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Johnnie Walker's Long Players: Paul Simon - Graceland

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Paul Simon's Graceland

04/06/2012

Paul Simon - Graceland

BBC Radio 2 - Johnnie Walker's Long Players, Paul Simon - Graceland

In a special edition of the series, Johnnie talks to one of his musical heroes, Paul Simon

In a special edition of the series, Johnnie talks to his friend and musical hero Paul Simon about the 25th anniversary of a true landmark album.

In a special edition of 'Johnnie Walker's Long Players', Johnnie talks to his friend and musical hero Paul Simon about the 25th anniversary of a true landmark.

In 1986 Paul Simon travelled to South Africa to record new songs with local artists. He has said the resulting album 'Graceland' is his greatest work and that the title track is his favourite composition. The album sold 14 million copies worldwide and spawned the classics 'You Can Call Me Al', 'Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes' and 'Under African Skies'.

Paul will be discussing the making of the album, his collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and many others, the unprecedented (at the time) double win at the 1987 Grammys, the iconic Chevy Chase video and the five year Graceland Tour. 

Most importantly Paul will talk about his time in the political crossfire, as his decision to create an African-American fusion of world music led to him being accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa, designed to end the Apartheid regime.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

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