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American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor, renowned as one of the most influential figures in popular music, both as half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel and as a highly successful solo artist. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Simon formed a close musical partnership with Art Garfunkel in their teens, achieving global superstardom in the 1960s as Simon & Garfunkel with timeless folk-rock hits. Following the duo's acrimonious 1970 split, Simon embarked on a critically acclaimed solo career marked by constant musical exploration, incorporating diverse genres like reggae, zydeco, gospel, and world music. His groundbreaking 1986 album 'Graceland', featuring South African musicians during apartheid, became a cultural landmark, winning Album of the Year at the Grammys. Simon is celebrated for his intricate guitar work, poetic lyrics exploring themes of love, alienation, and the human condition, and his restless musical innovation spanning over six decades.

• Simon & Garfunkel's breakup stemmed from long-simmering personal tensions and creative differences, particularly Simon's desire for artistic control and Garfunkel's acting pursuits, leaving them barely speaking for years.
• The 'Graceland' album sparked significant controversy for potentially violating the UN cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa; Simon maintained he aimed to celebrate the musicians and foster unity.
• Beyond South Africa, Simon extensively explored Brazilian rhythms ('The Rhythm of the Saints'), zydeco, gospel, and other global sounds long before 'world music' became mainstream.
• In a surprising late-career move, Simon wrote the music and lyrics for the 1998 Broadway musical 'The Capeman', which was a critical and commercial failure despite the ambitious score.
• He announced his retirement from touring in 2018, citing a desire to spend more time with family, though he hasn't ruled out occasional performances.