Birthday Tribute: Paul Simon turns 81

'Slip Sliding Away' and 'Graceland' are some of the classics released by the legendary Paul Simon. 

Paul needs no introduction. From the 1950s, he has been serving the different generations with music that has stood the test of time. 

The legend was born on 13 October 1941 in Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

He released his first hit single, 'The Sounds of Silence', in 1965.

READ: Celebrating the life of the late The Beatles star John Lennon

From then on he went on to release award-winning tracks including the Grammy-winning tracks, 'Graceland' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.

In the 1980s, he visited South Africa and got to work with local bands. 

This decision came after being exposed to a tape from South African band, Boyoyo Boys, which he received from his friend who was from South Africa. The Grammy winner said he listened to the music for weeks before making a decision to fly to South Africa to collaborate with local bands. This collaboration birthed one of his most successful albums, 'Graceland'. This is the album that changed his career and made him into a global icon. 

He has 19 studio albums including: 'In The Blue Light', 'The Concert in Hyde Park', 'Stranger to Stranger', 'The Complete Albums Collection', 'Songwriter', and 'So Beautiful or So What'.

The 81-year-old has won 16 Grammy Awards. 

In honour of his birthday, East Coast Gold will be playing some of the legend's greatest hits. Listen here. 

READ: Paul Simon on what he is most proud of in his musical career

Join East Coast Gold's community on Facebook!

For loads of fantastic 60s, 70s, and 80s classics, listen to East Coast Gold via the ECR app or here. We’re also on platforms like Alexa (just enable the ‘East Coast Gold’ skill), MyTuner, Radio Garden, iono.fm, Radioline, and OpenRadio.

Who's on-air when?

See the full line-up by clicking here!