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22 Responses to “Paul Simon Becomes First Gershwin Honoree”

1. Elisabeth Says:
   May 23rd, 2007 at 1:27 pm

   You said, “One day, the announcer played a song that was a departure from the music Paul didn’t like — even though the announcer himself professed to hating it — and Paul has been hooked on writing ever since.”

   Did Paul remember what the song was?

2. Matt Raymond Says:
   May 23rd, 2007 at 2:21 pm

   I think I’m suffering from short-term memory issues, plus the unfortunate lack of focus from being in “work mode” at the event.

   Paul mentioned how he didn’t really like that particular program or station, and was only listening because of the Yankees. A gentleman next to me nodded knowingly and said that the program was “Willy” somebody-or-other. This would have been roughly 1954 Brooklyn.

   Paul didn’t say what song or artist it was that inspired him, but that it was a genre. And here is where my memory fails: I don’t think he said it was “rock ‘n’ roll,” but perhaps R&B or something else that would have been viewed as novel at the time.

3. Mike Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 6:54 am

   Yea he mentioned R&B

4. Mitchel Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 10:31 am

   I think that Paul Simon is one of the greatest artists ever. And i think that he really deserves this. I wish him all the best in the world.

5. Louisville Real Estate Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 12:30 pm

   What a great achievement for Paul Simon. He is a true legend in the music industry and most deserving of this honor.

6. z54 Says:
   May 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm

   Paul Simon certainly instills something special in all of us with his music.

   I recall being mesmerized when Paul and Art reunited and performed a few songs on Letterman. I was too young at the time when they were fresh, in the 60s, to remember much or appreciate their work, but I found it an incredible experience to see the two of them perform together, with songs which were really a fabric of their time and just as valid today.

   The pool comment was hilarious. I remember when Paul hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. They did a take on the movie Billy Jack, with Paul playing the role of Billy Jack. For some reason, that skit just sticks in my mind.

   I guess it never really struck me how much Paul has meant, not only to music, but to everyone of us who has listened to his music, whether in song or soundtrack. There certainly are legends in music, but where Paul differs is in still being active, constantly growing, and always being valid.

   If ever there was a musician who deserved such a prestigious honor, that certainly is Paul Simon.

7. Dassnagar Says:
   June 4th, 2007 at 8:47 am

   “Paul Simon Becomes First Gershwin Honoree” - this is purely a great news for a die-hard fan like me. Long live “Paul Simon”.

8. WD Says:
   June 27th, 2007 at 3:00 pm

   I’m looking forward to watching the concert tonight. My nomination for next year’s recipient: James Taylor.

9. jay blumberg Says:
   June 27th, 2007 at 11:32 pm

   will this amazing show be re broadcast.if so do you have any insite as to when

10. Marshall Says:
    June 28th, 2007 at 1:06 am

    Who was in the fabulous band? the guitar/mandolin player was first rate, naturally. The trombone player? Great. Drummer, too! Who are they? I’m embarrassed that I don’t recognize them, but….

11. Matt Raymond Says:
    June 28th, 2007 at 11:01 am

    Marshall, I believe it was Paul Simon’s band, but I’ll try to check.

12. Matt Raymond Says:
    June 28th, 2007 at 11:05 am

    Jay, you can go to PBS’s online program guide at this link. Select a location and then a station, then scroll down to the P’s and “Paul Simon …”

    According to that, my local station, WETA (and the concert’s producing station), will be rebroadcasting it Sunday, July 1, at 2PM.

13. Linda in Fredericksburg (Ricker) Says:
    June 29th, 2007 at 9:09 am

    How awful that Stevie Wonder forgot the words to such a great song…kudos to those who were able to cover for him with, hopefully, few realizing it..

    Congratulations Paul…thank you for the memories!

14. Sandi B. Says:
    July 16th, 2007 at 11:07 am

    PLEASE make this concert available on CD and DVD. It will raise funds easily.
    One of the best programs on PBS!!
    Hopefully it will be repeated often.

15. Hair Extensions Says:
    September 17th, 2007 at 8:18 am

    Is the CD available yet ?

16. bia web Says:
    September 17th, 2007 at 1:34 pm

    Nope, I did some research, but there’s no CD released yet.

17. bia web Says:
    September 17th, 2007 at 4:33 pm

    Anyone knows where can I find out more about Paul Simon ?

18. Zenmaster Says:
    September 24th, 2007 at 11:01 pm

    Graceland (Paul Simon, 1986)

    Break UN boycott,
    Record in South Africa -
    Create masterpiece?

    http://www.haikureviewer.com

19. Robert Ploch Says:
    November 29th, 2007 at 12:38 am

    Please include me as one who would love to purchase a DVD of the concert. It seems a shame that such amazing performances but such a stellar assembly of performers is lost. I could watch it again and again.

20. Life Insurance blog Says:
    March 5th, 2008 at 5:47 pm

    the insurance companies don’t want you to know

    Information on the life insurance industry

21. Bilim Haberleri Says:
    March 28th, 2008 at 8:54 am

    “Paul Simon Becomes First Gershwin Honoree�? - this is purely a great news for a die-hard fan like me. Long live “Paul Simon�?.

22. California health Says:
    August 27th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    Lorne Michaels is always funny. I saw him at the Adavo nightclub way back, and really enjoyed what he had to say. Funny, quirky and intelligent. It’s cool, because he doesn’t really perform anymore.

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