Paul Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an Americanmusician and songwriter. He is of Jewish descent and became famous as a member of Simon and Garfunkel, with his friend, Art Garfunkel. He wrote their songs. The two went their separate ways in the early 1970s and since then Simon has become a successful solo artist.
Paul Simon had his first success in 1958 when his song "Hey Schoolgirl" got to Number 49 on the US charts.[1] He was performing with his friend Art Garfunkel in an act called "Tom and Jerry". His next success was in 1965 with "Sounds of Silence" which went to Number 1.[1] This was also performed with Garfunkel under the name "Simon and Garfunkel.
Some of Simon's most famous songs include "Slip Sliding Away", "American Tune", "Late in the Evening", "Still Crazy After All These Years", "Me and Julio Down By the School Yard" and "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover". His 1986 albumGraceland is very well-known. He is still producing music. His newest album is called Surprise.
Simon has received three honorary doctorates in music, including one from Yale University and one from Berklee College of Music. In 2006, Time said that he was one of the 100 people who shape our world.[2]
