Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter, most famously known as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel. Meeting in elementary school, Simon and Art Garfunkel rose to fame in the 1960s. Their folk-rock sound, characterized by hits like "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "America," and "The Boxer," resonated with the counterculture movement. Their final album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970), became one of the best-selling albums ever, solidifying their place in music history.
In 1910, Belle Simon, Paul Simon's mother, was born. She later became an elementary school teacher.
In 1916, Louis Simon, Paul Simon's father, was born. He later became a professor of education and a musician.
On October 13, 1941, Paul Frederic Simon was born. This event marks the beginning of the life of the singer-songwriter.
In 1945, Paul Simon's family moved to the Kew Gardens Hills section of Flushing, Queens, in New York City.
In 1953, Paul Simon met Art Garfunkel in elementary school. This meeting would later lead to their successful musical partnership as Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1957, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, under the name "Tom & Jerry", recorded the song "Hey, Schoolgirl".
Starting in 1957, Paul Simon began writing, recording, and releasing songs, occasionally reuniting with Garfunkel as Tom & Jerry.
By 1962, Paul Simon, working as Jerry Landis, was a frequent writer/producer for several Amy Records artists.
In 1962, Paul Simon had moderate success with the single "Motorcycle" as part of Tico and the Triumphs, and reached number 97 as Jerry Landis with "The Lone Teen Ranger".
In 1963, Paul Simon graduated from Queens College with a degree in English and attended Brooklyn Law School for one semester.
On October 19, 1964, Simon & Garfunkel's first LP, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.", was released, initially flopping.
In 1964, Paul Simon met Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Chitty at the Railway Inn Folk Club in Brentwood, Essex, beginning a relationship.
Until 1964, Paul Simon continued writing, recording, and releasing over 30 songs, sometimes using pseudonyms like "Jerry Landis".
In 1965, Paul Simon moved to London and performed in folk clubs, where he was welcomed by the bohemian folk scene.
In 1965, Simon & Garfunkel released "The Sound of Silence", which became a hit and contributed to their rise to prominence.
In 1965, a photo of Simon and Kathy together was on the cover of Simon's album The Paul Simon Songbook.
In March 1966, The Seekers released "Someday One Day", charting around the same time as Simon and Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound".
In 1966, "Sounds of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel was inducted into the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
In 1966, "The Sound of Silence" became a number 1 hit, leading Paul Simon to return to the US and reunite with Art Garfunkel to record albums.
In 1967, Simon & Garfunkel contributed to the soundtrack of the Mike Nichols film "The Graduate".
In 1968, Simon & Garfunkel recorded the album "Bookends".
In 1968, Simon & Garfunkel released the songs "Mrs. Robinson" and "America", contributing to the soundtrack of the 1960s counterculture.
In 1969, Paul Simon married Peggy Harper, marking the beginning of their relationship.
In 1969, Simon & Garfunkel released "The Boxer", continuing their string of successful hits.
In 1970, Paul Simon held auditions for a young songwriters' workshop at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, aiming to mentor emerging talent.
In 1970, Paul Simon reflected on his time in England, noting the welcoming music scene and the friendships he made.
In 1970, Paul Simon taught songwriting at New York University, aiming to help others avoid his past mistakes.
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel released "Bridge over Troubled Water", which became the bestselling album of all time at that point.
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's relationship became strained, leading to their split.
In 1971, Paul Simon won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Bridge Over Troubled Water.
In January 1972, Paul Simon's album "Paul Simon" was released, featuring the Jamaican-inspired song "Mother and Child Reunion".
In April 1972, Paul Simon gave a solo performance at the Cleveland Arena in a benefit concert for the George McGovern 1972 presidential campaign.
In 1972, Paul Simon and Peggy Harper welcomed their son, Harper Simon, into the world.
In 1972, Paul Simon released the hits "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" as a solo artist.
In May 1973, Paul Simon's album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" was released, featuring the hit single "Kodachrome".
In 1973, Paul Simon provided guitar on Garfunkel's album Angel Clare, and added backing vocals to the song "Down in the Willow Garden".
In 1973, Paul Simon released the album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon", which continued his solo success.
Sometime before 1973, Paul Simon and his brother Eddie founded the Guitar Study Center.
In 1974, a live album titled "Live Rhymin'" was released, featuring elements of world and religious music.
In October 1975, the album "Still Crazy After All These Years" produced by Simon and Phil Ramone, was released.
On October 18, 1975, Paul Simon hosted the second episode of Saturday Night Live.
In 1975, Garfunkel joined Simon on "My Little Town", a Top 10 single, which was included on Simon's album "Still Crazy After All These Years" and Garfunkel's album "Breakaway".
In 1975, Paul Simon divorced Peggy Harper. This event inspired the song "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover".
In 1975, Paul Simon released the album "Still Crazy After All These Years", featuring the hit "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover".
On May 3, 1976, Paul Simon organized a benefit show at Madison Square Garden for the New York Public Library, raising over $30,000.
On November 20, 1976, Paul Simon appeared alongside George Harrison on SNL, performing "Here Comes the Sun" and "Homeward Bound", and performed "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover", and was in a comedy sketch.
In 1976, Paul Simon won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Still Crazy After All These Years.
In 1977, Paul Simon played music producer Tony Lacey in Woody Allen's Annie Hall and performed "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" on Sesame Street.
In 1977, Paul Simon's compilation album "Greatest Hits, Etc." was released, featuring the hit single "Slip Slidin' Away".
In 1977, the song "Slip Slidin' Away" first appeared on the compilation album Greatest Hits, Etc.
In 1978, Paul Simon began dating actress Carrie Fisher, after being introduced by Shelley Duvall.
In 1980, Paul Simon released "One-Trick Pony", his first album with Warner Bros. Records and the movie of the same name, which he wrote and starred in.
In 1980, Paul Simon wrote and starred in One Trick Pony as Jonah Levin, and wrote all the songs in the film.
In 1981, Paul Simon appeared in an episode of The Muppet Show, the only episode to use the songs of one songwriter.
In 1981, Paul Simon reunited with Art Garfunkel for a concert in Central Park.
In 1983, Paul Simon wrote about his relationship with Peggy Harper in the song "Train in the Distance" from his album Hearts and Bones.
In January 1985, Paul Simon performed for USA for Africa and on the relief fundraising single "We Are the World".
In 1986, Paul Simon made a cameo appearance in the song "Put Down the Duckie!" on Sesame Street.
In 1986, Paul Simon played himself in an SNL skit promoting Graceland, where he remembered details about others but not Art Garfunkel.
In 1986, Paul Simon released "Graceland", his most successful and acclaimed album, which incorporated South African influences.
In 1986, Paul Simon traveled to Johannesburg and recorded with African musicians for the album Graceland. He also contributed to "We Are the World".
In 1986, Paul Simon was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, where he had served on the board of trustees.
In January 1987, Paul Simon was removed from the United Nations blacklist following the controversy surrounding his work in South Africa.
In 1987, Paul Simon's album Graceland won the Grammy for Album of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his career.
In 1988, Paul Simon hosted an SNL episode during the Democratic Party presidential primaries, appearing with Senator Paul Simon.
In 1988, Paul Simon won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Graceland.
In 1988, the song "Slip Slidin' Away" was included in the compilation album Negotiations and Love Songs.
In December 1989, Paul Simon began recording sessions for "The Rhythm of the Saints" in Rio de Janeiro and New York.
In 1989, Paul Simon appeared on Dion's song "Written on the Subway Wall"/"Little Star" from Yo Frankie.
In October 1990, Dion's song "Written on the Subway Wall"/"Little Star" from Yo Frankie which featured Paul Simon, peaked at number 97.
In October 1990, Paul Simon released the album "The Rhythm of the Saints", which received excellent reviews and achieved commercial success.
In 1990, Paul Simon released the album "The Rhythm of the Saints", following the success of Graceland.
In 1990, Paul Simon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1990, Simon and Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to music history.
On August 15, 1991, Paul Simon staged a second concert in Central Park with African and South American bands, drawing an audience of over 750,000 people.
In 1991, Paul Simon held a second Concert in the Park, without Art Garfunkel, attended by approximately 500,000 people.
On March 4, 1992, Paul Simon performed in his own episode of MTV Unplugged, showcasing his music in an intimate setting.
On May 30, 1992, Paul Simon married singer Edie Brickell.
In September 1993, Paul Simon & Garfunkel reunited and Columbia released Paul Simon 1964/1993, a compilation album of his work.
In 1995, Louis Simon, Paul Simon's father, passed away.
In 1995, Paul Simon appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show performing "Ten Years" and featured in Annie Lennox's version of his 1973 song "Something So Right".
In November 1997, Paul Simon released an album of songs from the show "The Capeman" which received mixed reviews.
On January 29, 1998, Paul Simon's musical, The Capeman, opened. It told the story of Salvador Agron and was not a success.
In 1998, Paul Simon wrote a Broadway musical, "The Capeman", which was poorly received.
In 1998, Paul Simon's Broadway musical 'The Capeman' debuted, but lost $11 million during its run.
In 1998, Paul Simon's album Bridge over Troubled Water was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In 1999, Paul Simon embarked on a three-month North American tour with Bob Dylan.
In 2000, Paul Simon released his album 'You're the One', which received favorable reviews and a Grammy nomination.
In 2001, Paul Simon was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year.
In 2001, Paul Simon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his solo career.
In 2002, Paul Simon received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for his song "Father and Daughter".
In 2002, Paul Simon was one of five recipients of the annual Kennedy Center Honors.
In 2002, Paul Simon wrote and recorded "Father and Daughter", the theme song for The Wild Thornberrys Movie, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Sometime before 2002, the Guitar Study Center became part of The New School in New York City.
In 2003, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed together again after receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which led to a US tour.
In 2003, Paul Simon became a supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit providing free musical instruments and lessons to children in public schools.
In March 2004, Walter Yetnikoff published a book in which he criticized Paul Simon and his business partnership with Columbia Records.
In 2004, Paul Simon's studio albums were re-released, both individually and as a collection in a limited-edition boxed set.
In 2004, Simon and Garfunkel's "Old Friends" concert series was followed by an international encore, including a free concert in Rome.
In 2005, Paul Simon sang with Art Garfunkel and Aaron Neville at the benefit concert From the Big Apple to The Big Easy for Hurricane Katrina victims.
In 2005, Paul Simon was honored at the 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards for his songwriting catalog, which had earned 39 BMI Awards.
In May 2006, Paul Simon released the album 'Surprise', which was inspired by the September 11 attacks and reached commercial success.
In 2006, Paul Simon was named as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time.
In 2006, Paul Simon's album Graceland was added to the United States' National Recording Registry for its cultural and historical importance.
In 2007, Belle Simon, Paul Simon's mother, passed away.
In 2007, Paul Simon received the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, honoring his profound and positive effect on the world's culture.
In 2007, Paul Simon was the first recipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
In 2007, Paul Simon was the inaugural recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, awarded by the Library of Congress.
In April 2008, the Brooklyn Academy of Music celebrated Paul Simon's works, dedicating a week to Songs From the Capeman.
In February 2009, Paul Simon performed back-to-back shows in New York City at the Beacon Theatre, joined by Art Garfunkel and the cast of The Capeman.
In May 2009, Paul Simon toured with Art Garfunkel in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
In October 2009, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel appeared together at the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert in New York City.
In April 2010, Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel performed together again at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
In August 2010, The Capeman was staged for three nights in the Delacorte Theatre in New York's Central Park.
On September 10, 2010, Paul Simon performed a song commemorating the show's 25 years on the first show of the final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
On November 10, 2010, Paul Simon released a new song called "Getting Ready for Christmas Day".
On December 16, 2010, Paul Simon performed "Getting Ready for Christmas Day" live on The Colbert Report.
In mid-2010, Paul Simon moved his catalog of solo work from Warner Bros. Records to Sony/Columbia Records.
In July 2011, Paul Simon appeared at Ramat Gan Stadium in Israel, his first concert appearance in Israel since 1983.
In 2011, Paul Simon collaborated with Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap! on three songs after being introduced by his son Adrian.
In 2011, Paul Simon released the album "So Beautiful or So What".
In 2011, Rolling Stone named Paul Simon one of the 100 greatest guitarists.
On February 26, 2012, Paul Simon paid tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, where they received the first annual PEN Awards for songwriting excellence.
In May 2012, Paul Simon performed at a benefit dinner for the Turkana Basin Institute in New York City.
On December 19, 2012, Paul Simon performed at the funeral of Victoria Leigh Soto, a teacher who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
In 2012, Paul Simon discussed his songwriting craft with music journalist Tom Moon, including themes like love, family, social commentary, religion, spirituality, and God.
In 2012, Paul Simon was awarded the Polar Music Prize, recognizing his contributions to music.
On June 14, 2013, Paul Simon performed "The Boxer" and Sting's "Fields of Gold" with Sting on Sting's Back to Bass Tour.
In September 2013, Paul Simon delivered the Richard Ellmann Lecture in Modern Literature at Emory University.
On April 26, 2014, Paul Simon and Edie Brickell were involved in a domestic dispute, resulting in disorderly conduct charges.
In 2014, Paul Simon embarked on a joint 21-date concert tour of North America, titled On Stage Together, with Sting.
On February 15, 2015, Paul Simon closed the 40th anniversary SNL show with a performance of "Still Crazy After All These Years".
On September 11, 2015, Paul Simon made a surprise appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, performing "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" with Colbert and "An American Tune".
In 2015, Paul Simon and Sting continued their 'On Stage Together' tour with ten shows in Australia and New Zealand, and 23 concerts in Europe.
In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Paul Simon 8th in their list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
On January 30, 2016, Paul Simon's theme song for Louis C.K.'s show Horace and Pete debuted.
On June 3, 2016, Paul Simon released his thirteenth solo studio album, Stranger to Stranger, through Concord Records.
On July 25, 2016, Paul Simon performed "Bridge over Troubled Water" at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
In 2016, Paul Simon released the album "Stranger to Stranger".
On May 24, 2017, Paul Simon debuted a new version of "Questions for the Angels" with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
On February 5, 2018, Paul Simon announced his intention to retire from touring, citing family time and the death of Vincent Nguini.
In May 2018, Paul Simon began his farewell concert tour, Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour, starting in Vancouver, Canada.
On September 22, 2018, Paul Simon played his final concert in Queens, New York, as part of his Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour.
On October 13, 2018, Paul Simon was the musical guest on SNL on his 77th birthday.
In 2018, Paul Simon released his fourteenth solo studio album, In the Blue Light, which featured re-recordings of lesser-known songs.
On August 11, 2019, Paul Simon returned to live performance at San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, donating his net proceeds to local environmental non-profits.
For his 2019 performance at San Francisco's Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Paul Simon donated his appearance fee to the San Francisco Parks Alliance and Friends of the Urban Forest.
In 2020, American Songwriter honored Dion's "Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)", featuring Paul Simon, as the "Greatest of the Great 2020 Songs".
In 2020, Paul Simon had a dream that inspired him to create "Seven Psalms", a 33 minute musical meditation album.
In March 2021, Paul Simon sold his music publishing catalog to Sony Music Publishing.
In April 2023, Paul Simon released his new album, Seven Psalms, accompanied by a documentary, In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.
In May 2023, Paul Simon revealed during an interview with The Times that he had lost most of the hearing in his left ear.
In early December 2023, Paul Simon rehearsed Seven Psalms with two acoustic guitarists and expressed his desire to perform the album live.
In 2023, Paul Simon was ranked the 246th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone.
In February 2025, Paul Simon performed "Homeward Bound" with Sabrina Carpenter at a 50th-anniversary special for Saturday Night Live.
On February 16, 2025, Paul Simon performed "Homeward Bound" with Sabrina Carpenter for the opening of the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special.