In 1984, Paul Simon was at a professional and personal crossroads. His new marriage was failing, and his career was in danger of stalling. That summer, a bootleg cassette of township jive—the street music of South Africa—became his personal soundtrack, reminding him of the sound and joy of the early days of rock and roll. Although South Africa was run under a racist apartheid system, with economic and cultural boycotts in place, he grew determined to create a collaboration that included township jive musicians. A 1985 trip to Johannesburg was the first step on a musical journey that eventually led to the release of “Graceland,” a critical and commercial triumph that won two Grammys, sold 16 million records, and spawned a five-year worldwide tour.
Grammy Award–winning music historian Ashley Kahn is a former road manager for South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and was on the “Graceland” tour with the group. He unfolds the album’s history and impact, using music, video, and images to reveal Simon’s creative process, the technical innovations employed, the people and places that made the album possible, the controversies that the music raised, and the forces that helped the album achieve mainstream popularity.
Kahn’s new book, Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland (Atria), is available for purchase.
Book Sale Information
General Information
