(Shout Factory/Stomp)

Genre-hopping hitmaker takes another first

Paul Simon’s musical journey began in 1957 when he released a single with Art Garfunkel under the name of Tom & Jerry. Fortunately, that name got dropped and, first as the key writer in the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, then as a solo artist, Paul Simon has in his own way been a both an appealing hitmaker and a pioneer. In recognition of that impressive career, he became the first person to be awarded The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song. To mark the occasion, a gala event was held in the American capital of Washington in May 2007, bringing together a host of performers to sing Simon’s praises – literally. An array of acts participated in reliving some of his most significant songs. So you have Lyle Lovett with 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, Jamaica’s Stephen Marley with Mother And Child Reunion, James Taylor with Still Crazy After All These Years, Marc Anthony with El Condor Pasa and, um, The Muppets with The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy). Apart from some historic videos scattered through the performances (singing Under African Skies with Miriam Makeba in a special Graceland concert in Zimbabwe in 1987, joining George Harrison for Homeward Bound on Saturday Night Live in 1976, and so on). Simon stays on the sidelines until towards the end. And, frankly, though what precedes it is indeed a celebration, it’s here the whole thing lifts off. Teaming up with Art Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes) and Stevie Wonder (Loves Me Like A Rock), Simon actually seems a little taken aback by all the attention, but revels in it anyway – as he should.