Remembering When a Paul Simon Song Featured Two Future Members of a Critically Beloved Group on Backing Vocals in 1973

Paul Simon’s “Was a Sunny Day”, a track on his 1973 album *There Goes Rhymin’ Simon*, featured backing vocals by sisters Maggie and Terre Roche, who later became members of the acclaimed cult group The Roches. Simon had mentored the sisters as they began pursuing music, and the recording gave them an early break and helped them secure a record deal.

Their first album, *Seductive Reasoning*, was released in 1975 under the name Maggie and Terre Roche, but they left Columbia after objecting to its marketing and the record’s poor reception. With their sister Suzzy, they formed The Roches, built a following through live performances and released a well-reviewed 1979 album produced by Robert Fripp. Simon continued to support them, including helping them appear on *Saturday Night Live*.