40: Paul Simon records Graceland in South Africa
Paul Simon released the groundbreaking Graceland in August, 1986. The title song was inspired by a trip to Graceland in Memphis, however Graceland was notable for Simon’s brilliant synthesis of South African music in to the album. The project was originally inspired by Simon’s listening to a cassette of the South African group the Boyoyo Boys, specifically an instrumental called “Gumboots,” a song representative of South African “township jive,” or “mbaqanga.” In the liner notes, Simon explains that he was initially attracted to mbaqanga because of its similarity to Fifties R&B, and that music’s liveliness inspires the album.
Much of the Graceland was recorded in South Africa and featured many South African musicians and groups. Simon faced accusations that he had broken the cultural boycott imposed by the rest of the world against the apartheid regime in South Africa. This view was not supported by the United Nations Anti-Apartheid Committee, as the album showcased the talents of the black South African musicians while offering no support to the South African government.
The worldwide success of the album introduced some of the musicians, especially the vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, to global audiences. The album also featured musicians like Rockin’ Dopsie, Los Lobos, Youssou N’Dour. The Everly Brothers sing harmony on the title track. Linda Ronstadt appears on the track “Under African Skies,” and introduced the remarkable South African guitarist Ray Phiri to American audiences for the first time.
Songs like “The Boy In The Bubble,” “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes,” “You Can Call Me Al” (the video of which featured Chevy Chase), “Homeless,” and the title track remain an indispensable and long-term part of the Paul Simon solo catalogue.