Paul Simon, born October 13, 1941, is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for his solo career and his work with Art Garfunkel as Simon & Garfunkel. They gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson,” and their final album, Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), is a bestseller.
As a solo artist, Simon explored various genres, with Graceland (1986) being particularly acclaimed. He retired from touring in 2018 but released Seven Psalms in May 2023. Simon has won sixteen Grammys and co-founded the Children’s Health Fund.
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Paul Simon Net Worth
Paul Simon’s net worth is $200 million. In 2012, he and Edie acquired a 32-acre estate in New Canaan, Connecticut, for $16 million. They listed the property, featuring an 8,800-square-foot main house, for $14 million in April 2019, eventually selling it for $10.8 million in June 2022.
They still own a duplex on NYC’s Upper West Side, neighbors with Lorne Michaels and Robert De Niro, along with a 30-acre oceanfront estate in Montauk and a 10-acre ranch in Allen, Texas.
Early life
Born on in Newark, New Jersey, Paul Simon was immersed in music from an early age, with a father who was a double bass player and dance bandleader. The family moved to Queens, NYC when Simon was four.
At Fairfax High School, he met Art Garfunkel during a sixth-grade production of “Alice in Wonderland.” They began performing together and were influenced by The Everly Brothers and Woody Guthrie. Simon attended Queens College, majoring in English Literature, and briefly attended Brooklyn Law School before leaving.
Career
After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Paul Simon focused on his solo career, achieving significant success with his 1972 self-titled album and the hit single “Mother and Child Reunion.”
His 1975 album, Still Crazy After All These Years, won Grammys for Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal. Although his output slowed in the late 1970s and 1980s, Hearts and Bones (1983) was later acclaimed.
The release of Graceland in 1986, inspired by South African music, won Grammy Awards for Album and Record of the Year. Simon’s 1990 album The Rhythm of the Saints was also well-received.
His Central Park concert in 1991 drew over 750,000 people. Despite a dip in popularity, Simon has remained influential, with numerous awards and recognitions, including 12 Grammys, two Brit Awards, and a spot on Time’s “100 People Who Shaped the World.”
Personal life
After Simon & Garfunkel split in 1970, Paul Simon thrived as a solo artist, scoring major hits with his 1972 self-titled album and “Mother and Child Reunion.” His 1975 album, Still Crazy After All These Years, won Grammys for Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal.
Despite a slower output in the late 1970s and 1980s, Hearts and Bones (1983) gained acclaim. Graceland (1986) and The Rhythm of the Saints (1990) were also successes. His 1991 Central Park concert drew 750,000 people, and Simon has earned 12 Grammys, two Brit Awards, and a place on Time’s “100 People Who Shaped the World.”
Are Simon and Garfunkel still friends?
Simon and Garfunkel’s friendship was strong until the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water. According to Simon, their bond changed significantly afterward, and the harmony they once shared was lost. Simon believes that Garfunkel’s decision to take a role in the 1970 film Catch-22 significantly contributed to the rift between them.
Conclusion
Paul Simon’s illustrious career, punctuated with timeless classics and innovative musical explorations, showcases the lasting impact of genuine talent. His net worth stands as a testament to his musical genius and the profound influence he has had on generations of listeners.
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FAQs about Paul Simon’s net worth
- How did Paul Simon amass his wealth?
- Through decades of successful albums, tours, and a significant catalog sale to Sony.
- Did Simon’s net worth benefit from his collaboration with Art Garfunkel?
- Yes, their partnership as Simon & Garfunkel significantly contributed to his early financial success.
- Has Simon’s net worth been influenced by his solo endeavors?
- Absolutely, albums like “Graceland” and his recent “Seven Psalms” have significantly added to his wealth.
- Was the sale to Sony one of the biggest deals in music history?
- Yes, the sale of his music catalog to Sony is among the largest music catalog acquisition deals ever.
- How does Paul Simon’s net worth compare to contemporary artists?
- With a net worth of $200 million, Simon stands among the top echelons of wealthy musicians, a testament to his enduring legacy in the music industry.
