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Paul Simon at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Paul Simon discusses his incredible career, which begin in English Folk Clubs and on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, before he had worldwide success both with Art Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

Paul Simon discusses his incredible career, which begin in English Folk Clubs and on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, before he had worldwide success both with Art Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

The programme opens with Paul, being filmed by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One arts programme Omnibus in 1988, driving around his High School and childhood home in the borough of Queens in New York, remembering hearing Artie’s renowned angelic voice in the playground, writing and selling their first hit record and beginning his lifelong love of baseball.

Then, talking to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ radio presenters Stuart Grundy, Matt Everett and Johnnie Walker over many years, Paul remembers his musician father telling him he had a good voice but perhaps shouldn’t think of a rock star as a good career choice. Paul also remembers his pre-fame time living and touring in England and the influence of the revolutionary folk movement, an early career break broadcasting on the Religious Slot on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio before returning to America and, incredibly, not finding instant success. Paul also recalls that Simon & Garfunkel did not want the soundtrack album to The Graduate released and has mixed feelings about splitting with Artie.

We also learn that, after the success of 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover and Mother and Child Reunion, Paul had to rethink his solo career after two subsequent flops, before the hugely acclaimed and politically challenging Graceland changed his life.

57 minutes

Music Played

  • Tom & Jerry

    Hey, Schoolgirl

    • The History of Pop & Rock 'N' Roll, Vol. 20.
    • Diamond Days.
    • 10.
  • Tom And Jerry

    Hey Schoolgirl

    • Two Teenagers.
    • Jasmine Records.
    • 1.
  • Paul Simon

    Kodachrome

    • The Paul Simon Anthology (Disc 1).
    • Warner Bros.
    • 5.
  • Julius La Rosa

    Anywhere I Wander

    • Anywhere I Wander.
    • SOFA - AV Catalog PS.
    • 1.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    The Sound of Silence

    • The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel.
    • Columbia.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    America

    • The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel.
    • Columbia.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    Scarborough Fair/Canticle

    • The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel.
    • Columbia.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    Mrs. Robinson

    • Old Friends.
    • Columbia.
  • Swan Silvertones

    Oh Mary Don't You Weep

    • What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
    • Dance Plant Records Inc.
    • 12.
  • The Everly Brothers

    Long Time Gone

    • Long Time Gone.
    • Blacksheep Music.
    • 15.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    Bridge Over Troubled Water

    • Bridge Over Troubled Water.
    • Columbia.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    The Only Living Boy In New York

    • Bridge Over Troubled Water.
    • Columbia.
  • Simon & Garfunkel

    Cecilia

    • The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel.
    • Columbia.
  • Paul Simon

    50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

    • Paul Simon - Negotiations & Love Song.
    • Warner Bros.
    • 6.
  • Paul Simon

    Mother and Child Reunion

    • The Paul Simon Anthology (Disc 1).
    • Warner Bros.
    • 1.
  • Paul Simon

    The Late Great Johnny Ace

    • Hearts And Bones.
    • Legacy Recordings.
    • 10.
  • Paul Simon

    The Boy in the Bubble

    • Warner Bros.
  • Paul Simon

    The Boy in the Bubble

    • The Paul Simon Anthology (Disc 2).
    • Warner Bros.
    • 3.
  • Paul Simon

    Graceland

    • The Paul Simon Anthology (Disc 2).
    • Warner Bros.
    • 1.
  • Paul Simon

    You Can Call Me Al

    • The Paul Simon Anthology (Disc 2).
    • Warner Bros.
    • 4.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 11 Jun 2023 00:00
  • Sun 21 Apr 2024 00:00