Paul Simon is a renowned American singer-songwriter famous for his solo career and his partnership with Art Garfunkel as the duo Simon & Garfunkel. Their folk-rock music, featuring iconic songs like "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "America," and "The Boxer," became synonymous with the 1960s counterculture movement. Their final album, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970), achieved immense success and remains one of the highest-selling albums ever.
1910: Birth of Paul Simon's Mother
Paul Simon's mother, Belle, was born in 1910.
1916: Birth of Paul Simon's Father
Paul Simon's father, Louis, was born in 1916.
October 13, 1941: Paul Simon's Birth
On October 13, 1941, Paul Frederic Simon was born in Newark, New Jersey.
1941: Rev. J. M. Gates Sermon
Rev. J. M. Gates delivered a sermon in 1941 that was later sampled by Paul Simon in his song "Getting Ready for Christmas Day".
1945: Simon Family Moves to Queens
In 1945, Paul Simon's family relocated to the Kew Gardens Hills section of Flushing, Queens, in New York City.
1953: Meeting Art Garfunkel
In 1953, Paul Simon met his future musical partner, Art Garfunkel, during their school years.
1957: "Hey, Schoolgirl" Release as "Tom & Jerry"
In 1957, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, under the name "Tom & Jerry," released the song "Hey, Schoolgirl," which reached number 49 on the pop charts.
1957: Start of Solo Recordings
Paul Simon began writing, recording, and releasing songs as a solo artist in 1957.
1959: Inspiration for "The Capeman"
The events that inspired Paul Simon's musical "The Capeman" took place in 1959. Salvador Agron, a young Puerto Rican, committed two murders in New York that year, becoming the subject of the musical.
1962: Success with Tico and the Triumphs
Paul Simon experienced moderate success with the group Tico and the Triumphs in 1962, including the song "Motorcycle," which reached number 99 on the Billboard charts.
1962: Work as a Writer/Producer
As "Jerry Landis," Paul Simon became a prolific writer/producer for Amy Records artists in 1962.
1963: Paul Simon Graduates from Queens College
Paul Simon graduated from Queens College with an English degree in 1963.
October 19, 1964: Release of Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
Simon & Garfunkel's debut LP, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.," was released on October 19, 1964, but initially did not achieve commercial success.
1964: Release of "Paul Simon 1964/1993"
Columbia Records released a compilation album, "Paul Simon 1964/1993" which included songs from Simon's career spanning from 1964 to 1993.
1964: End of Early Solo Recordings
Paul Simon concluded his early phase of solo recordings in 1964.
1964: Met Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Chitty
Paul Simon's move to England in 1964 led him to meet Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Chitty, a young woman who worked at the Railway Inn Folk Club in Brentwood, Essex, where he performed. They began a relationship despite the age difference.
1965: Photographed with Kathy Chitty for "The Paul Simon Songbook" Album Cover
A photograph of Paul Simon and Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Chitty together graced the cover of Simon's 1965 album, "The Paul Simon Songbook," capturing a moment from their relationship.
1965: Move to London and Immersion in Folk Music
Paul Simon moved to London in 1965, immersing himself in the folk music scene and drawing inspiration from English folk traditions.
March 1966: Release of "Someday One Day"
Paul Simon's song "Someday One Day," contributed to the Seekers' catalog, was released in March 1966.
1966: "The Sound of Silence" Achieves Success
In 1966, Simon & Garfunkel's song "The Sound of Silence" gained popularity after being overdubbed with instrumentation by their producer, Tom Wilson, without the duo's knowledge. The song reached number 1 on the US pop charts, leading to the reunion of Simon & Garfunkel and the recording of several successful albums, including "Sounds of Silence", "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme", and "Bookends".
1967: Simon & Garfunkel's Contribution to "The Graduate" Soundtrack
In 1967, Simon & Garfunkel contributed to the soundtrack of "The Graduate", a film directed by Mike Nichols. The duo's song "Mrs. Robinson", initially considered to be titled "Mrs. Roosevelt", became a popular track associated with the film.
1968: Release of "Bookends" Album
Simon & Garfunkel release their album "Bookends" in 1968. This was their third studio album and was well-received by fans and critics.
1969: Married Peggy Harper
Paul Simon married Peggy Harper in 1969.
1970: Release of "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel release their final album, "Bridge over Troubled Water", which achieved phenomenal success, becoming the bestselling album of all time at that point.
1970: Release of Bridge Over Troubled Water
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel released "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
1970: Simon & Garfunkel Split
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's relationship deteriorates, leading to their split. At his wife Peggy Harper's urging, Simon formally confirmed the breakup to their manager. Following the split, their communication became infrequent.
1970: Simon Teaches Songwriting at NYU
In 1970, Simon took on a role as a songwriting teacher at New York University. He aimed to share his knowledge and help aspiring songwriters avoid common pitfalls he had encountered. He believed in the value of learning from experienced musicians like the Beatles.
1970: Held Auditions for a Young Songwriters' Workshop at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts
In 1970, shortly after the success of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Paul Simon demonstrated his commitment to fostering young talent by holding auditions for a songwriters' workshop at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
1970: Release of "Bridge over Troubled Water"
Simon & Garfunkel's final studio album, "Bridge over Troubled Water", was released in 1970.
1970: Reflection on Time in London
In 1970, Paul Simon spoke fondly of his time in London, where he found a supportive music community.
1971: Grammy Award for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
Paul Simon won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1971 for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', a collaborative album with Art Garfunkel.
January 1972: Release of Simon's Solo Album "Paul Simon"
In January 1972, Simon releases his solo album "Paul Simon", showcasing his exploration of world music with the Jamaican-inspired hit "Mother and Child Reunion". The album received widespread acclaim for its diverse musical styles and insightful lyrics. It reached number 4 in the US and number 1 in the UK and Japan.
April 1972: Simon's Solo Performance for George McGovern Campaign
In April 1972, Simon performs solo at a benefit concert in Cleveland, supporting the presidential campaign of George McGovern.
1972: Release of Paul Simon Album
Paul Simon released his debut solo album, "Paul Simon," in 1972.
1972: Birth of Son, Harper Simon
Paul Simon and Peggy Harper welcomed their son, Harper Simon, into the world in 1972.
May 1973: Release of "There Goes Rhymin' Simon"
In May 1973, Simon releases his pop-folk album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon". The album featured hit singles like "Kodachrome" and the gospel-influenced "Loves Me Like a Rock", alongside notable tracks like "American Tune" and "Something So Right", a tribute to his wife Peggy. The album topped the Cashbox album charts.
1973: Collaboration with Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox released a version of Paul Simon's 1973 song "Something So Right" in 1995, which charted briefly on the UK Top 50.
1973: Founded the Guitar Study Center
Around 1973, Paul Simon and his brother, Eddie, established the Guitar Study Center, a testament to their passion for music education.
1973: Simon Contributes to Garfunkel's "Angel Clare" Album
In 1973, Simon contributed to Garfunkel's album "Angel Clare" by playing guitar and adding backing vocals to the song "Down in the Willow Garden".
1973: Release of There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Paul Simon's second solo album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," was released in 1973.
1974: Release of "Live Rhymin'"
In 1974, Simon releases a live album titled "Live Rhymin'", which features live recordings of songs from "There Goes Rhymin' Simon". The album highlights Simon's exploration of world and religious music.
October 1975: Release of "Still Crazy After All These Years"
In October 1975, Simon releases "Still Crazy After All These Years", produced with Phil Ramone. Influenced by his divorce, the album presented a more somber tone, featuring hits like "Gone at Last" and the Simon & Garfunkel reunion track "My Little Town". It became his first and only number 1 album on the Billboard charts and won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The single "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" topped the Billboard charts.
October 18, 1975: First SNL Hosting Gig
Paul Simon hosted the second episode of Saturday Night Live on October 18, 1975.
1975: Release of Still Crazy After All These Years
In 1975, Paul Simon released his album "Still Crazy After All These Years," maintaining his prominent presence in the music world.
1975: Release of "My Little Town"
Simon and Garfunkel reunite in 1975 for the Top 10 single "My Little Town". Written by Simon for Garfunkel, the song aimed to bring an edge to Garfunkel's solo work and appeared on both Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" and Garfunkel's "Breakaway" albums.
1975: Divorced Peggy Harper
Paul Simon's marriage to Peggy Harper ended in divorce in 1975. This experience inspired his hit song, "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."
1975: Release of "My Little Town"
In 1975, Simon & Garfunkel reunite for the hit single "My Little Town". This marked their first new recording together since their 1970 album "Bridge over Troubled Water".
May 3, 1976: Simon's Benefit Concert for New York Public Library
On May 3, 1976, Simon organizes and performs in a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden to support the New York Public Library. The event raises over $30,000 for the library.
November 20, 1976: Performance with George Harrison and Memorable "Still Crazy After All These Years" Sketch on SNL
On the Thanksgiving Day episode of SNL on November 20, 1976, Paul Simon appeared alongside George Harrison, performing "Here Comes the Sun" and "Homeward Bound". Earlier in the show, Simon performed "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover". He also opened the show with a now-iconic comedy sketch where he performed "Still Crazy After All These Years" in a turkey outfit. The sketch involved him stopping mid-performance due to embarrassment, addressing the audience, and leaving the stage.
1976: Thanksgiving Episode Revisited
During the 40th anniversary special of SNL, much of the memorable Thanksgiving episode from 1976, featuring Paul Simon's comedic performance in a turkey costume, was shown.
1976: Grammy Award for 'Still Crazy After All These Years'
Paul Simon received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1976 for his solo album 'Still Crazy After All These Years'.
1977: Released "Slip Slidin' Away" on the "Greatest Hits, Etc." Compilation Album
Paul Simon's song "Slip Slidin' Away" made its debut in 1977, appearing exclusively on the compilation album "Greatest Hits, Etc."
1977: Simon's Work on Various Projects and Release of "Greatest Hits, Etc.",
In 1977, Simon focused on various projects, including composing music for the film "Shampoo", which inspired his song "Silent Eyes", and venturing into acting with a role in Woody Allen's film "Annie Hall". He also released his compilation album "Greatest Hits, Etc.", which included the hit single "Slip Slidin' Away", peaking at number 5 in the United States.
1977: Role in 'Annie Hall' and 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' on Sesame Street
In 1977, Paul Simon took on the supporting role of music producer Tony Lacey in Woody Allen's film 'Annie Hall'. He also made a memorable appearance on Sesame Street that year, performing "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard".
1980: Release of "One-Trick Pony" Album and Film
In 1980, Simon releases "One-Trick Pony", his first album under Warner Bros. Records and his first in almost five years. The album coincided with a film of the same name, which Simon wrote and starred in. Despite featuring the Top 10 hit "Late in the Evening", the album did not achieve significant commercial success.
1980: 'One Trick Pony' Film Release
Paul Simon wrote and starred in the 1980 film 'One Trick Pony', portraying Jonah Levin, a journeyman rock-and-roller. He also composed all the songs featured in the film.
1981: Appearance on 'The Muppet Show'
In 1981, Paul Simon was featured in an episode of 'The Muppet Show', making it the only episode in the series to exclusively use the songs of one songwriter.
1981: Simon & Garfunkel's Concert in Central Park
In 1981, Simon & Garfunkel reunite for a concert in Central Park, performing songs from both their collaborative work and Simon's solo career. The concert is recorded and released as a live album, TV special, and video, achieving major success.
1981: Concert in Central Park with Art Garfunkel
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunited for a concert in Central Park in 1981.
1983: Released "Train in the Distance" on the "Hearts and Bones" Album
In 1983, Paul Simon released his album "Hearts and Bones," which featured the song "Train in the Distance." This song reflected on his relationship with Peggy Harper.
1983: Release of "Hearts and Bones"
Initially planned as a Simon & Garfunkel album, "Hearts and Bones" was released as a solo album by Simon in 1983. He removed Garfunkel's vocals from the recordings. This personal and introspective album, featuring the song "The Late Great Johnny Ace" about Johnny Ace and John Lennon, is regarded as one of his best works, but achieved the lowest sales of his career.
1983: Married Carrie Fisher
Paul Simon entered into his second marriage with actress Carrie Fisher in 1983.
1983: Previous Concert in Israel
Paul Simon's last concert in Israel before his July 2011 performance was in 1983.
1984: Divorced Carrie Fisher
Paul Simon's second marriage ended in divorce in 1984, when he and Carrie Fisher went their separate ways.
January 1985: Simon Performs for USA for Africa
In January 1985, Simon participates in the USA for Africa initiative, performing in the recording of the charity single "We Are the World" to raise funds for famine relief in Africa.
1986: Cameo on Sesame Street's "Put Down the Duckie!"
In 1986, Paul Simon made a cameo appearance in the Sesame Street song "Put Down the Duckie!".
1986: Simon Receives Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music
In 1986, Simon is awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, recognizing his significant contributions to the music industry. He had previously served on the board of trustees at the college.
1986: Simon's Exploration of South African Music
Inspired by South African mbaqanga music, Simon embarks on a journey to record an album featuring South African influences in 1986. He travels to Johannesburg to collaborate with local musicians, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He also works with American artists, such as Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos, on this project. Notably, before his trip to Johannesburg, Simon contributes to the charity single "We Are the World" to support African famine relief efforts.
1986: Release of Graceland
Paul Simon released his most successful and acclaimed album, "Graceland," in 1986.
January 1987: Removal from UN Blacklist
Paul Simon was removed from the United Nations blacklist in January 1987. He was originally added to the blacklist for allegedly breaking the cultural boycott against South Africa during the apartheid regime.
1987: Graceland's Success
In 1987, Paul Simon's album "Graceland" won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. It sold over 16 million copies internationally, becoming his most successful studio album.
1987: Graceland 25th Anniversary Box Set
In 2012, a 25th anniversary box set of "Graceland" was released, featuring a remastered album, a documentary, and the 1987 "African Concert" from Zimbabwe.
1988: Grammy Award for 'Graceland'
Paul Simon's album 'Graceland' earned him the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1988.
1988: The Capeman Broadway Debut
Paul Simon's Broadway musical "The Capeman" premiered in 1988 but received unfavorable reviews.
1988: Included "Slip Slidin' Away" on the "Negotiations and Love Songs" Compilation Album
In 1988, Paul Simon's song "Slip Slidin' Away" was featured on another compilation album, "Negotiations and Love Songs," continuing its presence in collections of his work.
December 1989: Beginning of "The Rhythm of the Saints" Sessions
Paul Simon started recording his album "The Rhythm of the Saints" in December 1989 in Rio de Janeiro and New York.
1989: Appearance on Dion's Song
Paul Simon collaborated with Dion in 1989, appearing on his song "Written on the Subway Wall"/"Little Star".
October 1990: Collaboration with Dion
Paul Simon appeared on Dion's song "Written on the Subway Wall"/"Little Star" which peaked at number 97 in October 1990.
October 1990: Release of "The Rhythm of the Saints"
Paul Simon released "The Rhythm of the Saints" in October 1990. The album reached number 4 in the U.S. and number 1 in the UK.
1990: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Simon & Garfunkel
In 1990, Paul Simon received his first induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel.
1990: Release of The Rhythm of the Saints
Paul Simon's album "The Rhythm of the Saints" was released in 1990.
1990: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Simon and Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
August 15, 1991: Concert in Central Park
On August 15, 1991, Paul Simon held a concert in Central Park, attracting over 750,000 attendees. This concert was deemed one of the largest in history.
1991: Second Concert in Central Park
In 1991, Paul Simon performed a second concert in Central Park, without Garfunkel, drawing a crowd of half a million people.
1991: Collaboration with Chevy Chase and Steve Martin on "Proof" Music Video
In 1991, Paul Simon collaborated with Chevy Chase and Steve Martin for his music video for the song "Proof".
March 4, 1992: MTV Unplugged Performance
Paul Simon performed on MTV Unplugged on March 4, 1992.
May 30, 1992: Married Edie Brickell
Paul Simon married singer Edie Brickell on May 30, 1992.
September 1993: Simon & Garfunkel Reunion
Simon & Garfunkel had a reunion in September 1993, leading to the release of "Paul Simon 1964/1993" by Columbia Records.
1995: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
In 1995, Paul Simon performed his song "Ten Years" on The Oprah Winfrey Show, celebrating the show's tenth anniversary.
1995: Death of Paul Simon's Father
Paul Simon's father, Louis, passed away in 1995.
November 1997: Release of "Songs from The Capeman"
Paul Simon released an album, "Songs from The Capeman", in November 1997. Despite featuring a mix of musical styles, the album did not achieve commercial success, marking the first time a Paul Simon album did not reach the Billboard Top 40.
January 29, 1998: Premiere of "The Capeman"
Paul Simon's musical, "The Capeman," premiered on January 29, 1998. This musical, inspired by events in 1959, depicts the life of Salvador Agron, a Puerto Rican youth who committed murder.
1998: 'The Capeman' Broadway Debut and Financial Loss
In 1998, Paul Simon's Broadway musical 'The Capeman' premiered. Despite the anticipation, the production faced financial challenges, resulting in an $11 million loss during its run.
1998: Grammy Hall of Fame Induction for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
In 1998, the Simon & Garfunkel album 'Bridge over Troubled Water' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
1999: Tour with Bob Dylan
Paul Simon embarked on a three-month tour with Bob Dylan across North America in 1999. They alternated as headliners and also performed together.
2000: Release of You're the One
In 2000, Paul Simon released the album "You're the One."
2000: Release of "You're the One"
Paul Simon released the album "You're the One" in October 2000. The album received positive reviews and charted in the UK and US Top 20, receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
2001: Honored as MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2001, Paul Simon was recognized for his musical achievements and philanthropic efforts by being named MusiCares Person of the Year.
2001: Turns 60
Paul Simon turned 60 years old in 2001.
2001: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for Solo Career
Paul Simon was honored again with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, this time for his successful solo career.
2002: Oscar Nomination for 'Father and Daughter'
Paul Simon received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song in 2002 for his song "Father and Daughter".
2002: Theme Song for "The Wild Thornberrys Movie"
Paul Simon wrote and recorded "Father and Daughter" in 2002, the theme song for the animated movie "The Wild Thornberrys Movie". The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song.
2002: Received the Kennedy Center Honors
In 2002, Paul Simon received one of the highest honors in the United States for artists - the Kennedy Center Honors - in recognition of his lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
2002: Guitar Study Center Became Part of The New School
By 2002, the Guitar Study Center, founded by Paul and Eddie Simon, was integrated into The New School in New York City, furthering its mission of music education within an established academic institution.
2003: Became a Supporter of Little Kids Rock
Paul Simon extended his support for music education in 2003 by becoming involved with Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization providing free instruments and lessons to children in public schools.
2003: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Reunion
Simon & Garfunkel received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, leading to another reunion and the start of their US tour "Old Friends".
March 2004: Publication of "Howling at the Moon"
In March 2004, Walter Yetnikoff released a book titled "Howling at the Moon", criticizing Simon's business practices with Columbia Records.
2004: Re-release of Studio Albums
Paul Simon's studio albums were re-released individually and as a collection in 2004.
2004: "Old Friends" International Tour
Simon & Garfunkel continued their "Old Friends" tour internationally in 2004, concluding with a free concert in Rome that drew 600,000 attendees.
2005: Performance at Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert
In 2005, Simon & Garfunkel performed "Mrs. Robinson" and "Homeward Bound" together at a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims, also performing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Aaron Neville.
2005: Honored at the 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards
Paul Simon's songwriting was celebrated at the 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards in 2005, where his extensive catalog, including iconic hits like "Bridge over Troubled Water" and "Mrs. Robinson," earned him numerous accolades and recognition for his significant contributions to popular music.
2006: Graceland's Cultural Recognition
In 2006, "Graceland" was added to the United States' National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
2006: Named one of "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time Magazine
Paul Simon's influence on global culture was recognized in 2006 when Time Magazine named him as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World."
2007: Gershwin Prize Recipient
Paul Simon received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress in 2007.
2007: First Recipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Paul Simon's lasting contributions to popular music were recognized in 2007 when he was awarded the inaugural Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
2007: Death of Paul Simon's Mother
Paul Simon's mother, Belle, died in 2007.
2007: Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
The Library of Congress awarded Paul Simon the inaugural Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007.
April 2008: Brooklyn Academy of Music Celebration
In April 2008, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) dedicated a week to celebrating Paul Simon's work with a special focus on 'Songs From the Capeman'. The event featured performances by a cast of singers and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Simon himself made appearances during the BAM shows, performing "Trailways Bus" and "Late in the Evening".
February 2009: Performances at Beacon Theatre
In February 2009, Simon performed at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, including a show with Art Garfunkel and the cast of The Capeman.
May 2009: Tour with Art Garfunkel
Simon toured Australia, New Zealand, and Japan with Art Garfunkel in May 2009.
October 2009: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary
Simon and Garfunkel performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary concert in October 2009.
April 2010: Performance at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Simon & Garfunkel performed together at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April 2010.
August 2010: 'The Capeman' Staged in Central Park
In August 2010, 'The Capeman' was staged for three nights in the Delacorte Theatre in New York's Central Park. Directed by Diane Paulus, the production was a collaboration with the Public Theater.
September 10, 2010: Performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
On September 10, 2010, Simon performed a song commemorating the 25th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
November 10, 2010: Release of "Getting Ready for Christmas Day"
Paul Simon released a new song called "Getting Ready for Christmas Day" on November 10, 2010, which sampled a 1941 sermon.
December 16, 2010: Performance on The Colbert Report
Simon performed "Getting Ready for Christmas Day" on The Colbert Report on December 16, 2010.
2010: Catalog Move to Sony/Columbia Records
In 2010, Simon moved his catalog of solo work to Sony/Columbia Records from Warner Bros. Records.
April 12, 2011: Release of "So Beautiful or So What"
Simon released his album "So Beautiful or So What" on April 12, 2011.
July 2011: Concert in Israel
In July 2011, Simon performed his first concert in Israel since 1983 at Ramat Gan Stadium.
2011: Release of So Beautiful or So What
Paul Simon released "So Beautiful or So What" in 2011.
2011: Ranked Among Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists
Rolling Stone Magazine acknowledged Paul Simon's guitar skills in 2011, placing him on their prestigious list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
2011: Collaboration with Clap! Clap!
Simon collaborated with Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap! on three songs in 2011.
February 26, 2012: Tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen
Simon paid tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen at the PEN Awards for songwriting excellence on February 26, 2012.
May 2012: Performed at a Benefit Dinner for the Turkana Basin Institute
In May 2012, Paul Simon lent his musical talent to a good cause by performing at a benefit dinner for the Turkana Basin Institute in New York City, an event that raised over $2 million for Richard Leakey's research institute in Africa.
December 19, 2012: Performance at Victoria Leigh Soto's Funeral
Paul Simon performed at the funeral of Victoria Leigh Soto, a teacher killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, on December 19, 2012.
2012: Interview on Songwriting
In 2012, Paul Simon discussed his songwriting process and themes in an interview with music journalist Tom Moon for American Songwriter magazine. He highlighted the themes of love, family, social commentary, religion, spirituality, and God in his work, and emphasized that music always precedes the words in his creative process.
2012: Awarded the Polar Music Prize
The Polar Music Prize, a prestigious international award, was bestowed upon Paul Simon in 2012, recognizing his exceptional contributions to music and his ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
June 14, 2013: Performance on Sting's Back to Bass Tour
Simon performed "The Boxer" and "Fields of Gold" with Sting on June 14, 2013, as part of Sting's Back to Bass Tour.
September 2013: Richard Ellmann Lecture
Simon delivered the Richard Ellmann Lecture in Modern Literature at Emory University in September 2013.
April 26, 2014: Domestic Dispute with Edie Brickell
On April 26, 2014, Paul Simon and Edie Brickell were involved in a domestic dispute.
2014: "On Stage Together" Tour with Sting
In 2014, Simon and Sting embarked on a joint concert tour called "On Stage Together" in North America.
February 15, 2015: Performance at SNL 40th Anniversary Special
Paul Simon performed "Still Crazy After All These Years" to close out the 40th anniversary special of SNL on February 15, 2015. He also played a snippet of "I've Just Seen a Face" with Sir Paul McCartney during the introductory sequence.
September 11, 2015: Appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Simon made a surprise appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on September 11, 2015, performing with Colbert and solo.
2015: Ranked 8th on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time
Paul Simon's songwriting prowess was celebrated in 2015 when Rolling Stone ranked him 8th on their list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
2015: Continuation of "On Stage Together" Tour
The "On Stage Together" tour with Sting continued in 2015 with shows in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
January 30, 2016: Theme Song for "Horace and Pete"
Simon wrote and performed the theme song for Louis C.K.'s show "Horace and Pete", which premiered on January 30, 2016.
June 3, 2016: Release of "Stranger to Stranger"
Simon released his thirteenth solo studio album, "Stranger to Stranger", on June 3, 2016.
July 25, 2016: Performance at Democratic National Convention
Simon performed "Bridge over Troubled Water" at the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016.
2016: Release of Stranger to Stranger
Paul Simon's "Stranger to Stranger" album was released in 2016.
May 24, 2017: Performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Simon debuted a new version of "Questions for the Angels" with Bill Frisell on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 24, 2017.
February 5, 2018: Retirement Announcement
On February 5, 2018, Simon announced his retirement from touring.
May 2018: "Homeward Bound" Farewell Tour
Simon's farewell concert tour, "Homeward Bound", began in May 2018.
September 22, 2018: Final Concert
Paul Simon performed his final concert in Queens, New York on September 22, 2018.
October 13, 2018: Musical Guest on SNL for 77th Birthday
On October 13, 2018, Paul Simon appeared as the musical guest on SNL in celebration of his 77th birthday.
2018: Paul Simon Retires from Touring
Paul Simon decided to retire from touring in 2018.
2018: Release of 'In the Blue Light'
Paul Simon released his fourteenth solo studio album, 'In the Blue Light', in 2018. The album featured re-recordings of lesser-known songs from his catalog, with some tracks showcasing altered arrangements, harmonic structures, and lyrics.
August 11, 2019: Performance at Outside Lands Festival
On August 11, 2019, Paul Simon returned to live performance after a brief hiatus, closing San Francisco's Outside Lands festival in Golden Gate Park. Notably, he pledged to donate his net proceeds from the performance to local environmental non-profit organizations.
2019: Donated Appearance Fee for Outside Lands Festival to San Francisco Parks Alliance and Friends of the Urban Forest
Paul Simon's commitment to philanthropy was highlighted in 2019 when he donated his appearance fee for his performance at San Francisco's Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival to the San Francisco Parks Alliance and Friends of the Urban Forest.
2020: Recognition for "Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)"
In 2020, American Songwriter magazine recognized Dion's "Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)", which featured Paul Simon, as the "Greatest of the Great 2020 Songs".
2020: Inspiration for 'Seven Psalms'
The inspiration for 'Seven Psalms' came to Paul Simon in 2020 through a vivid dream. In the dream, a voice instructed him to work on a piece called 'Seven Psalms'.
April 2023: Release of 'Seven Psalms' and Documentary Premiere
April 2023 marked the release of Paul Simon's new album, 'Seven Psalms'. A documentary about the project, titled 'In Restless Dreams', directed by Alex Gibney, was also released. The album, described as 33 minutes of uninterrupted musical meditation, comprises seven pieces performed on acoustic guitar, linked by a motif derived from "Anji", with elements of folk, blues, and jazz. The lyrics reflect on life, death, and faith.
May 2023: Hearing Loss Revelation and New Projects
In May 2023, during an interview with The Times, Paul Simon revealed that he had lost "most of the hearing" in his left ear. Despite previously planning to retire from music, he shared that he was working on a new album of duets with his partner, singer Edie Brickell, and was in the early stages of developing a musical.
May 2023: Release of Seven Psalms
Paul Simon released "Seven Psalms," his latest album, in May 2023.
December 2023: Rehearsals for 'Seven Psalms' Live Performances
In early December 2023, Paul Simon began rehearsing 'Seven Psalms' with two acoustic guitarists. He expressed a desire to return to performing and hoped to bring the album to the stage.
2023: Ranked 246th on Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone updated their list of the greatest guitarists of all time, and Paul Simon was ranked 246th.
2024: All Four Children are Musicians
By 2024, all four of Paul Simon's children had grown up and pursued careers in music, following in their father's footsteps.