Funeral will be in 3 days _ Farewell singer Paul Simon
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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.