11 March 2009 Awards Dinners Benefits / Paul Simon watches the New York Yankees play the Cleveland Indians in the first regular season game at the new Yankee

Tour 2009

JANUARY 2009

22 jan

New York

Paul Simon with Linda Metheny Manzer in Trias Gallery

FEBRUARY 2009

13 feb

New York, NY

Beacon Theatre

14 feb

New York, NY

Beacon Theatre

25 feb

Washington

Paul Simon appeared at a White House event on February 25, 2009, where Stevie Wonder was honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The celebration took place at the White House during President Barack Obama’s administration and featured performances by several major artists, including Paul Simon.

MARCH 2009

04 mar

New York - USA

Rubin Museum of Art Talk with Daniel J. Levitin

11 mar

Washington

Singer Paul Simon speaks to reporters before his meeting
with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss the adoption
of the Children's Health Insurance Program on Capitol Hill
in Washington

Nancy Pelosi

Paul Simon Nancy Pelosi and Irwin Redlener

12 mar

Hugh's Room

27 mar

YESNetwork - US-TV
CenterStage 2 hours interview, together with Bernie Williams

. 1. Songwriting and the creative process
Paul Simon explains that songwriting has never been easy or automatic for him.

Inspiration does not arrive on command.
Songs often begin as small fragments—a rhythm, a phrase, a melody.
Writing requires discipline, patience, and constant rewriting, not sudden genius.

He stresses that many of his best-known songs took months or even years to complete.

2. Success and fame
Simon speaks about success with emotional distance.
            •          Success is a by-product, not a goal.
            •          Early fame can be confusing and overwhelming.
            •          Over time, he learned to protect his private life in order to keep creating honestly.
He makes clear that fame never guaranteed happiness or artistic clarity.

3. Simon & Garfunkel
When discussing Art Garfunkel, Simon is honest but measured.
Their partnership was musically powerful but personally complicated.
Breakups came from personality differences and creative tension, not one single event.
He values their work together but needed a solo career to grow artistically.

4. Graceland and musical exploration
Simon revisits Graceland in depth.
He describes the album as an act of learning and collaboration, not appropriation.
His intention was to engage respectfully with South African musicians.
He acknowledges the political criticism at the time but insists the project was driven by artistic curiosity, not politics.

5. Aging and creativity
A major theme of the interview.
Simon believes creativity does not end with age, but it changes.
He is less focused on hits and more focused on meaning and honesty.
Inspiration may come less frequently, but when it does, it can feel deeper and more intentional.

6. Doubt and self-criticism
Simon emphasizes that doubt has always been part of his process.
Even after decades of success, he still questions his work.
He holds himself to very high standards.
He would rather release nothing than put out work he feels is dishonest or weak.

APRIL 2009

02 april

One on One

Perspective on the Simon & Garfunkel Reunion

A central theme of the interview is Simon’s insistence that the reunion should not be misunderstood as a permanent return to the duo. He explains that performing again with Art Garfunkel is a conscious, limited decision rather than a revival of their former partnership.

Simon emphasizes the importance of clearly defined boundaries, both personal and professional. According to him, collaboration is only viable when expectations are realistic and when neither party attempts to reshape the past. He suggests that earlier conflicts arose partly from mismatched assumptions about control, authorship, and creative direction.

He frames the reunion as functional rather than symbolic: it exists to serve the music and the audience, not to resolve historical tensions or rewrite their shared history.

Artistic Independence and Solo Identity

Simon speaks at length about the necessity of artistic independence. He reflects on how his solo career allowed him to pursue rhythmic experimentation, global musical influences, and structural approaches to songwriting that would have been incompatible with the Simon & Garfunkel format.

He stresses that while the duo played a formative role in his early career, it does not define his artistic self. The interview makes clear that Simon views his work as a continuum, in which Simon & Garfunkel represents one chapter among many, rather than the central narrative of his life as a musician.

Songwriting Philosophy

Simon describes songwriting primarily as a craft grounded in rhythm, structure, and revision. He downplays the romantic notion of inspiration, emphasizing instead patience, discipline, and problem-solving.

He also discusses how songs change meaning over time. Once released, he argues, songs gradually detach from their original intent and become part of the listeners’ personal experiences. In this sense, Simon suggests that authorship is eventually shared, or even relinquished, to the audience.

Legacy and Public Perception

When addressing the idea of legacy, Simon expresses visible discomfort with being described as a “legend.” He resists mythologization and prefers that his work be evaluated in practical and musical terms rather than through symbolic status.

He acknowledges the enduring popularity of Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog but treats it as a result of circumstance and timing rather than destiny. His comments reflect an ongoing desire to remain grounded in process rather than reputation.

Outlook on the Future

Simon avoids making definitive statements about future collaborations, whether with Garfunkel or others. He neither promises continuation nor suggests closure. Instead, he emphasizes flexibility and discernment, indicating that future decisions will be guided by artistic honesty, personal well-being, and mutual respect.

28 april

New York

ubuntu-education-fund-10-anniversary-gala

Paul Simon was a special guest at the Ubuntu Education Fund's 10th Anniversary Gala in New York City in April 2009. The gala was held at Terminal 5 and raised over $1 million for the organization, which supports vulnerable children in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Mai 2009

27 may

New York

At the Children's Health Fund benefit on May 27, 2009, in New York City, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon performed together at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

Children's Health Fund executive director Karen Redlener, and Co-founder Paul Simon, Co-founder and president Dr. Irwin Redlener and Willie Nelson

JUNE 2009

02 june

New York

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON

Steve Martin, Paul Simon, and Vanessa Williams during an interview with Jimmy Fallon

SEPTEMBER 2009

16 sept

Washington

television news icon Jane Pauley, music artist Paul Simon, Children's Health Fund President Dr. Irwin Redlener, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), American Adademy of Pediatrics President David Tayloe and National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions President Larry McAndrews pose for photographs after an event to encourage politicians to not forget young people during the debate on health care reform with at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The American Academy of Pediatrics have asked Congress for health insurance coverage for all children, ag-appropriate benefits and reasonable payment to assure real access to services.

Paul Simon co-founder of the Children's Health Fund, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

OCTOBER 2009

29 oct

New York

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Benefit Concert

MSG

Paul Simon and Jeff Beck

BB King, Paul Simon and John Legend attend the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert at Madison Square Garden

David Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash with Paul Simon

Graham Nash and David Crosby perform onstage with Paul Simon

NOVEMBER 2009

13 Nov

New York - USA

Seventh Annual Gala

2009

Tour 2009

JANUARY 2009

FEBRUARY 2009

MARCH 2009

Nancy Pelosi

Paul Simon Nancy Pelosi and Irwin Redlener

APRIL 2009

Mai 2009

JUNE 2009

SEPTEMBER 2009

OCTOBER 2009

NOVEMBER 2009

Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation 7 annuel. Gala à Chelsea Piers

PAUL SIMON , JOE TORRE

PAUL SIMON , JOE TORRE

Tour 2009
JANUARY 2009
22 jan	New York	Paul Simon with Linda Metheny Manzer in Trias Gallery
FEBRUARY 2009
13 feb	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre
14 feb	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre
25 feb	Washington	Paul Simon appeared at a White House event on February 25, 2009, where Stevie Wonder was honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The celebration took place at the White House during President Barack Obama’s administration and featured performances by several major artists, including Paul Simon.
MARCH 2009
04 mar	New York - USA	Rubin Museum of Art Talk with Daniel J. Levitin
11 mar	Washington	Singer Paul Simon speaks to reporters before his meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss the adoption of the Children's Health Insurance Program on Capitol Hill in Washington Nancy Pelosi Paul Simon Nancy Pelosi and Irwin Redlener
12 mar		Hugh's Room
27 mar		YESNetwork - US-TV CenterStage 2 hours interview, together with Bernie Williams . 1. Songwriting and the creative process Paul Simon explains that songwriting has never been easy or automatic for him. Inspiration does not arrive on command. Songs often begin as small fragments—a rhythm, a phrase, a melody. Writing requires discipline, patience, and constant rewriting, not sudden genius. He stresses that many of his best-known songs took months or even years to complete. 2. Success and fame Simon speaks about success with emotional distance. • Success is a by-product, not a goal. • Early fame can be confusing and overwhelming. • Over time, he learned to protect his private life in order to keep creating honestly. He makes clear that fame never guaranteed happiness or artistic clarity. 3. Simon & Garfunkel When discussing Art Garfunkel, Simon is honest but measured. Their partnership was musically powerful but personally complicated. Breakups came from personality differences and creative tension, not one single event. He values their work together but needed a solo career to grow artistically. 4. Graceland and musical exploration Simon revisits Graceland in depth. He describes the album as an act of learning and collaboration, not appropriation. His intention was to engage respectfully with South African musicians. He acknowledges the political criticism at the time but insists the project was driven by artistic curiosity, not politics. 5. Aging and creativity A major theme of the interview. Simon believes creativity does not end with age, but it changes. He is less focused on hits and more focused on meaning and honesty. Inspiration may come less frequently, but when it does, it can feel deeper and more intentional. 6. Doubt and self-criticism Simon emphasizes that doubt has always been part of his process. Even after decades of success, he still questions his work. He holds himself to very high standards. He would rather release nothing than put out work he feels is dishonest or weak.
APRIL 2009
02 april		One on One Perspective on the Simon & Garfunkel Reunion A central theme of the interview is Simon’s insistence that the reunion should not be misunderstood as a permanent return to the duo. He explains that performing again with Art Garfunkel is a conscious, limited decision rather than a revival of their former partnership. Simon emphasizes the importance of clearly defined boundaries, both personal and professional. According to him, collaboration is only viable when expectations are realistic and when neither party attempts to reshape the past. He suggests that earlier conflicts arose partly from mismatched assumptions about control, authorship, and creative direction. He frames the reunion as functional rather than symbolic: it exists to serve the music and the audience, not to resolve historical tensions or rewrite their shared history. Artistic Independence and Solo Identity Simon speaks at length about the necessity of artistic independence. He reflects on how his solo career allowed him to pursue rhythmic experimentation, global musical influences, and structural approaches to songwriting that would have been incompatible with the Simon & Garfunkel format. He stresses that while the duo played a formative role in his early career, it does not define his artistic self. The interview makes clear that Simon views his work as a continuum, in which Simon & Garfunkel represents one chapter among many, rather than the central narrative of his life as a musician. Songwriting Philosophy Simon describes songwriting primarily as a craft grounded in rhythm, structure, and revision. He downplays the romantic notion of inspiration, emphasizing instead patience, discipline, and problem-solving. He also discusses how songs change meaning over time. Once released, he argues, songs gradually detach from their original intent and become part of the listeners’ personal experiences. In this sense, Simon suggests that authorship is eventually shared, or even relinquished, to the audience. Legacy and Public Perception When addressing the idea of legacy, Simon expresses visible discomfort with being described as a “legend.” He resists mythologization and prefers that his work be evaluated in practical and musical terms rather than through symbolic status. He acknowledges the enduring popularity of Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog but treats it as a result of circumstance and timing rather than destiny. His comments reflect an ongoing desire to remain grounded in process rather than reputation. Outlook on the Future Simon avoids making definitive statements about future collaborations, whether with Garfunkel or others. He neither promises continuation nor suggests closure. Instead, he emphasizes flexibility and discernment, indicating that future decisions will be guided by artistic honesty, personal well-being, and mutual respect.
28 april	New York	ubuntu-education-fund-10-anniversary-gala Paul Simon was a special guest at the Ubuntu Education Fund's 10th Anniversary Gala in New York City in April 2009. The gala was held at Terminal 5 and raised over $1 million for the organization, which supports vulnerable children in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Mai 2009
27 may	New York	At the Children's Health Fund benefit on May 27, 2009, in New York City, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon performed together at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Children's Health Fund executive director Karen Redlener, and Co-founder Paul Simon, Co-founder and president Dr. Irwin Redlener and Willie Nelson
JUNE 2009
02 june	New York	LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON Steve Martin, Paul Simon, and Vanessa Williams during an interview with Jimmy Fallon
SEPTEMBER 2009
16 sept	Washington	television news icon Jane Pauley, music artist Paul Simon, Children's Health Fund President Dr. Irwin Redlener, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), American Adademy of Pediatrics President David Tayloe and National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions President Larry McAndrews pose for photographs after an event to encourage politicians to not forget young people during the debate on health care reform with at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The American Academy of Pediatrics have asked Congress for health insurance coverage for all children, ag-appropriate benefits and reasonable payment to assure real access to services. Paul Simon co-founder of the Children's Health Fund, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
OCTOBER 2009
29 oct	New York	Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Benefit Concert MSG Paul Simon and Jeff Beck BB King, Paul Simon and John Legend attend the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert at Madison Square Garden	David Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash with Paul Simon Graham Nash and David Crosby perform onstage with Paul Simon
NOVEMBER 2009
13 Nov	New York - USA	Seventh Annual Gala Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation 7 annuel. Gala à Chelsea Piers PAUL SIMON , JOE TORRE	PAUL SIMON , JOE TORRE