# In 1970, Paul Simon experimented with a new kind of music. 16 years later, it sold 16,000,000 records

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1970-paul-simon-experimented-with-a-new-kind-of-music-16-years-later-it-sold-16000000-records/
- Published: 2026-10-25T19:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T19:12:36+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-1970-paul-simon-experimented-with-a-new-kind-of-music-16-years-later-it-sold-16000000-records/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music, Research, Science

## Key points

- “El Condor Pasa” helped inspire *Graceland*.
- Simon believed cross-cultural music needed collaboration with local musicians.
- *Graceland* sold 16 million records.

## Summary

Paul Simon’s experiments with music beyond conventional pop began with “El Condor Pasa”, recorded with Art Garfunkel, and later helped shape his solo album *Graceland*. Simon said the 1986 record grew from the idea that music from another culture could become popular, and that working with musicians where the music originated was essential.

The article describes a creative difference between Simon, who sought new directions as a songwriter, and Garfunkel, who favoured polished pop. Simon traced the path to *Graceland* to the Peruvian influence of “El Condor Pasa” on *Bridge Over Troubled Water*; the album later sold 16 million records, with South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo among its notable contributors.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.