Paul Simon's solo career spans seven decades of constant musical evolution and creative output
In short: Since parting ways with Art Garfunkel in 1970, Paul Simon has maintained a prolific solo career that began long before his folk-rock fame. From his early recordings in the 1950s to his 2023 release Seven Psalms, Simon has consistently redefined his sound while amassing millions of album sales across the decades.
Paul Simon first achieved global prominence as one half of the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. While their partnership remains a defining chapter in music history, Simon's artistic journey extends far beyond that collaboration. He began his recording career in the 1950s, establishing a foundation that would eventually lead to a highly successful solo trajectory after the duo officially split in 1970.
The commercial impact of his solo work is significant. Data from Nielsen indicates that between 1991 and 2016 alone, Simon sold more than 7 million albums within the United States. This figure reflects his enduring appeal as a solo artist, even decades after his initial rise to fame. His discography is vast, encompassing a wide array of studio albums, live recordings, and compilations that showcase his versatility as a singer-songwriter.
Beyond his studio albums, Simon has embraced various formats to document his performances. His live discography includes notable releases such as the 1981 Paul Simon in Concert, the 1987 Graceland: The African Concert, and the 1991 Paul Simon's Concert in the Park. These recordings have transitioned through multiple media formats, from original VHS and Laserdisc releases to later DVD and Blu-ray editions. His most recent project, Seven Psalms, arrived in May 2023, demonstrating that his creative output remains active well into the modern era.
It is important to note that Simon's official solo discography excludes certain early work, such as the singles recorded under the pseudonym Tom & Jerry alongside Art Garfunkel, as well as the material released specifically under the Simon & Garfunkel name. By focusing on his solo efforts, listeners can better appreciate the distinct stylistic shifts and collaborative experiments that have characterized his work since he stepped away from the duo format over fifty years ago.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Paul Simon discography
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-paul-simon-discography.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
