Paul Simon: The Life by Robert Hilburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book. Hilburn is a good writer--enjoyed his biography of Johnny Cash. Paul Simon--well, he's a genuine musical genius. I mean, the breadth & width of this guy's career alone is enough to boggle the mind. From his early Simon & Garfunkel days, all through his solo years, plus the oft-repeated new concerts & tours with his old buddie, Art. Concerts in the park. Simon is one of those early innovators in combining American & World Music--his Graceland & Rhythm of the Saints are 2 of the best albums/recordings, ever. Period. The combination of engaging & interesting lyrics & topics with the fusion of African & Latin music with American folk & rock. Amazing stuff all-around. And, Simon hasn't just relied on re-runs of his oldies & favorites--he's continue to be creative and to make new music. Great reading about his creative process--and also getting a little glimpse into the life of his family, which over the past 30 years or so has been quite stable.


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