Paul Simon

The Life

By: Robert Hilburn

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A publishing event from music legend Paul Simon: an intimate, candid, and definitive biography written with Simon's participation - but without editorial control - by acclaimed biographer and music writer Robert Hilburn.

Through such hits as "The Sound of Silence", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Still Crazy After All These Years", and "Graceland", Paul Simon has spoken to us in songs for a half-century about alienation, doubt, resilience, and empathy in ways that have established him as one of the most honored and beloved songwriters in American pop music history. His music has gone beyond the sales charts into our cultural consciousness. He was the first songwriter awarded the Gershwin Prize by the Library of Congress and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Deeply private, Simon has said he will not write an autobiography and has refused to talk to previous biographers. But he not only opened up to acclaimed biographer Robert Hilburn for what has amounted to more than 100 hours, he also urged those around him to speak. Independently, Hilburn also interviewed others who have been important in Simon's life, including his first two wives, Peggy Harper and Carrie Fisher, as well as, for the first time, people close to Kathy Chitty, his long-reclusive first muse.

The result is a deeply human account of the challenges and sacrifices of a life in music at the highest level, including the courage to leave Simon and Garfunkel at the peak of the duo's popularity to pursue more fully his expanding artistic goals. Hilburn documents Simon's search for artistry and his constant struggle to protect that artistry against distractions - fame, marriage, divorce, drugs, record company interference, rejection, and insecurity - that have derailed so many great pop figures.

Paul Simon: The Life is an intimate and inspiring narrative that helps us finally understand Paul Simon the person and the artist, including new and absorbing insights into his most enduring songs. Exploring his successes and failures onstage and off, the book combines the scholarship, passion, and storytelling grace of biography at its best.

©2018 Robert Hilburn (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Using a conversational tone throughout, Boutsikaris delivers the song lyrics as if they were works of poetry, giving listeners a new perspective on them." (AudioFile)

Quite good even if no big surprises

Very enjoyable. I love a lot of Simon's work. The best thing about this biography is how Simon relates his creative process, keeping track of snatches of sentences throughout his life and how the melodies almost always come first.

A great Biography

The narrator was excellent and you can listen to this even if you’re not a Paul Simon fan. I enjoyed immensely

Getting to know the man behind the music

I normally prefer autobiographies narrated by the author. Hearing their story in their own words really does make a difference. However knowing that Paul Simon spent 200+ hours with Robert Hilburn, telling intimate details of his life and discussing his work in detail, and the excellent narration by Dennis Boutsikaris made this a great listen.
I have been a fan of Paul Simon since my early teens and found this book to open a window to the man behind the music. Well worth the credit!

Exceptional

There is plenty of information on the in’s and out’s of Simon’s journey in life as well as music. What sets this biography apart is the insight on the creative process. I didn’t want it to end. I wish it were longer. A fantastic book.

I liked it

This was a really good book. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is because I felt it dragged a bit but certainly worth going through. I’m glad to have read it. I recommend this story.

Well written, well told

A great book about a great artist. A wonderful presentation by the speaker. Highly recommend this.

What an incredibly talented man

This is my second time through the book and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I disagree with the reviewer who mentioned they didn't like lyrics being read. I thought it added an interesting view of the lyrics. As he read them I remembered the song but enjoyed them on a different level, being read instead of being sung. I have been a lifelong fan of Paul and this book has helped me enjoy his life's work even more.
The narrator was great for the story, he was engaging with the writing. I highly recommend this for any Simon fan. Thanks.

Great Authorized Biogreaphy of Paul Simon

I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel and thought I followed Paul Simon's career since the 1960's, however Robert Hilburn's book, Paul Simon, the life, is an amazing story read beautifully by Dennis Bourtsikaris. I learned a great deal about what a truly gifted musician Paul Simon hs been for over six decades, how dedicated he is to his music and how much he cares about trying to use his financial clout to improve the world. Even if you think you know everything about Paul Simon and his music, you'll be enlightened by how much more you will learn and enjoy as you listen to this fabulous book!

All about the music and more.

Very interesting bio of a favorite artist. Great discussions about his music and his love/hate relationship with Art Garfunkel. Complex person. Fine reader!

Nice story

interesting story of an interesting man who has lived an interesting life. Thanks for sharing.