Paul Simon Unveils 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' in Solo Debut

The singer-songwriter's first solo performance marked a new creative chapter after his iconic partnership with Art Garfunkel.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, glittering sequin texture in high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the glamour and excitement of a live music event.The glitz and energy of Paul Simon's first solo performance captured in a high-fashion, abstract texture.Boston Today

When Paul Simon embarked on his solo career in 1973 after the breakup of Simon & Garfunkel, he made a bold statement by opening his first concert with the lively track 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.' This choice foreshadowed the diverse, global sounds that would later define his landmark album 'Graceland.' Simon's solo debut was a pivotal moment as he navigated the vulnerabilities of performing without his longtime musical partner, while still honoring their beloved catalog.

Why it matters

Simon's transition to a solo artist after the hugely successful Simon & Garfunkel partnership was a significant moment in his career and the broader musical landscape of the 1970s. His decision to lead with 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' signaled his intention to forge a new creative path while paying homage to his past, setting the stage for the innovative, genre-blending sound he would become known for.

The details

For his first solo tour, Simon included several Simon & Garfunkel classics like 'Homeward Bound,' 'The Boxer,' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' alongside new material from his self-titled debut album. But it was the opening performance of 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' that truly captured the spirit of his solo venture, with its lively acoustic intro and foreshadowing of the diverse collaborations to come on 'Graceland.' Simon was accompanied by the South American group Urubamba and the gospel ensemble Jesse Dixon Singers, hinting at the global influences that would shape his future sound.

  • On May 6, 1973, Paul Simon performed his first solo concert in Boston.
  • In May 1973, Simon opened a show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium with 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.'

The players

Paul Simon

A legendary singer-songwriter who rose to fame as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, before embarking on a successful solo career that would later produce the groundbreaking album 'Graceland.'

Art Garfunkel

Simon's longtime musical partner in the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with whom he had achieved tremendous success before going solo in the 1970s.

Urubamba

A South American musical group that collaborated with Paul Simon during his early solo concerts, foreshadowing the global influences that would shape his future work.

Jesse Dixon Singers

A gospel ensemble that performed alongside Paul Simon at his solo concerts, contributing to the diverse sonic palette he was exploring as a solo artist.

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What they’re saying

“The reason I wanted to tour now was that I wanted to be visibly on the scene. I didn't want to appear to be retired or anything like that. I felt that the second album was good, that it probably was going to make an impact, and I wanted to say, 'Look, I really care. I'm just sending down albums from some mountaintop to you.'”

— Paul Simon, Singer-Songwriter

“I also wanted to see how people would react to me. I think the vast majority of people don't know who I am. If you say Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel, then the identification comes through. So, for me, I have to show my face a little so people will have some idea of who I am.”

— Paul Simon, Singer-Songwriter

The takeaway

Paul Simon's solo debut marked a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, as he navigated the vulnerabilities of performing without his longtime partner Art Garfunkel. His decision to open with the lively 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' foreshadowed the diverse, global sounds that would later define his landmark album 'Graceland,' showcasing Simon's evolution as a solo artist and his commitment to forging a new creative path.