I am blown away by the humility of Paul Simon. He plays the boxer and says that still works, people seem to still like it. This is Paul Simon actually plugged into the taste of the public as a valuable input and not as a condescending artist.
Mr. Simon is one of the most underrated of guitarists. His fingerpicking style is incredibly elegant and graceful and he makes it look easy but it's anything but.
True. And yet, for a guy who has been heard by so many millions of people, and who undoubtedly inspired the purchase of countless guitars, he really hasn’t been the subject of nearly as much study/analysis/transcription/etc as one might expect.
@@andrewthomason3857 Hello from u.k. Got BOTW as my first album back in the day. Got a few more of the others over time. Agree with your comment. Take care.
I agree Paul Simon is a musical genius. At 2:22 you can see how much he's let the fingernails of his right hand grow out so he can do the fingerpicking style. It must take a lot of maintenance to keep them that way without breaking.
It's otherworldly that he wrote Sound of Silence in his early 20s. The timeless observation of that piece, combined with the elegiac melody, are dumbfounding from anyone, let alone someone that young.
I don't understand why people have to cite the metaphysical when it comes to the talents of human beings. Connection to the divine? Transcends reality? What a load of woo woo crap.
Paul Simon will be remembered as the "American Songbook" of the latter 20th century. Gershwin, being the same for the first part of the century. Whether you are aware of it or not, this man has touched your soul and made a difference.
Paul is so honest, and the interviewer is genuine and humble in his his mannerisms, with good questions in the presence of an icon. Gentlemen, the two of them.
As a guitar player for 45+years I too really appreciate seeing Paul Simon's guitars. I'll be he has another 20 acoustics tucked away somewhere and maybe a half-dozen nice electrics.
I thank my stars that I grew up with this man's music. I learned to play guitar on these songs and came to perform in a duet with my twin brother and we did three sets of S & G and Paul's solo stuff. We've been playing his music since 1970. He is the consummate American songwriter and one of the best of all time. Thank you sir!
Paul (standing at 5'3") will forever be a giant to me, he towers largely over my early to late teen years, his words and music are woven into my story, he was part of my journey and some day (may it be far far from now) he will be a memory, someone who was, but is no more. But parts of him will walk with me until I too am gone. Thank you, Paul - for sharing your talent with us all.
I see your sentiment. But Paul (and many people) wish that height wasn't such a factor in the ranking of humanity. Yet, the mindset pervades. He's short. So what? Would he mean more to you if he was 6'4"? It's like judging someone for skin tone. Ridiculous. He moves hearts and audiences the world over, and will be remembered for centuries. Full stop.
@@tarp11z I see your sentiment as well. But I'm not one of those people who says "I don't see skin color". I DO SEE physical qualities - because THEY EXIST - why should I pretend they don't exist just to try to 'equalize' everyone? Make everyone THE SAME. We aren't all the same - we are all different. We all have something about us that stands out. One of those physical qualities is height, Paul is short, and for some reason shorter men can be perceived as not being as powerful as taller men... perhaps physically, that is true... but the physicality of a man is not the only aspect of a man that can be powerful. I love how in the video "Call me Al" Chevy Chase (who oddly, is 6' 4" - as you mentioned) is the person Paul chose to be his acting partner. The two are SO different - height wise especially - but OBVIOUSLY Paul is the bigger musical talent... by FAR. Yet, Chevy takes over the lead (having no musical talent at all) as though being bigger means maybe he thinks he is the center of attention? I don't know how they planned it to come across... but It's genius. After all is said, it all comes back to the gift that Paul has shared during his lifetime... that is what will MATTER to me and all who are moved by his words, his voice, his vision and his commitment to his art. Cheers!
As do I. Paul's writing and recordings can only be compared to the other greats. Dylan and The Beatles come to mind, and yet his collection of songs is more approachable and familiar. Always relatable.
As a guitar player who was born with severe hearing loss and has found comfort in the sounds of silence it allows me to see and listen through a different and more intellectual perspective. Even in life, Paul Simon is an absolute hero to me ❤
Guess I am a little strange, I am a Rock is still one of my favorites. I was that Rock when I first heard it. Helped me through that. Thanks for posting, and thanks to God for Paul Simon!
@@onlyrick Indeed a young and wounded man's song. Yet timeless... "I have my books And my poetry to protect me I am shielded in my armor Hiding in my room safe within my womb I touch no one and no one touches me I am a rock I am an island..."
It's a very good song, but at the same time, I can absolutely see why it doesn't have the same depth from Simon's 2023 perspective as, say, The Boxer. Simon is such a brilliant poet and musician that even his lesser works outshine the best work 99% of artists.
To be standing next to him as he casually plays you The Boxer just for fun and afterward goes to you and says “that still works, people still like that song”… The humility of this legend…Thank you for *everything*, Paul.
If you started playing guitar in the late sixties like I did, Paul Simon was one of the people who influenced you on guitar; as I was! His finger-picking style which he utilized in his classic Simon & Garfunkel songs is as iconic as any classic riff by Hendrix or the Beatles,etc.
Paul Simon still has the FIRST guitar his dad bought for him. That's fantastic!!! I wonder if he ever plays it anymore. I would have loved to have seen him play it in this clip.
If you look closely you can see that it didn't have any strings on it. A guitar, that old might have a warped neck and he holds onto it for sentimental reasons. I wish I still had the first guitar my Mom got for me, even though it was just a cheap department store guitar. Oddly enough, it had a lot of Paul Simon songs played on it, so I guess it wasn't so bad after all.
@@charlie-obrien That's what I thought, no strings on the guitar his dad gave him. I just hope he has it displayed in a place that honors his father's memory.
The guild he has there is the earlier mid 60s F30R with the small pickguard. The picture they show of paul with artie performing is the 2nd F30R with the larger pickguard that has been floating around in museums the last several years.
I love that you caught this detail about his Guild, and tho I am not a gearhead, it was neat to learn this. In the late 70s after I landed a good job, the first thing I bought (on layaway too) was a Guild D55NT, I think because I thought that John Renbourn played one. I've just loved it's qualities, and it's my guitar that stays in open G tuning. That Nashville tuning Paul was demo-ing seems like a way high string tension!
I had a teacher in junior high who played Paul Simon album over and over in class . In the sixtys, she was obviously just out of college. I was into motown and didn't like school or her or them. What a difference many decades makes. I realize they were very talented. Cotacrome still fits all the crap I learned in high school.
"Some of the songs that are old... they're still good." "So, that still works. People still like that song." I knew going into this youtube that there was a chance I might get choked up. As a long time guitarist and a fan of Paul since the beginning (and Artie too)... so when the end hit and Paul humbly declared that The Boxer still works... I lost it!
Beautiful piece. Paul is top influencer in my playing and learning guitar. Boxer is longtime favorite, and yes people still like it!!!! Gotta add that what sets his work apart is that it is pure poetry even without the music. And the music just multiplies the beauty of it.
Just imagine being it that room with Paul Simon and he's singing these amazing tunes.. I had a similar experience with Art Garfunkel, in 1989. I was recording an album with my band at the time and Garfunkel was doing some shows in the Netherlands. It so happened that our live sound-engineer was involved in those concerts and there was this song that we felt was perfect for some harmony-vocals from Art. So he asked if it was ok if I would meet Art before the soundcheck. When I arrived at the theatre I didn't see anyone and so I walked to the stage, where the curtains were almost closed, exept for a small opening. And through that opening I heard a very familiar voice singing Bridge over troubled water. I was speechless. Then Art appeared and it turned out he sang along with the recorded piano on the headphones he was wearing, just to warm up his voice. We got to talk, he was very friendly and I explained why I was there and h listened to the track on those headphones. He really liked it. However, long story short: even though the gig the next day was only 20 km's from the studio, his management felt it would take too much time so they kinda vetoed it. Damn....
Watching this on my morning commute (with headphones!) and getting emotional...I'm a millennial, but there is something in particular about the music of the Sixties that speaks to us through time
I hope he's tongue and cheek about his songs being dated. He is continually creating, but none of his older songs are really dated. In fact, it is the opposite; his songs written decades ago have a timelessness about them, and are ageing beautifully, with every new generation falling in love with them. I've met a lot of young musicians who like to play his older songs and rotate them into their performances, and it's songs like "For Emily Whenever I May Find Her," "Kathy's Song," and "April Come She Will." With regard to "I am a Rock" (which I once read Simon saying that it was one of his least favorite songs), while on its surface it seems to be an ode to collapsing inward and disengaging from the world, it is actually a powerful declaration of a someone who is in control of their life and chooses to let in just what pleases them, while being able to take or leave what doesn't. One gets the idea that the person making such a declaration can re-engage with the world at any time but from a place of strength and confidence. We are all shielded by our strengths.
An American Legend and National Treasure. He defined who we are. Goes WAY beyond music and "pop" stardom. I often wonder...Does he even _know_ how much his music means to us?
A Human Treasure. Very rare, very precious, not replaceable.
I am blown away by the humility of Paul Simon. He plays the boxer and says that still works, people seem to still like it. This is Paul Simon actually plugged into the taste of the public as a valuable input and not as a condescending artist.
Paul Worked..Helped Others..Profound feelings..Tided me over in Tuff Times..Respect..
Pure genius
Mr. Simon is one of the most underrated of guitarists. His fingerpicking style is incredibly elegant and graceful and he makes it look easy but it's anything but.
True. And yet, for a guy who has been heard by so many millions of people, and who undoubtedly inspired the purchase of countless guitars, he really hasn’t been the subject of nearly as much study/analysis/transcription/etc as one might expect.
@@andrewthomason3857
Hello from u.k.
Got BOTW as my first album back in the day.
Got a few more of the others over time.
Agree with your comment.
Take care.
@@madcyril4135 👍🏼🎶🇺🇲
I agree Paul Simon is a musical genius. At 2:22 you can see how much he's let the fingernails of his right hand grow out so he can do the fingerpicking style. It must take a lot of maintenance to keep them that way without breaking.
@@alexanderwalter4595
Hello from u.k.
I can relate to that!
I play classical and flamenco, but my day job is manual.
Have to plan your movements.
As a Busker making a living playing on the streets, can confirm that 'The Boxer' indeed does still work and people still like it :))
Guitar playing is a skill, song writing is a gift. Song writing at Paul's level is a connection to the divine, transcends reality.
It's otherworldly that he wrote Sound of Silence in his early 20s. The timeless observation of that piece, combined with the elegiac melody, are dumbfounding from anyone, let alone someone that young.
Great song writers can fill in gaps. They can get inside the crevices that other people don't.
What a GENIUS!
I don't understand why people have to cite the metaphysical when it comes to the talents of human beings. Connection to the divine? Transcends reality? What a load of woo woo crap.
@@CBC68 You say you don't understand. You stumbled into honesty. Babies stumble before they can walk.
Paul Simon will be remembered as the "American Songbook" of the latter 20th century. Gershwin, being the same for the first part of the century.
Whether you are aware of it or not, this man has touched your soul and made a difference.
well said!
Agreed. Paul Simon stands above most all for me. He is definitely in my Pantheon of America's Greatest.
What a lovely man.. Genius too.
Paul is so honest, and the interviewer is genuine and humble in his his mannerisms, with good questions in the presence of an icon. Gentlemen, the two of them.
Profound respect for Paul Simon's level of intellect and creativity! 👏👏👏
People will still like these songs 300 years from now. The Mozart of our time.
I had the pleasure of meeting him and Edie Brickell in Munich many years ago. They were great and for me an honour!
I really miss Edie’s music.
@@JPMJPM - If you haven't heard the album she did with Steve Martin (Yeah, THAT Steve Martin), I highly recommend it and hope you likes it.
@@onlyrick Thank you! I’ll give it a listen!
What an Icon. Mr. Simon is unsurpassed in his guitar playing, composition, singing and being an all around decent human.
Try telling that to Los Lobos
I wonder what Art would say about that...
As a self-taught guitar player of 3+ years, I really appreciate seeing Paul Simon’s guitars. Thanks for sharing the guitars of an icon!
@MashaT22 - As a self-taught guitar player of 58+ years, I can relate. I'm still learning, and it's still fun. Didn't that Martin sound good?
As a guitar player for 45+years I too really appreciate seeing Paul Simon's guitars. I'll be he has another 20 acoustics tucked away somewhere and maybe a half-dozen nice electrics.
@@onlyrick That Martin sounded really good!
@@DKR-1881 👍🏼🎶
3 years? I'm gonna get out the red carpet...
"People still like that song..." Understatement of the year! I've been playing it since I was 16. I'm now at the "terribly strange" age!
"Terribly strange to be 70." Same here, old friends. Falls on the round toes of the high shoes...
Gosh, I just adore “The Boxer.” Thank you, Paul. ❤
What a legend
A man hears what he wants and forgets the rest.... Paul singing that to a reporter.. genius. Love him. Hi Paul.
What a honour to watch this from a man who has soothed my Soul with his genius.
Who cares about the age. Paul is a genius and such a wonderful person who gave us his songs.
I thank my stars that I grew up with this man's music. I learned to play guitar on these songs and came to perform in a duet with my twin brother and we did three sets of S & G and Paul's solo stuff. We've been playing his music since 1970. He is the consummate American songwriter and one of the best of all time. Thank you sir!
Paul (standing at 5'3") will forever be a giant to me, he towers largely over my early to late teen years, his words and music are woven into my story, he was part of my journey and some day (may it be far far from now) he will be a memory, someone who was, but is no more. But parts of him will walk with me until I too am gone. Thank you, Paul - for sharing your talent with us all.
I see your sentiment. But Paul (and many people) wish that height wasn't such a factor in the ranking of humanity. Yet, the mindset pervades.
He's short. So what? Would he mean more to you if he was 6'4"? It's like judging someone for skin tone. Ridiculous.
He moves hearts and audiences the world over, and will be remembered for centuries. Full stop.
@@tarp11z I see your sentiment as well. But I'm not one of those people who says "I don't see skin color". I DO SEE physical qualities - because THEY EXIST - why should I pretend they don't exist just to try to 'equalize' everyone? Make everyone THE SAME. We aren't all the same - we are all different. We all have something about us that stands out. One of those physical qualities is height, Paul is short, and for some reason shorter men can be perceived as not being as powerful as taller men... perhaps physically, that is true... but the physicality of a man is not the only aspect of a man that can be powerful.
I love how in the video "Call me Al" Chevy Chase (who oddly, is 6' 4" - as you mentioned) is the person Paul chose to be his acting partner. The two are SO different - height wise especially - but OBVIOUSLY Paul is the bigger musical talent... by FAR. Yet, Chevy takes over the lead (having no musical talent at all) as though being bigger means maybe he thinks he is the center of attention? I don't know how they planned it to come across... but It's genius.
After all is said, it all comes back to the gift that Paul has shared during his lifetime... that is what will MATTER to me and all who are moved by his words, his voice, his vision and his commitment to his art. Cheers!
People still like ALL of your songs Mr. Simon!❤️
Love this man all my life. Thank you for the music, Makes my life wonderfully in awe . Again , thank you.
I really do believe Paul is the greatest song writer of our time. Thanks. J.
He's very, very good, yes...But I'd have to say Tom Petty is the greatest of our generation's time.
As do I.
Paul's writing and recordings can only be compared to the other greats. Dylan and The Beatles come to mind, and yet his collection of songs is more approachable and familiar. Always relatable.
As a guitar player who was born with severe hearing loss and has found comfort in the sounds of silence it allows me to see and listen through a different and more intellectual perspective. Even in life, Paul Simon is an absolute hero to me ❤
Guess I am a little strange, I am a Rock is still one of my favorites. I was that Rock when I first heard it. Helped me through that. Thanks for posting, and thanks to God for Paul Simon!
That's a young man's song. He was young when he wrote it and we were young when we fell in love with it. Great tune!
@@onlyrick Indeed a young and wounded man's song. Yet timeless...
"I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me
I am a rock I am an island..."
It's a very good song, but at the same time, I can absolutely see why it doesn't have the same depth from Simon's 2023 perspective as, say, The Boxer. Simon is such a brilliant poet and musician that even his lesser works outshine the best work 99% of artists.
@@onlyrick Young man's song or not, I never outgrew it.
He has a beautiful technique picked up in England in 1964 from folk artists like Bert Jansch and Davey Graham.
Neil Young stole directly from Bert
@@StratsRUs 👍🏼🎶
Paul, love your interviews as much as your music...tickles my brain in unique ways and makes my heart smile with joy and knowledge...Thank you
To be standing next to him as he casually plays you The Boxer just for fun and afterward goes to you and says “that still works, people still like that song”… The humility of this legend…Thank you for *everything*, Paul.
What a writer
so much love and respect for this man. more please.
I play a lot of early simon & garfunkel stuff, and feel proud to be helping keep the early songs alive.
If you started playing guitar in the late sixties like I did, Paul Simon was one of the people who influenced you on guitar; as I was! His finger-picking style which he utilized in his classic Simon & Garfunkel songs is as iconic as any classic riff by Hendrix or the Beatles,etc.
there's wisdom in them lyrics and sheer beauty in the melody. what a composer what a blessing
Kathy's song is the best song ever written , and of course, by Paul Simon!
Take a close look at his hands! Tells the whole story I reckon..Thanks CBS Sunday morning great cut.
Literally one of the most underrated guitarists Paul Simon you the man
Great to see Paul Simon, even just briefly. What an amazing body of work!
The tone on that martin…. Mouth watering, ear opening richness, right there!
Yeah, wow!
The Guild is a gem, one of my first memories of a great acoustic played by one of the best songwriters ever.
Paul Simon is a treasure.
Paul Simon still has the FIRST guitar his dad bought for him. That's fantastic!!! I wonder if he ever plays it anymore. I would have loved to have seen him play it in this clip.
If you look closely you can see that it didn't have any strings on it. A guitar, that old might have a warped neck and he holds onto it for sentimental reasons.
I wish I still had the first guitar my Mom got for me, even though it was just a cheap department store guitar.
Oddly enough, it had a lot of Paul Simon songs played on it, so I guess it wasn't so bad after all.
@@charlie-obrien That's what I thought, no strings on the guitar his dad gave him. I just hope he has it displayed in a place that honors his father's memory.
We love you bro!
What a gift Paul Simon is . Along with Art , gave us some outstanding songs . On his own particularly in the 80’s some beautiful music 🇮🇪❤️
The guild he has there is the earlier mid 60s F30R with the small pickguard. The picture they show of paul with artie performing is the 2nd F30R with the larger pickguard that has been floating around in museums the last several years.
I love that you caught this detail about his Guild, and tho I am not a gearhead, it was neat to learn this. In the late 70s after I landed a good job, the first thing I bought (on layaway too) was a Guild D55NT, I think because I thought that John Renbourn played one. I've just loved it's qualities, and it's my guitar that stays in open G tuning. That Nashville tuning Paul was demo-ing seems like a way high string tension!
I had a teacher in junior high who played Paul Simon album over and over in class . In the sixtys, she was obviously just out of college. I was into motown and didn't like school or her or them. What a difference many decades makes. I realize they were very talented. Cotacrome still fits all the crap I learned in high school.
I play The Boxer at most gigs at people LOVE IT! Good songs never date and Paul Simon's songs never date. All exceptional.
An American musical icon .... Gorgeous Martin Acoustic too!
And both of his parents are hungarian.
@@ivancsetverikov3439 I did not know. That's great. Hungary's proud grandson. A gift to the whole world.
A real legend. I love his music and lyrics
Not old. Priceless.
Not old. Timeless.
The magic jumps through the screen. 😎
He’s very lucky to have held onto those guitars for all these years.
The great Paul Simon!
Legend...
one of the greats!
"Some of the songs that are old... they're still good." "So, that still works. People still like that song." I knew going into this youtube that there was a chance I might get choked up. As a long time guitarist and a fan of Paul since the beginning (and Artie too)... so when the end hit and Paul humbly declared that The Boxer still works... I lost it!
I like Bleaker Street.
Paul Simon is a treasure.. Profound respect for Paul Simon's level of intellect and creativity! .
Best 3 minute vid I’ve seen for ages ,absolutely amazing insight to his guitars ✌️
Just wonderful.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Love the CBS weekend mornings news.
Beautiful piece. Paul is top influencer in my playing and learning guitar. Boxer is longtime favorite, and yes people still like it!!!!
Gotta add that what sets his work apart is that it is pure poetry even without the music. And the music just multiplies the beauty of it.
Glad to know Paul Simon is still writing. Sorry to know about his hearing. Thanks
I learned to play listening to him. That Guild had an amazing sound - like nothing else. But hey, that Martin will do...
Paul Simon is always interesting and fascinating. Just to listen to his teachings! Thank you , Paul, for all the songs and music❤
I have a lot of respect for that man.
An absolute legend how I'd love to meet that man and thank him for his incredible music I've enjoyed all my life.
Casually Singing and playing a bit of The Boxer ….had me some chills goin’ there, thanks Paul!
Priceless......
Just imagine being it that room with Paul Simon and he's singing these amazing tunes..
I had a similar experience with Art Garfunkel, in 1989. I was recording an album with my band at the time and Garfunkel was doing some shows in the Netherlands. It so happened that our live sound-engineer was involved in those concerts and there was this song that we felt was perfect for some harmony-vocals from Art. So he asked if it was ok if I would meet Art before the soundcheck. When I arrived at the theatre I didn't see anyone and so I walked to the stage, where the curtains were almost closed, exept for a small opening. And through that opening I heard a very familiar voice singing Bridge over troubled water. I was speechless. Then Art appeared and it turned out he sang along with the recorded piano on the headphones he was wearing, just to warm up his voice. We got to talk, he was very friendly and I explained why I was there and h listened to the track on those headphones. He really liked it. However, long story short: even though the gig the next day was only 20 km's from the studio, his management felt it would take too much time so they kinda vetoed it. Damn....
I can't be the only one studying this with guitar in hand, trying to parse the technique this legend uses to make the guitar sing!!
Excellent insight ^ the Gurian's cardinal-position was a surprise, Mister Simon.
More than all the best from here
He shall go down in history as one of the best song composers. American tune is as poetic as any song ever.
Some popular music gets old and fades in time , but I suspect many of Paul's songs will endure beyond the lives of those now just being born .
Those guitars are gems just like Excaliburs! 🤩
Fascinating insights into the music and the guitars. 🎵 Thank you 👍
Superb!
The man is a living legend
Watching this on my morning commute (with headphones!) and getting emotional...I'm a millennial, but there is something in particular about the music of the Sixties that speaks to us through time
Love you, Paul! ❤
Thanks! 😎
Paul's guitar playing on his first solo album after S&G was and is truly amazing.Not sure what make or model is.
I still like that song too Paul…thank you!
His playing sounds so crisp. Nice clip.
Musical genius
I hope he's tongue and cheek about his songs being dated. He is continually creating, but none of his older songs are really dated. In fact, it is the opposite; his songs written decades ago have a timelessness about them, and are ageing beautifully, with every new generation falling in love with them. I've met a lot of young musicians who like to play his older songs and rotate them into their performances, and it's songs like "For Emily Whenever I May Find Her," "Kathy's Song," and "April Come She Will." With regard to "I am a Rock" (which I once read Simon saying that it was one of his least favorite songs), while on its surface it seems to be an ode to collapsing inward and disengaging from the world, it is actually a powerful declaration of a someone who is in control of their life and chooses to let in just what pleases them, while being able to take or leave what doesn't. One gets the idea that the person making such a declaration can re-engage with the world at any time but from a place of strength and confidence. We are all shielded by our strengths.
Here we go! Thanks for this- now put the rest online if you can.
When Paul Simon fingerpicks, his timing is spot on! It was so much fun to see his guitars.
What a lovely humble superman guy. The Clark Kent of magic🌹Thank you for this vignette 🇿🇦
Legend!
Would like to see his D18 and his Yamahas as well. Glad to see his guild is still in service, that guitar is a classic
An American Legend and National Treasure. He defined who we are. Goes WAY beyond music and "pop" stardom.
I often wonder...Does he even _know_ how much his music means to us?
Beautiful
it would be great to have in the same room Paul Simon, Donovan and James Taylor
Wonderful
Paul Simon, one of my Greatest Heroes… !! His songs are like a ”Never Erding Book”….
This wasn’t long enough.
definitely not!
Paul Simon -- what an artist!