Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor born on October 13, 1941. Simon is one of the most acclaimed authors of popular music, and he has a career that has spanned six decades. His undeniable talent and vast experience have earned him 16 Grammy Awards for both his solo and collaborative work. According to “Rolling Stone”, he is one of the top 10 greatest songwriters of all time. In 2011, Simon was honorably inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This talented folk singer is worth celebrating on his special day!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Paul Frederic Simon

Nickname:

erry Landis, Paul Kane, and True Taylor.

Birth date:

October 13, 1941

Age:

82

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 3"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$210 million

Paul's Social Media:

Background

Paul Frederic Simon is an American musician whose talents have made him shine bright. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, on October 13, 1941, and is of Hungarian-Jewish descent. His father was a college professor, double-bass player, and dance bandleader known by the alias Lee Sims, while his mother was an elementary school teacher. In 1945, Simon’s family moved to Kew Gardens Hills in Queens, New York City. When he was around 12 years old, he wrote his first song, ‘The Girl for Me.’ He formed a group with his friend Art Garfunkel, and in their mid-teens, they recorded ‘Hey Schoolgirl’ under the alias Tom & Jerry. The single reached number 49 on the Billboard charts. Simon graduated from Forest Hills High School and then majored in English at Queens College, where he graduated in 1963.

Simon had written, recorded, and released over 30 songs by 1964. However, these songs were released on minor labels. In early 1964, Simon and Garfunkel signed to Columbia Records. They were called Simon and Garfunkel and released their first L.P., “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” in October of the same year. The duo released their third studio album, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme,” in October 1966. Their fifth and final studio album, “Bridge over Troubled Water,” dropped in January 1970, and they disbanded soon after. However, they reunited occasionally for different projects. In 1972, Simon released his second solo studio album, “Paul Simon.” His fourth solo studio album, “Still Crazy After All These Years,” dropped in 1975 and became number one on the United States Billboard Pop Albums chart. After an almost five-year hiatus, the musician released “One-Trick Pony” with Warner. Bros. Records. In 1987, Simon’s seventh solo studio album, “Graceland,” won the Album of the Year award at the Grammys and then the Record of the Year at the 1988 Grammys. The album sold over 16 million copies worldwide and was added to the United States National Recording Registry.

Simon’s career featured 14 solo studio albums; his last, “In the Blue Light,” was released in 2018. During his time in the Simon & Garfunkel duo, he released five studio albums, 13 compilation albums, four live albums, and many E.P.s. As a talented singer, songwriter, and musician, Simon has earned 16 Grammy Awards for his solo and collaborative works. He’s been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2015, he was ranked eighth on “Rolling Stone’s” 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time list. Simon’s personal life has been somewhat public. He’s been married thrice, first to Peggy Harper from 1969 to 1975. The couple had a son, Harper, in 1972. Simon’s second marriage was to the famous actress Carrie Fisher, from 1983 to 1984. He married Edie Brickell in 1992, and they have three children together.

Career timeline

1964
The Duo Signs with Columbia Records

Simon and Garfunkel join the major label, keeping their surnames as their stage names.

1970
The Duo’s Final Studio Album

Simon and Garfunkel release their fifth and last studio album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

1986
His Most Famous Album

Simon launches “Graceland,” which becomes his most successful studio album.

1986
A Doctor of Music Degree

Simon receives an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.

2001
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts Simon for his solo career.

2018
“In the Blue Light”

Simon releases his 14th solo studio album.

Why We Love Paul Simon

  1. He’s a philanthropist

    Simon has contributed to several organizations and charities. He supports Little Kids Rock, which provides free musical instruments and free lessons to children in public schools. He also contributes to the Children’s Health Project and The Children’s Health Fund.

  2. He’s talented

    As a singer, songwriter, and musician, Simon is crazy talented. He creates magic every time.

  3. He’s a teacher

    Not only is Simon a great musician, but he’s also a fantastic music teacher. He often imparts his songwriting knowledge to the next generation.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He attended Law School

    In 1963, Simon attended Brooklyn Law School for a semester.

  2. He taught songwriting

    Simon taught songwriting at New York University in 1970.

  3. He contributed to “U.S.A. for Africa”

    Simon lent his talent to the charity single “We Are the World.”

  4. He was close friends with Lorne Michaels

    In the ‘70s, Simon lived next door to Lorne Michaels, and they became close friends.

  5. He was on Broadway

    Simon participated in several Broadway plays and contributed to them as a songwriter.

Paul Simon FAQs

Is Paul Simon still recording?

In 2018, he announced a farewell tour, but we don’t lose hope he will return!

Are Chevy Chase and Paul Simon friends?

Yes, Chase and Simon have been friends since 1975.

What was Paul Simon’s last record label?

Columbia Warner Bros. Concord was his last record label.

Paul Simon’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024October 13Sunday
2025October 13Monday
2026October 13Tuesday
2027October 13Wednesday
2028October 13Friday

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