Late in the Evening

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Late in the Evening" by Paul Simon from his 1980 album One-Trick Pony. This upbeat track, a Grammy-nominated hit that peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a vibrant blend of Latin rhythms and salsa beats, telling the story of a musician’s lifelong love for music—from childhood memories to rocking a funky bar. In a post on X on July 22, 2020, Paul Simon shared a clip of a 2012 performance of the song, where he reunited with the original Graceland band, highlighting its enduring energy. The song’s infectious horn parts and exotic percussion set it apart from the jazzier, softer tones of the rest of the album, making it a standout that foreshadows Simon’s later world music explorations in Graceland.

Interestingly, "Late in the Evening" is deeply tied to the 1980 film One-Trick Pony, where Paul Simon not only starred as Jonah Levin but also wrote the screenplay and soundtrack. The song’s lyrics reflect Jonah’s journey, capturing moments like harmonizing on street corners and blowing away audiences, which mirror Simon’s own experiences. In interviews, Simon has been modest about the album, expressing mixed feelings about its overall impact, yet fans and critics, like John Tabacco in a ClassicRockHistory.com article, praise its cohesive lyricism and expert production. The track was also performed live with Art Garfunkel at their iconic 1981 Concert in Central Park, showcasing its lasting appeal among fans.

Paul Simon’s career began in Newark, New Jersey, where he was born on October 13, 1941, to Jewish American parents. His mother, Belle, was an English teacher, and his father, Louis, was a teacher and bandleader, fostering a musical environment. At 16, Simon teamed up with high school friend Art Garfunkel to form the duo Tom and Jerry, releasing their first single, "Hey Schoolgirl," in 1957. Though it saw modest success, early failures led to a temporary split, with Simon recording solo under pseudonyms like Tico and The Triumphs and Jerry Landis while attending Queens College. The duo reunited as Simon & Garfunkel, releasing their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., in 1964. Though initially a flop, the acoustic version of “The Sound of Silence” caught the attention of producer Tom Wilson, who remixed it with electric instruments, propelling it to No. 1 and launching their fame.

After Simon & Garfunkel’s breakup in 1970 at the peak of their success with hits like “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Simon embarked on a solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums like Paul Simon (1972) and Still Crazy After All These Years (1975). His 1986 album Graceland, inspired by South African township music, marked a groundbreaking fusion of world music and pop, cementing his legacy as an innovative artist. Simon’s accolades include 12 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a solo artist and with Simon & Garfunkel.

Stay connected with Paul Simon through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the vibrant community at the Paul Simon Fan Club on Facebook or explore dedicated fan sites like SimonandGarfunkel.com for news, tour updates, and more ways to celebrate this legendary artist’s work.