.

In 2003, he reunited again with Art Garfunkel for an US tour, followed by a 2004 international tour.

Solo career

After Simon and Art Garfunkel split in 1971, Paul Simon began to write and record solo material. He released Paul Simon in 1972, although this was not his first solo album, as he released The Paul Simon Song Book as a UK-only LP in 1965. This album was released on CD in 2004, expanded and remastered. He continued to release remarkable material during the seventies, and in 1986 released the ground-breaking and immensely popular Graceland. In 1991, he married singer Edie Brickell, and they have three children.

In 2000, Simon released an album titled "You're the One" backed up by concerts, one of which filmed in Paris is available on DVD.

Simon has also dabbled in acting. He played music producer Tony Lacey in the 1977 Woody Allen film Annie Hall.

2004 reissues

In 2004, his record company announced the release of expanded editions of each of his solo albums, individually and together in a limited-edition nine-disc box set. "Paul Simon: The Studio Recordings 1972-2000" and each of the expanded individual albums will feature a total of 30 bonus tracks, including original song demos, live recordings, duets, six never-before-released songs and outtakes from each of his nine solo albums.

Among the bonus tracks to be included in the release are an acoustic demo of "Homeless," recorded prior to his sessions in South Africa with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, from Graceland; "Shelter Of Your Arms," a previously unreleased song featuring a solo acoustic performance from the Hearts And Bones sessions; demos of "Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard" and "Duncan" recorded in San Francisco in 1971 from Paul Simon; the original demo of "Gone At Last," with the Jessy Dixon Singers, from Still Crazy After All These Years; "Spiral Highway" and "All Because Of You," unreleased performances from One-Trick Pony; a work-in-progress called "Let Me Live In Your City," which eventually became the track "Something So Right" from There Goes Rhymin' Simon; early versions of "The Coast" and "Spirit Voices" from Rhythm Of The Saints; a duet with José Feliciano on "Born In Puerto Rico" plus outtakes from Songs From The Capeman, live cuts from the You're the One concert tour, and much more.

Samples

  • Download sample of "Graceland" from Graceland

Discography

  • 1965 The Paul Simon Song Book
  • 1972 Paul Simon (see 1972 in music)
  • 1973 There Goes Rhymin' Simon
  • 1974 Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin'
  • 1975 Still Crazy After All These Years
  • 1977 Greatest Hits Etc.
  • 1980 One Trick Pony (soundtrack)
  • 1983 Hearts and Bones
  • 1986 Graceland
  • 1990 The Rhythm of the Saints
  • 1991 Paul Simon's Concert in the Park, August 15, 1991 (live)
  • 1997 Songs From the Capeman
  • 2000 You're the One
  • 2002 Father and Daughter, the Academy Award-nominated song from The Wild Thornberrys Movie

In addition, there are numerous compilations available.

References

  • Everett, Walter (1997). "Swallowed by a Song: Paul Simon's Crisis of Chromaticism", Understanding Rock: Essays in Musical Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195100042.

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In addition, there are numerous compilations available. The Last Dance (Nov 26, 2002 - #57). Among the bonus tracks to be included in the release are an acoustic demo of "Homeless," recorded prior to his sessions in South Africa with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, from Graceland; "Shelter Of Your Arms," a previously unreleased song featuring a solo acoustic performance from the Hearts And Bones sessions; demos of "Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard" and "Duncan" recorded in San Francisco in 1971 from Paul Simon; the original demo of "Gone At Last," with the Jessy Dixon Singers, from Still Crazy After All These Years; "Spiral Highway" and "All Because Of You," unreleased performances from One-Trick Pony; a work-in-progress called "Let Me Live In Your City," which eventually became the track "Something So Right" from There Goes Rhymin' Simon; early versions of "The Coast" and "Spirit Voices" from Rhythm Of The Saints; a duet with José Feliciano on "Born In Puerto Rico" plus outtakes from Songs From The Capeman, live cuts from the You're the One concert tour, and much more. 5. "Paul Simon: The Studio Recordings 1972-2000" and each of the expanded individual albums will feature a total of 30 bonus tracks, including original song demos, live recordings, duets, six never-before-released songs and outtakes from each of his nine solo albums. Gold - The Greatest Hits (Oct 27, 2001 - # 1) (4x Platinum). In 2004, his record company announced the release of expanded editions of each of his solo albums, individually and together in a limited-edition nine-disc box set. 4.

He played music producer Tony Lacey in the 1977 Woody Allen film Annie Hall. Buzz (Nov 11, 2000 - # 4) (2x Platinum). Simon has also dabbled in acting. 3. In 2000, Simon released an album titled "You're the One" backed up by concerts, one of which filmed in Paris is available on DVD. Steptacular (Nov 6, 1999 - # 1) (4x Platinum). In 1991, he married singer Edie Brickell, and they have three children. 2.

He continued to release remarkable material during the seventies, and in 1986 released the ground-breaking and immensely popular Graceland. Step One (Sep 26, 1998 - # 2) (5x Platinum). This album was released on CD in 2004, expanded and remastered. 1. He released Paul Simon in 1972, although this was not his first solo album, as he released The Paul Simon Song Book as a UK-only LP in 1965.
Albums. After Simon and Art Garfunkel split in 1971, Paul Simon began to write and record solo material. Words Are Not Enough/I Know Him So Well (double "A" single) (Dec 15, 2001 # 5).

In 2003, he reunited again with Art Garfunkel for an US tour, followed by a 2004 international tour. Chain Reaction/One For Sorrow (remix) (double "A" single) (Oct 6, 2001 - # 2) (Silver)
16. This album would later become Simon's Hearts and Bones. Here And Now/You'll Be Sorry (double "A" single) (Jun 16, 2001 # 4)
15. They next worked on a new studio album together, but Garfunkel left the project, not agreeing with Simon's lyrics. The Way You Make Me Feel/Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (double "A" single) (Jan 6, 2001 - # 2)
14. In 1981, he reunited with Art Garfunkel for the famous concert in Central Park. Stomp (Oct 28, 2000 - # 1)
13.

Robinson specifically for the film; other songs by the duo were also used in the film. When I Said Goodbye/Summer Of Love (double "A" single) (Jul 15, 2000 - # 5)
12. They recorded Mrs. Deeper Shade Of Blue (Apr 15, 2000 - # 4)
11. Simon and Garfunkel also contributed extensively to the soundtrack of the 1967 film The Graduate (starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft). Say You'll Be Mine/Better The Devil You Know (double "A" single) (Dec 25, 1999 - # 4) (Gold)
10. However, he wrote, recorded, and released more than thirty songs between 1957 and 1964 when Columbia first recorded the duo (Everett, 1997). After The Love Has Gone (Oct 23, 1999 - # 5) (Silver)
9.

Simon was the primary songwriter in the duo Simon and Garfunkel, which recorded several influential albums, including 1966's Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, and Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970). Love's Got A Hold On My Heart (Jul 24, 1999 - # 2) (Silver)
8. Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey) is a renowned Jewish American songwriter, receiving Kennedy Center Honors in 2002. Thank ABBA For The Music (ABBA medley performed with B Witched, Billie, Cleopatra and Tina Cousins) (Apr 10, 1999 - # 4) (Silver)
7. ISBN 0195100042. Better Best Forgotten (Mar 20, 1999 - # 2) (Gold)
6. New York: Oxford University Press. Tragedy/Heartbeat (double "A" single) (Nov 21, 1998 - # 1) (Platinum)
5.

"Swallowed by a Song: Paul Simon's Crisis of Chromaticism", Understanding Rock: Essays in Musical Analysis. One For Sorrow (Sep 5, 1998 - # 2) (Gold)
4. Everett, Walter (1997). Last Thing On My Mind (May 2, 1998 - # 6) (Silver)
3. 2002 Father and Daughter, the Academy Award-nominated song from The Wild Thornberrys Movie. 5,6,7,8, (Nov 27, 1997 - # 14) (Silver)
2. 2000 You're the One. Singles
1.

1997 Songs From the Capeman. It is scheduled to air in the UK during 2005. 1991 Paul Simon's Concert in the Park, August 15, 1991 (live). In November 2004, it was confirmed that MTV have commissioned a reality show following Lisa in the same vein as The Osbournes. 1990 The Rhythm of the Saints. In 2004, she signed a new record deal, married boyfriend Johnny Shentall, and released the single 'Get It On' as a guest vocalist for the dance act Intenso Project. 1986 Graceland. Lisa was dropped from her initial record contract in 2003 after just two singles, with a third single and album consequently cancelled.

1983 Hearts and Bones. Lisa Scott-Lee has released three singles as a solo dance artist. 1980 One Trick Pony (soundtrack). Lee Latchford-Evans has appeared on UK reality shows 'The Games', 'The Match' and 'Celebrity Fear Factor'. 1977 Greatest Hits Etc.. In the same year she married her Danish boyfriend Jesper Irn and a year later toured the UK in the theatre production of 'Tell Me On A Sunday'. 1975 Still Crazy After All These Years. Faye Tozer reached #10 in the UK with Russell Watson on the track "Someone Like You".

1974 Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin'. Ian Watkins subsequently took the lead role in the 2003 London production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 1973 There Goes Rhymin' Simon. Since disbanding, Ian Watkins and Claire Richards (billed as "H and Claire") released three top 10 UK singles and a poorly performing album, which led to the duo being dropped from their record label in 2002. 1972 Paul Simon (see 1972 in music). After the group spent much of 2001 strongly dismissing claims of a split, fans were furious and accused the group of capitalising off the success of a host of merchandise released in the lucrative pre-Christmas market. 1965 The Paul Simon Song Book. Many UK tabloid papers published the fans' disgust on their frontpages, displaying quotes taken from Steps messageboards.

Download sample of "Graceland" from Graceland. In 2001, following their shock Boxing Day split, the group were heavily criticised by their own fans. More seriously, Lee Latchford Evans was criticised for the following allegedly racist remarks in an interview: "Foreign people and people from ethnic minorities should all go home so that there can be more jobs for proper English people." Steps responded (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/850520.stm) that the quote was taken out of context. Steps received some criticism for their tendency to cover other bands' tracks rather than develop original scores. Despite a brief renewed effort in 2001, Steps did not pursue a lengthy campaign for US success, instead they focused on consolidating their UK acheivements, as one of the most successful pop groups of the late 1990s and new millennium.

However, their US success was limited to a #81 peak of their album "Step One", which for the US was a hybrid of their first two UK albums. In 1999, they were the support act for Britney Spears on her first US tour. Internationally, Steps had their greatest success in Australia, New Zealand and Belgium, with #1 singles early in their career. During their chart career of four years, they placed 15 consecutive singles in the British top 10, placed all four of their albums in the top 5 and reached number one with two of them, and toured extensively to sell out crowds.

In 2000, Steps were handed a special Brit Award for being the both the best selling tour act and albums act of 1999. However, on the night the award was handed to the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian, who were assumed to be rank outsiders. Despite the allegation that a significant amount of votes for Belle & Sebastian were traced to one location, the band held onto their award as foul-play was denied by organisers of the Brit Awards. Pete Waterman, the mastermind behind the group, claimed to have been told days before the ceremony that Steps had won the award, as voted for by listeners of BBC Radio 1. In the same year, Steps were at the centre of a controversy surrounding the 'Best Newcomer' gong at the Brit Awards.

Steps were part of the ensemble that released "Thank ABBA for the Music" (a cover of ABBA's "Thank You for the Music") in March 1999, as perfomed at the Brit Awards.The other artists singing were Tina Cousins, Cleopatra, B*Witched, and Billie. They continued releasing singles and reached number two with both The Way You Make Me Feel and Chain Reaction (originally recorded by Diana Ross) before disbanding on December 26, 2001. Their second, and final number one single Stomp reached the number one position in October 2000. Over the next year they hit the top 10 several times, with songs such as Better Best Forgotten, Love's Got A Hold On My Heart, Deeper Shade of Blue (originally intended for Tina Cousins) and a double A sided single of Say You'll Be Mine with their version of Kylie Minogue's Better The Devil You Know.

Their next single, a cover version of the Bee Gees Tragedy became their first number one single in January 1999. The hit singles continued, with their cover version of Bananarama's Last Thing On My Mind, and the most ABBA flavoured of their singles, One For Sorrow, reaching the UK Top 10. Waterman's stated intention was to try to recreate the sound of ABBA and blend it with a more modern style, however their first single 5,6,7,8 was a techno line dance and though not typical of what would become their style, it became their first hit. They were seen performing by producer Pete Waterman (formerly of Stock Aitken Waterman) and signed to a recording contract on his EBUL label.

The group, consisting of Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian Watkins (known as H), Lee Latchford Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, formed on May 7, 1996. Each of their music videos were carefully choreographed, and the dance steps were included with each of their single releases. Their name was based around a simple marketing gimmick. Steps were a British pop group who achieved a series of hit singles during the late nineties and into the millennium.