Born:
October 13, 1941
in
Newark, New Jersey
Best Known For:
His partnership with Art Garfunkel.
Early-life:
Paul Frederic Simon was born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey. His mother was a teacher, his father was a college professor who also played bass and acted as a bandleader. The family relocated to Queens, New York, when Paul was still a baby. He met Art Garfunkel at school when they were both 11, and they began singing together two years later - they recorded their first song in 1957. Paul went on to study English at Queens College, and later dropped out of law school to concentrate on music.
Career:
Between 1957 and 1964, Simon wrote and released more than 30 songs, occasionally with Garfunkel under the name Tom and Jerry. He also performed with Tico and the Triumphs. He and Garfunkel gained a recording contract in 1964, but their first album flopped. Simon then toured English folk clubs, released a solo album and wrote songs for other artists before returning to the US and reuniting with Garfunkel. They enjoyed a series of successes, most notably with the soundtrack for the 1967 film The Graduate. The duo split in 1970, although they've gotten back together for various performances since. Simon went on to have a hugely successful solo career, peaking with his award-winning 1986 album Graceland. He continues to perform and record.
Quote:
'Being an artist doesn't mean that you're a good artist. That was the bargain I first made with myself: I'd say, I'm an artist, but I'm not really very good.'
Trivia:
He's appeared in several movies, including Shampoo and Annie Hall.