Paul Simon is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in American music history. With a career spanning more than six decades, Simon has left a lasting legacy through poetic lyrics, innovative compositions, and a commitment to musical exploration. From his early success with Simon & Garfunkel to his solo masterpieces, his work has influenced generations of artists and shaped the modern music landscape.
As he advances in age and makes fewer public appearances, many fans ask: Is Paul Simon still alive? This article provides an accurate answer, along with a comprehensive look at his current health, career achievements, personal life, and enduring legacy.
Is Paul Simon Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Paul Simon is still alive as of 2025.
Born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, he is currently 83 years old. Though he has largely retired from touring, he remains active in the creative world through writing, recording, and occasional public appearances. His most recent works demonstrate a continuing passion for music, storytelling, and sound experimentation.
Despite age-related challenges, Simon’s mind remains sharp, and his creative spirit continues to inspire longtime fans and emerging artists alike.
Early Life and Partnership with Art Garfunkel
Paul Simon grew up in Queens, New York, where he met Art Garfunkel, his future musical partner. The duo began performing together as teenagers under the name Tom & Jerry before finding fame in the 1960s as Simon & Garfunkel.
Their breakthrough came with the release of The Sound of Silence in 1965, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural milestone. The pair followed up with timeless hits such as:
- “Mrs. Robinson”
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
- “The Boxer”
- “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”
Simon’s introspective lyrics and melodic ingenuity complemented Garfunkel’s soaring vocals, creating a sound that defined an era of American folk-rock.
Solo Career and Musical Innovation
After Simon & Garfunkel split in 1970, Paul Simon launched a highly successful solo career that further showcased his talents as a lyricist, composer, and musical visionary. His early solo albums included:
- Paul Simon (1972) — featuring “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”
- There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973) — featuring “Kodachrome” and “Loves Me Like a Rock”
- Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) — which earned the Grammy Award for Album of the Year
Simon continued to expand his musical boundaries, blending genres such as reggae, jazz, gospel, and Latin rhythms into his songwriting. He became known for merging storytelling with global soundscapes in a way that few Western artists had accomplished.
Graceland and Global Acclaim
In 1986, Simon released Graceland, one of the most influential albums of his career. It incorporated South African music and featured collaborations with musicians such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela. The album included tracks like:
- “You Can Call Me Al”
- “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”
- “Under African Skies”
Graceland won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987 and received praise for its artistic ambition and cultural resonance. However, it also drew controversy due to its recording during apartheid-era South Africa. Simon defended his decision as an effort to celebrate and elevate South African artists, and many of his collaborators later supported him.
The album cemented Simon’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist unafraid to explore politically and musically complex terrain.
Later Works and Recent Projects
In the decades following Graceland, Paul Simon continued to produce deeply thoughtful and sonically adventurous albums. These include:
- The Rhythm of the Saints (1990), influenced by Brazilian music
- You’re the One (2000), a return to introspective songwriting
- Surprise (2006), produced in collaboration with Brian Eno
- Stranger to Stranger (2016), featuring avant-garde percussion and microtonal tuning
- Seven Psalms (2023), a reflective, continuous piece inspired by spirituality and mortality
Seven Psalms marked a departure from his traditional songwriting structure, unfolding as a meditative 33-minute acoustic journey. The project revealed Simon’s continued artistic courage and introspection, even in his 80s.
Health Status and Hearing Loss
As of 2025, Paul Simon has publicly acknowledged experiencing hearing loss, which has affected his ability to perform live. In interviews, he revealed that he lost hearing in his left ear, making it difficult to continue touring.
While he has not officially ruled out future live performances, Simon has indicated that he is focused on writing and recording, rather than touring. Despite these limitations, his intellectual sharpness and creative capacity remain intact, and he continues to contribute to musical conversations through studio work.
There have been no confirmed reports of serious or life-threatening health conditions beyond his hearing issues.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Paul Simon has been married to singer and actress Edie Brickell since 1992. The couple shares three children and maintains a relatively private family life. Simon was previously married to Carrie Fisher, the late actress and writer known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars.
In addition to music, Simon has shown interest in spirituality, environmental causes, and philanthropy. His later works often explore themes of faith, morality, aging, and transcendence.
Known for his thoughtful, sometimes reclusive demeanor, Simon has long maintained a careful balance between public engagement and personal privacy.
Awards and Recognition
Paul Simon’s contributions to music have been recognized through numerous accolades, including:
- 16 Grammy Awards, including multiple wins for Album and Song of the Year
- Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — twice, as a solo artist and as part of Simon & Garfunkel
- Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007
- Kennedy Center Honors in 2002
- Ranking on multiple “Greatest Songwriters of All Time” lists by major music publications
These honors reflect Simon’s deep cultural impact and artistic excellence over many decades.
Influence on Modern Music
Paul Simon’s work has influenced countless artists across genres — from folk and indie rock to world music and hip-hop. His fearless integration of global music styles helped pave the way for cross-cultural collaboration in the mainstream industry.
Songwriters continue to study his use of narrative structure, emotional nuance, and harmonic sophistication. His albums are often cited in academic music courses and songwriting workshops.
Through both his classic hits and his experimental later works, Simon has demonstrated that meaningful music can evolve with age, maturity, and life experience.
FAQs
Is Paul Simon still alive in 2025?
Yes. Paul Simon is alive and 83 years old as of 2025. He continues to work on music projects, although he no longer tours due to hearing loss.
What health issues has Paul Simon faced?
Simon has experienced significant hearing loss in his left ear, which has impacted his ability to perform live. He has otherwise not reported any major health issues.
Is Paul Simon still making music?
Yes. He released the reflective album Seven Psalms in 2023 and continues to write and record music in his private studio.
What is Paul Simon best known for?
He is best known for his work with Simon & Garfunkel, his solo hits like “You Can Call Me Al” and “Graceland”, and his poetic, globally influenced songwriting.
Who is Paul Simon married to?
He is married to Edie Brickell, a singer-songwriter known for her work with the band Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. They have three children together.
Conclusion
Paul Simon is still alive, and his voice — though quieter in public settings — continues to echo through music history. At 83, he remains one of the most respected and influential songwriters in the world. His career has spanned iconic duets, solo masterpieces, world-changing albums, and profound explorations of the human condition.
While he may no longer tour or perform frequently, his body of work stands as a testament to a lifetime of artistic brilliance. As of 2025, Paul Simon remains a living legend — quietly composing, reflecting, and shaping the future of music from behind the scenes.