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Paul Simon

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Paul Simon: Biography

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Birth Name: Paul Frederic Simon
Birth Place: Newark, NJ
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 10/13/1941, Libra
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer

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Paul Simon Fast Facts:

Had his first hit in 1957 with a singer he met in high school, Art Garfunkel: Billed as Tom and Jerry, they recorded "Hey Schoolgirl" when they were 16 years old.
His professional breakthrough, as songwriter and singer with Simon and Garfunkel in the 1960s, came for two major reasons: producer Tom Wilson's decision to add a rock backing to the acoustic song "The Sound of Silence" and the heavy use of Simon and Garfunkel songs in the 1967 hit movie The Graduate.
One song featured in that film, "Mrs. Robinson," contained the line "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you." The Baseball Hall of Fame slugger was puzzled: He once pointed out to Simon he hadn't gone anywhere, and had just done a Mr. Coffee commercial.
Simon and Garfunkel broke up in 1970, at the time of the release of their most popular album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, as Garfunkel became focused on an acting career. Their song "The Only Living Boy in New York," later featured in the 2004 film Garden State, was inspired by changes in their relationship.
The folk-rockers reunited over the years for lucrative tours, though their relationship remained strained.
Simon quickly rebounded from the breakup to become a huge success all over again, both critically and commercially, with such hits as "Still Crazy After All These Years" and "Slip Slidin' Away."
Had a bit part as an unlikable record-company executive in the 1977 movie Annie Hall and starred, effectively, as a struggling musician in the 1980 movie, One Trick Pony, which he wrote.
His landmark musical achievement---one amid many heights---came with the 1986 release of the classic album Graceland, which used South African rhythms to underscore some of his most memorable songs, including "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and the brilliant title cut.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist.
On May 23, 2007 he was the first recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
A founder of the Children's Health Fund, which brings medical care to children in underserved areas in the United States.

Paul Simon Relationships:
Adrian Edward Simon - Son
Belle Simon - Mother
Carrie Fisher - Ex-wife
Eddie Simon - Brother
Edie Brickell - Wife
Gabriel Elijah Simon - Son
Harper James Simon - Son
Louis Simon - Father
Lulu Belle Simon - Daughter
Peggy Harper - Ex-wife
Paul Simon Awards:
1978 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Comedy-Variety or Music Special - Winner
1998 Tony: Original Musical Score - Nominee
1987 Grammy: Record of the Year - Winner
1975 Grammy: Album of the Year - Winner
1975 Grammy: Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male - Winner
1970 Grammy: Record of the Year - Winner
1970 Grammy: Album of the Year - Winner
1970 Grammy: Song of the Year - Winner
1970 Grammy: Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) - Winner
1968 Grammy: Record of the Year - Winner
1970 Grammy: Best Contemporary Song - Winner
1968 Grammy: Best Contemporary Pop Performance - Vocal Duo or Group - Winner
1968 Grammy: Best Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special - Winner
2003 Golden Globe: Best Original Song - Motion Picture - Nominee
2002 Oscar: Best Original Song - Nominee
1986 Grammy: Album of the Year - Winner
College:
Queens College, Queens, New York (BA English)