After his breakup with Carrie Fisher, he was depressed for 2 years. In 1985, his comeback album 'Graceland', included songs about her.
Asked if there were any songs he'd written that he now regrets recording, he said no. However, he does say he'd hate to be remembered for the song "Feelin' Groovy".
Attended a recording session in 1974 with Art Garfunkel, former The Beatles John Lennon, and singer Harry Nilsson. Lennon directed the session, and he and Simon reportedly clashed on Simon's cue in the song, leading to Simon's walking out (with Garfunkel close behind, making apologies) before anything was recorded.
Awarded the first Gershwin Prize for Popular Music in 2007 by the Library of Congress.
Before finding fame as a singer/songwriter under his real name, Paul Simon had a handful of minor hit singles under two psuedonyms. The best known psuedonym is "Jerry Landis", a name Simon initially used as a member of the duo "Tom and Jerry"; he also issued some solo material under this name. When the hits as "Landis" stopped coming, he changed his stage name to "Tico", and made some very minor chart entries as a member of "Tico & The Triumphs".
Designated a Kennedy Center Honors recipient for 2002 to replace Paul McCartney. McCartney had originally accepted the award, but later withdrew because of a 'personal scheduling conflict.' The conflict was the wedding of his niece.
Didn't want to return to the US from England, where he was enjoying success with his solo album there, but Columbia Records invoked the letter of his and Art Garfunkel's recording contract, forcing him to come back. (His UK album went out of print, and was only reissued in 2004.)
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Simon & Garfunkel) in 1990.
Even after their divorce in 1983, he and Carrie Fisher continued to date for 8 more years before finally breaking up in 1991.
Father of Harper Simon, from his first marriage.
Former son-in-law of 'Eddie Fisher' and Debbie Reynolds. Former brother-in-law of 'Todd Fisher (I)'. Former half-brother-in-law of Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher.
Generally considers his solo work, especially the albums 'Graceland' (1986) and 'The Rhythm of the Saints' (1990), to be superior to his work with Simon & Garfunkel.
He admits he is a highly competitive person, which has colored his relationship with Bob Dylan. He was regularly compared (sometimes unfavorably) to Dylan in the 1960s and responded by disparaging Dylan in the press and even putting out a fairly explicit Dylan put-down song "A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission)". He has since been more friendly towards Dylan, even going on tour with him once.
He and Art Garfunkel sang as "Simon & Garfunkel" in the 60s and part of 70s
In 1963 Paul recorded the novelty "The Lone Teen Ranger" as Jerry Landes, and it peaked at #99 on the US Pop charts.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (as a solo artist).
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1982.
Is a Life member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity
Is a long-time friend of fellow New Yorker Lorne Michaels, which has led to Simon and/or his songs appearing in numerous Michaels productions, including "Saturday Night Live" (1975) (several appearances as both host and musical guest); All You Need Is Cash (1978) (TV) (brief appearance); and Coneheads (1993) (song "Kodachrome"). Michaels has also produced several of Simon's specials, including: The Paul Simon Special (1977) (TV); Simon and Garfunkel: The Concert in Central Park (1982) (TV)_; and "American Masters: Paul Simon: Born at the Right Time (#7.1)" (1993).
Is good friends with Chevy Chase. The two worked together on "Saturday Night Live" (1975). Chase has appeared in The Paul Simon Special (1977) (TV) and Simon's music videos "You Can Call Me Al" and (alongside Steve Martin) "Proof".