Funeral will be in 3 days _ Farewell singer Paul Simon

WORLD ENTERTAIMENT CHANNEL

Transcript

00:00 Paul Simon was born Paul Frederick Simon on October 30, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey, USA.

00:08 His early life was spent in Queens, New York City, where he was raised in a vibrant and

00:12 diverse community, which would later have a profound impact on his music.

00:18 From a young age, Simon displayed an extraordinary affinity for music, and it became evident

00:23 that he possessed a rare talent destined for greatness.

00:28 The seeds of Paul Simon's musical journey were sown early on, as he began singing and

00:33 experimenting with melodies from the tender age of five.

00:38 His passion for music was evident even in his formative years, and he eagerly sought

00:43 opportunities to showcase his burgeoning talent.

00:47 Encouraged by his family, and fueled by an innate creative drive, young Paul immersed

00:53 himself in the world of music, learning to play the guitar and writing his first songs

00:59 while still in his teens.

01:02 Serendipity struck when Paul Simon crossed paths with Art Garfunkel during their time

01:07 at elementary school.

01:09 Their meeting laid the foundation for a remarkable partnership that would shape the musical landscape

01:14 for years to come.

01:17 The two kindred spirits connected over their shared love for music, and it wasn't long

01:21 before they decided to team up.

01:24 In the late 1950s, Simon and Garfunkel formed a musical duo known as Tom and Jerry.

01:31 Even at this early stage, their musical chemistry and harmonious vocals were evident, hinting

01:37 at the future brilliance that awaited them.

01:41 Paul Simon's journey as part of the iconic folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel began in

01:46 earnest with the release of their debut album Wednesday Morning 3AM in 1964.

01:53 This marked the first step in what would become an extraordinary musical partnership that

01:58 captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

02:02 However, the road to success was not without its obstacles.

02:07 In 1965, a remixed version of a track from their debut album titled The Sound of Silence

02:14 unexpectedly found its way to the earwaves.

02:18 The Sound of Silence struck a profound chord with a generation grappling with the complexities

02:23 of a rapidly changing world.

02:26 The song's introspective lyrics and Simon's evocative vocals resonated deeply with listeners,

02:32 speaking to their feelings of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning in an

02:37 increasingly chaotic society.

02:40 As if by magic, the song quickly climbed the charts, soaring to the top and catapulting

02:46 Simon and Garfunkel to newfound fame and recognition.

02:52 In 1966, Simon and Garfunkel released Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme, an album that showcased

02:59 their exceptional musicianship and extraordinary ability to craft compelling narratives through

03:05 song.

03:06 Songs like Scarborough Fair Canticle and Homeward Bound displayed their prowess at blending

03:12 traditional folk with contemporary elements, captivating audiences worldwide.

03:19 With each passing album, Simon and Garfunkel's popularity soared to new heights.

03:25 In 1968, they released Bookends, a concept album that delved into the themes of aging,

03:31 mortality, and the passage of time.

03:34 The album's poignant ballads, including America and Old Friends, showcased the duo's emotional

03:41 depth and further endeared them to a diverse and ever-growing fanbase.

03:46 However, it was their magnum opus, Bridge Over Troubled Water, released in 1970, that

03:52 elevated Simon and Garfunkel to the pinnacle of musical achievement.

03:57 The album remains a timeless classic, featuring enduring hits like the title track "Bridge

04:02 Over Troubled Water" and "The Boxer."

04:06 With its sweeping orchestral arrangements and soul-stirring melodies, the album touched

04:11 the hearts of millions and solidified Simon and Garfunkel's legacy as musical legends.

04:18 Paul Simon's foray into his solo career in 1972 marked a significant turning point in

04:23 his musical journey.

04:26 After the success and eventual hiatus of Simon and Garfunkel, the release of his self-titled

04:31 solo album, Paul Simon, showcased his remarkable talents as a singer-songwriter and demonstrated

04:38 that he was more than capable of standing on his own as a musical force.

04:44 One of the standout tracks on the album was "Mother and Child Reunion."

04:48 This song, inspired by a Chinese restaurant menu item that Simon had seen while grieving

04:53 the loss of his dog, was a fusion of reggae rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.

04:59 It became a major hit, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and introducing

05:04 Paul Simon's solo work to a broader audience.

05:09 Building on the success of his debut solo album, Simon continued to push the boundaries

05:14 of his artistry with his 1973 release, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon."

05:20 This album further solidified his status as a solo artist capable of creating timeless

05:25 and genre-defying music.

05:29 The album featured a mix of upbeat and introspective tracks that showcased Simon's exceptional

05:34 songwriting skills and his ability to craft narratives that resonated deeply with listeners.

05:41 One of the standout tracks on "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" was the hit single "Kodachrome."

05:47 This song's catchy melody and introspective lyrics struck a chord with audiences and quickly

05:53 became a radio favorite.

05:56 Alongside tracks like "Loves Me Like a Rock" and "American Tune," the album presented a

06:01 diverse array of musical styles, reinforcing Simon's reputation as a masterful storyteller

06:08 and a virtuoso in blending various genres.

06:12 In 1975, Paul Simon released "Still Crazy After All These Years," an album that solidified

06:18 his place as a musical icon and earned him the prestigious honor of winning the Grammy

06:24 for Album of the Year.

06:26 This critically acclaimed record showcased Simon's introspective and reflective side,

06:31 delving into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

06:36 Another highlight of the album was the song "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," which became

06:41 one of Simon's most recognizable and beloved songs.

06:45 The track's infectious rhythm and clever wordplay solidified its place as one of the catchiest

06:50 and most enduring tunes in his extensive repertoire.

06:55 In 1986, Paul Simon released what would become one of the most iconic albums of his career

07:01 and a defining moment in the history of popular music, "Graceland."

07:07 In 1990, Simon released "The Rhythm of the Saints," a captivating and rhythmically rich

07:12 album that followed in the footsteps of his groundbreaking "Graceland."

07:17 This album marked another foray into world music, with Simon drawing inspiration from

07:23 Brazilian and West African rhythms.

07:26 Embracing a fusion of these diverse cultural elements, "The Rhythm of the Saints" showcased

07:31 Simon's dedication to expanding his musical palette and his genuine appreciation for global

07:38 sounds.

07:40 With tracks like "The Obvious Child," the album demonstrated Simon's ability to create

07:45 music that was both infectious and thought-provoking.

07:49 The rhythmic complexities and intricate arrangements of the songs reflected a deep understanding

07:54 of the musical traditions he drew from, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful

08:00 composer and collaborator.

08:03 In 2006, Simon released "Surprise," an album that once again reaffirmed his status as a

08:09 musical visionary.

08:12 Teaming up with the acclaimed producer Brian Eno, Simon delved into experimental soundscapes,

08:18 incorporating electronic and ambient elements into his music.

08:22 "Surprise" was a bold departure from his previous works, yet it retained the trademark storytelling

08:29 and introspection that had defined his artistry throughout his career.

08:35 Simon had several failed relationships and has been married thrice.

08:40 He was in a relationship with Kathy Kathleen Mary, whom he met during his days in Europe.

08:46 Simon's growing success brought insecurities between the couple and they decided to part

08:51 ways.

08:52 Presently, he is married to singer Edie Brickell.

08:56 They got married on May 30, 1992, and are parents to three children, namely Adrian,

09:03 Lulu, and Gabriel.

09:06 Paul Simon recently revealed he is battling with his lung cancer.

09:10 A spokesperson for his representative spoke about the diagnosis, which is still in the

09:15 process of being confirmed, as well as the surgery schedule.

09:20 On July 16, Paul Simon fell to his knees while walking near his home and leaving bruises

09:25 on his head and hands.

09:28 It was discovered that he was holding his chest and was in severe pain, but it was confirmed

09:32 to be unrelated to the stroke.

09:36 The world was holding its breath as news of the health condition of one of the most iconic

09:40 and influential singer-songwriters' generation was revealed.

09:45 The 81-year-old was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer, leaving fans extremely worried

09:51 and praying.

09:53 The severity and irreparability of the diagnosis has left people desperate, but the hope of

09:59 a miracle remains.

10:01 Edie Burkell, Paul's devoted wife, has been open about their current situation, admitting

10:07 that only those closest to him know how sick he really is.

10:11 The rounds of chemotherapy and radiation took a serious toll on Paul's health, making his

10:17 fate precarious.

10:19 Despite the heartbreaking news, Edie Burkell still spends every precious moment with her

10:24 husband, cherishing the time they have left.

10:28 The world is sending all its love and prayers to Paul and his family, hoping a miracle will

10:33 save this iconic singer-songwriter.

10:37 We deeply regret what the doctor has diagnosed for Paul Simon's health.

10:41 Hopefully, his family will actively reassure him, because this shock is too great.

10:47 Too great.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended