Everything But The Weed

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Linda Maze, a Wedding photography Gainesville FL in Gainesville Florida

Paul Simon is actually a music and entertainment beacon, and fans of several generations will be pleased to hear that he is returning to the stage with a full schedule of shows around the United States. Simon’s work evokes diverse meanings for different folks, but the fact remains that very few entertainers draw as diverse a fan base as Simon.  A glance at his life and influences may help to explain why.

Early Life

Simon came into this world on October 13, 1941 in Newark Heights, New Jersey, but his family soon moved to Queens. Simon was raised in a typical family setting, and went to Forest Hills High School, where he became quite interested in music.

It was here that Simon met and befriended Art Garfunkel, and the two began playing music together occasionally under the band name “Tom and Jerry”. The instant bond the two shared centered on their mutual admiration of The Everly Brothers. They released their very first single, Hey, Schoolgirl, in 1957 and it rose to number 49 on the charts.

Simon continued his schooling at Queens College, and he ultimately got his degree in English Literature. From this time, until he finished college, Simon was introduced to the folk music scene in New York City. Simon released over 30 songs before he graduated from college, most of which were released on minor record labels.

A Legendary Duo

In 1964, Simon and Garfunkel started their longstanding work together by signing a record contract with Columbia Records, and they released their very first album, Wednesday Morning, that same year. Among the singles from that initial album, “The Sound of Silence”, climbed to number one on the music charts, and a dynamic duo was born.

For the next 6 years, the two singers released seven albums, one of which being the soundtrack for the celebrated movie, “The Graduate”. Although none of the singles from these records achieved enormous commercial success, the duo’s work obtained cult status that’s hard to match.

Proof of their underground popularity was seen in 1981, when Simon and Garfunkel got together for a show in Central Park that drew over half a million people.

Going Solo

Soon after Simon and Garfunkel separated in 1970, Simon continued to create albums. His influence never waned. Simon released 14 albums during his time as a solo artist. Simon’s commercial success actually increased, as he produced 17 singles that made the US music charts.

He also became a renowned musical writer, helping generate several platinum albums for other musicians and Broadway productions. Simon continues to write and compose even today.

Achievements

Paul Simon’s position as an icon was cemented by several honors he received in reflection of his musical impact. Simon was inducted, with Art Garfunkel, into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1990. Simon was once again recognized when he received Kennedy Center Honors in 2002.

One year later, Simon and Garfunkel obtained a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which led to a tour that wrapped up at the Coliseum in Rome in front of a staggering six hundred thousand admirers.

Paul Simon has been improving the art of music and performing for nearly fifty years. This summer’s tour will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to bask within the glow of a musical legend.

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