Paul Simon's self-titled solo album was released in January 1972, the same year I graduated from high school. During my college years, with fond memories I recall listening to Paul Simon's music. During the preceding ten years, Simon and Garfunkel was a staple, not only for high schoolers but for people of all ages. "Sounds of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", "The Boxer", songs that are instantly recognizable, even some fifty odd years later. Their final album, as a duo, "Bridge over Troubled Water" in 1970 is among the best selling albums of all time. Paul Simon has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and is the recipient of 16 Grammy Awards, three for album of the year. Two of his works, "Sounds of Silence" and "Graceland" were inducted into the National Recording Registry for their cultural significance and in 2007 the Library of Congress voted him the inaugural winner of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
There are many great musical artists that have produced iconic works appreciated and enjoyed the world over. But few have produced works that became a part of the culture of their time. Paul Simon is undoubtedly one of those artists. In 2018, Simon announced that he was retiring from touring. In a social media post, he wrote, "I feel the travel and time away from my wife and family takes a toll that detracts from the joy of playing, adding "it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating, and something of a relief." In May 2023, Simon revealed that most of the hearing in his left ear was gone. Now 83 years old, he is returning to the stage for a special tour, called "A Quiet Celebration Tour." He will be performing in intimate venues where the acoustics are optimal in consideration of the hearing loss he has incurred over the last few years. "A Quiet Celebration Tour" will kickoff in New Orleans on April 4 and travel throughout North America, in addition to performances in Canada. The tour will conclude in Seattle in August.
"Quite suddenly I lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and nobody has an explanation for it. So everything became more difficult. My reaction was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself." It hasn't repaired itself, nor will it. I, personally have lost most of the hearing in both my ears. Yes, it is definitely annoying. Along with a lot more emotions. It hurts, because you know your life will never be the same. You can no longer engagen with others the way you once did. At the time Simon was experiencing hearing loss he was also recovering from a bout of Covid. "Boy, have I been beaten up these last couple of years," he says.
I hear you, Paul, no pun intended. I started losing my hearing about fifteen years ago. As it started to become obvious, my first feeling was denial. This can't be happening, it can't be real. It happens gradually, in the beginning it seems innocuous. At some point, reality becomes very difficult to deny. It was real. It was very hard. All the beautiful things you were used to hearing in life suddenly were difficult to hear or they simply weren't there anymore. It becomes a constant struggle. Simple conversations, the nuances of music... I also succumbed to the ravage of Covid. I spent two weeks in an emergency room, surviving by the skin of my teeth. To say it gives a new perspective on appreciating life is an understatement.
Not in quite the same way, but music was a huge part of my life as well. I was in the high school band, I was a drummer, and music became an underpinning of my life. It provided the distraction, the support, the inspiration to be happy. And it worked for me. Probably, just like it did for you.
Losing your hearing doesn't get any better. If anything it only gets worse. If anything, you're lucky this travesty waited until the age of 80 to strike. For me it began much earlier. Life forces us to make allowances, to compensate, though living without hearing, or limited hearing is especially difficult. Hearing aids help for many, but it's not the same as having your hearing, It'll never be the same again. We just have to do the best we can with what we have. Deciding to do your "A Quiet Celebration Tour" is a testament to your resilience. You were given a wonderful gift that we are so very grateful that you shared with us. And despite the circumstances that life has thrown your way, you're still sharing. Thanks Paul... All the best to you, and Godspeed.
#PaulSimon. #AQuietCelebrationTour. #AmericanMusic. #RockandRoll. #Losingyourhearing
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