Paul Simon: The Life

For almost six decades, Paul Simon has been a pioneer of American songwriting, with a career that spans the folk-rock of Simon and Garfunkel to sophisticated Seventies pop and to the South African sounds of Graceland, all while writing some of the strongest lyrics in the rock canon. Journalist and writer Hilburn's (Johnny Cash: The Life) life of Simon is immediately essential as he interviewed Simon himself over the course of dozens of hours, something the singer has never before granted to biographers. Along with dozens of other interviews with Simon associates as well as sourced material, Hilburn chronicles Simon's early days in Queens, NY; his complicated relationship with Art Garfunkel, the extraordinary musical and cultural journey that led to Graceland and its reception, his occasional career setbacks, and ultimately his most recent work that still demonstrates the powers of a visionary artist. Hilburn documents the recording of specific albums, provides insights and analysis of the writing and lyrics of individual songs, and touches on Simon's personal life and family, all including the musician's own reflections.