In 1970, Paul Simon experimented with a new kind of music. 16 years later, it sold 16,000,000 records
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.
In short
- “El Condor Pasa” helped inspire *Graceland*.
- Simon believed cross-cultural music needed collaboration with local musicians.
- *Graceland* sold 16 million records.
Explained simply
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were an American singing duo whose songs combined close harmonies with polished pop arrangements. They sometimes differed over musical direction: Simon was interested in trying sounds beyond conventional pop, while Garfunkel preferred a more polished style.
One early influence was “El Condor Pasa”, a Peruvian melody the duo recorded on their 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water. Simon later developed his interest in music from other cultures on Graceland, working with musicians from South Africa, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
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