Born on this day in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Queens, Paul Frederic Simon (1941– ) is one of the most gifted and poetic songwriters of his generation. From his early harmonies with Art Garfunkel to his intricate solo compositions, Simon has shaped the sound of American music with a precision that feels effortless and true.

He blends rhythm and intellect like few others, his guitar work and lyrical insight create a profound conversation between heart and craft. Albums such as Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints stretched musical boundaries, infusing global sounds with spiritual depth and emotional grace.

His later works, from So Beautiful or So What to Seven Psalms, reveal an artist still listening inwardly, still searching for harmony between the sacred and the everyday.

Simon once explained, "My whole artistic life has always been about change, change, change, move on, move on. It’s the only thing I find interesting."

Through every season, Simon’s voice remains distinct — curious, reflective, and searching. “Sometimes even music can’t substitute for tears,” he once wrote. Yet through his songs, he continues to offer light where silence might have lingered.