Paul Simon, born October 13, 1941, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career spans seven decades. Known for his solo work and his legendary partnership with Art Garfunkel, Simon remains one of the most influential figures in popular music. As of 2025, the 84-year-old artist has announced a new tour for 2026, continuing a journey that has included landmark albums, a historic duo, and a lasting impact on folk and world music.
Simon first rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of Simon & Garfunkel, producing classics such as “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” After the duo disbanded in 1970, he built a solo career that culminated in the Grammy-winning album Graceland. His recent work includes the 2023 album Seven Psalms and a new tour that brings intimate performances to smaller venues.
The following article covers his current activities, net worth, personal life, relationship with Art Garfunkel, most famous songs, and a timeline of key milestones. All information is drawn from verified sources, including his official website and Wikipedia.
Is Paul Simon Currently Touring? What Is He Doing Now?
Simon announced the “A Quiet Celebration Tour” for 2026, with dates in Europe and North America.
Approximately $135 million, according to multiple sources.
“The Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Graceland” remain his signature works.
Born 1941, 5’3″ (160 cm), married to Edie Brickell, father of five children.
Key Insights
- Simon’s 2026 tour returns after a brief hiatus, focusing on acoustic, intimate performances.
- His net wealth stems from album sales, touring, and publishing rights, with Graceland as a cultural landmark.
- The Simon & Garfunkel partnership remains one of the most iconic in music history, though their relationship has seen periods of distance.
- Simon’s songwriting evolved from folk-rock to world music, influencing generations of artists.
- He originally announced his intention to retire from touring in 2018, but the 2026 tour extends his farewell activities.
- His 2023 album Seven Psalms reflects a move toward intimate, spiritual themes.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Frederic Simon |
| Born | October 13, 1941, Newark, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 5’3″ (1.60 m) |
| Spouse | Edie Brickell (m. 1992) |
| Children | 5 (Harper, Adrian, Gabriel, Lulu, and one from a previous marriage) |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor |
| Net Worth | $135 million (estimated) |
| Years Active | 1957–present |
| Notable Awards | 16 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Still Crazy After All These Years and Graceland |
Simon has announced a full slate of 2026 tour dates, extending his “A Quiet Celebration Tour” into both Europe and North America. The European leg begins in Prague, Czech Republic (April 9–12), followed by shows in Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Liverpool, Glasgow, London (Royal Albert Hall on May 9–10 and the Palladium on May 13–14), and Dublin (May 18). The North American leg kicks off in Palo Alto, California on June 4, with subsequent performances in Lenox, Massachusetts (Tanglewood, June 27–28), Gilford, New Hampshire, and Bethel Woods, New York (July 3).
Simon originally announced his intention to retire from touring in 2018, but this 2026 tour serves as an extension of his farewell activities, bringing intimate performances to smaller venues. The tour was announced via his official channels and reported by AXS TV.
What Is Paul Simon’s Net Worth and Personal Life?
Net Worth
Paul Simon’s net worth is estimated at approximately $135 million, according to multiple sources. This figure is based on his decades of album sales, extensive touring, and publishing rights. Graceland alone has sold over 16 million copies worldwide and remains a cultural and commercial landmark. While exact figures vary, the estimate is consistent with his standing as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Forbes has included him in their wealth profiles, though precise net worth figures are not officially confirmed by Simon or his representatives.
Net worth figures for public figures are often estimates based on available data. For Paul Simon, the $135 million figure is derived from known album sales, touring revenue, and publishing assets. These figures are not audited and may vary across sources. The most reliable estimates come from financial publications such as Forbes.
Children
Paul Simon has five children. With his wife Edie Brickell, he has three children: Harper, Adrian, and Gabriel. He also has a daughter, Lulu, and another child from a previous marriage. The names of his children are publicly known, but details about their personal lives remain private.
Height and Age
Paul Simon stands at 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) tall. He was born on October 13, 1941, making him 84 years old as of 2025. His height has been noted in various biographical sources, including IMDb.
Marriage
Simon has been married to musician Edie Brickell since 1992. The couple has been together for over three decades, and Brickell has occasionally performed with Simon. He was previously married to Peggy Harper from 1969 to 1975 and to Carrie Fisher from 1983 to 1984.
What Is the Relationship Between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel?
The Duo Years
Simon and Garfunkel performed together as a duo from 1965 to 1970. They met in school in 1957 and began performing as Simon & Garfunkel, creating enduring classics such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “The Boxer.” Their harmonies and songwriting defined an era of folk-rock music.
The Breakup and Estrangement
After the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water in 1970, the duo disbanded. They experienced a significant professional estrangement that lasted for about 30 years. While they never publicly confirmed a bitter feud, both have described it as a “loss of connection” rather than a dramatic falling-out.
Reunions and Current Status
Simon and Garfunkel officially reunited in 2003 for the “Old Friends” tour, followed by a 2004 international encore that culminated in a free concert in Rome for 600,000 people. They also performed together in 2009 (Australia, New Zealand, Japan) and in 2010 at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Since Simon’s 2018 retirement announcement, they have not performed together. While they are not as close as in their early years, their 2003 reunion and subsequent performances indicate a warm, respectful friendship and shared musical legacy.
The Simon & Garfunkel relationship is one of the most documented in music history. Their 30-year estrangement was followed by a successful reunion, but they have not performed together since 2010. This pattern reflects the complexities of a creative partnership that produced some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century.
What Are Paul Simon’s Most Famous Songs?
Simon & Garfunkel Classics
The duo produced a string of hits that remain iconic. “The Sound of Silence” became a global anthem after being remixed with electric instruments. “Mrs. Robinson” was featured in the film The Graduate. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” won multiple Grammy Awards and is considered one of the greatest songs ever recorded. “The Boxer” is another enduring favorite, known for its intricate lyrics and harmonies.
Solo Hits
Simon’s solo career produced its own set of classics. “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” from Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) became a radio staple. “Graceland” (1986) introduced South African music to a global audience and won Album of the Year. Other notable songs include “You Can Call Me Al,” “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” and “The Obvious Child.”
Later Work
Simon’s later albums, including So Beautiful or So What (2011) and Stranger to Stranger (2016), continued to explore new musical territories. His 2023 album Seven Psalms is a suite of seven interconnected pieces, reflecting his ongoing interest in spiritual and meditative themes.
Some songs are commonly misattributed to Simon & Garfunkel when they are actually solo Simon works. For example, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “Graceland” are solo recordings, not duo performances. Always check the album credits when identifying his catalog.
What Are the Key Milestones in Paul Simon’s Career?
- 1941 – Born in Newark, New Jersey.
- 1957 – Meets Art Garfunkel at school.
- 1964 – Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. released.
- 1970 – Simon & Garfunkel disband after Bridge Over Troubled Water.
- 1975 – Solo album Still Crazy After All These Years wins Album of the Year.
- 1986 – Graceland released, becomes a global phenomenon.
- 2003 – Simon & Garfunkel reunite for the “Old Friends” tour.
- 2016 – Farewell tour (Homeward Bound) begins.
- 2023 – Releases album Seven Psalms.
- 2026 – Announces “A Quiet Celebration Tour.”
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Paul Simon?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| 2026 tour dates are confirmed on his official website. | Exact net worth figures vary across sources, ranging from $120 million to $150 million. |
| His marriage to Edie Brickell is publicly documented. | The current status of his relationship with Art Garfunkel is not publicly detailed beyond their last performance in 2010. |
| His children’s names are known from public records. | Specific health issues, such as hearing loss, have been reported but not officially confirmed by Simon. |
| Grammy wins and other awards are verified by the Recording Academy. | Whether he will release additional music after the 2026 tour is not known. |
What Is the Broader Significance of Paul Simon’s Musical Legacy?
Paul Simon’s career spans seven decades, reflecting shifts from folk to world music. His partnership with Art Garfunkel defined an era but also created a perpetual comparison that followed his solo work. The album Graceland revolutionized the use of South African music in pop, introducing global audiences to the sounds of mbaqanga and isicathamiya. His recent work, including Seven Psalms, focuses on intimate, spiritual themes, marking a late-career turn toward introspection.
The 2026 tour is notable because it follows a period of silence and health concerns, signaling a continued desire to connect with audiences. Simon’s ability to evolve while maintaining his signature lyrical depth has cemented his place as one of the most respected songwriters in American music.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Paul Simon?
The most reliable sources for information about Paul Simon include his official website, Wikipedia, and verified news outlets. The following sources were used in the preparation of this article:
“It’s a quiet celebration of music and life.” — Paul Simon on the 2026 tour, from his official website.
Simon has received 12 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Graceland and Still Crazy After All These Years, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
Simon and Garfunkel reunited in 2003 for the “Old Friends” tour and a 2004 international encore, culminating in a free concert in Rome for 600,000 people.
What Is the Essential Overview of Paul Simon’s Life and Career?
Paul Simon is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose work with Simon & Garfunkel and as a solo artist has left an indelible mark on popular music. From his early folk-rock hits to the world music fusion of Graceland and the spiritual introspection of Seven Psalms, his career reflects constant evolution. As of 2025, he is preparing for a 2026 tour, continuing to perform despite earlier retirement announcements. For more on his recorded work, explore his Graceland and solo albums. To understand the full scope of his partnership, read about Simon & Garfunkel on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Simon’s height?
Paul Simon is approximately 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) tall.
How old is Paul Simon?
Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, making him 84 years old as of 2025.
Is Paul Simon still married?
Yes, Paul Simon has been married to musician Edie Brickell since 1992.
What was Paul Simon like as a young man?
As a young man, Paul Simon was a dedicated student of music, forming a duo with Art Garfunkel in high school and pursuing a career in folk music.
Did Paul Simon retire?
Paul Simon announced a “farewell tour” in 2016 but has since returned with new music and a 2026 tour, indicating he has not fully retired.
How many Grammy Awards has Paul Simon won?
Paul Simon has won 12 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Graceland and Still Crazy After All These Years.
Who are Paul Simon’s children?
Paul Simon has five children: Harper, Adrian, Gabriel, Lulu, and one from a previous marriage.
What is Paul Simon’s most famous song?
“The Sound of Silence” is widely considered his most famous song, though “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Graceland” are also iconic.
When did Simon & Garfunkel break up?
Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970 after the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Is Paul Simon touring in 2026?
Yes, Paul Simon has announced a “A Quiet Celebration Tour” for 2026, with dates in Europe and North America.
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Oliver Reeves leads fact-checking and editorial standards at BritView.uk.