Singer-songwriter Paul Simon, 75, recently released his 13th solo album-his first in five years-and is now on an extensive tour of Europe. He's at an age when other artists might be content to sit back and play their greatest hits, rather than push to create new, different work. Simon, however, says he's just following his musical instincts in an interview with Lee Cowan for CBS SUNDAY MORNING to be broadcast Nov. 6 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.
"I'm not trying to push the envelope," Simon tells Cowan of creating new music. "I have no agenda other than to follow what my ear tells me is interesting."
Simon has been performing for more than 50 years and has written some of the most enduring songs of his generation, from "Bridge over Troubled Water," performed with
Art Garfunkel, to his solo work, including "Slip Slidin' Away." And now his new album has received nearly unanimous critical acclaim.
"It's very much trial and error," Simon tells Cowan. "And I've learned to have a lot of patience with the errors. And a lot of errors."
Simon has no plans to pull back on touring either, although he admits it is something he's thought about.
"What I'm thinking of is how to end things well, not just a career, but the whole thing, the whole life," Simon tells Cowan. "And if I could do it gracefully or beautifully, well, I would be very grateful."
While Simon says planning for his demise isn't something he dwells on, he doesn't avoid the subject either.
"It's not my favorite go-to subject, you know, when I want to, when I want to tear myself up," Simon says. "But on the other hand, you know, it's probably worth it to be at least somewhat prepared for how to end well, how to end the song well, how to end a career well, how to end everything. If you can, if you're fortunate enough."
In a wide-ranging interview, Simon talks about his new album, his early days starting out with
Art Garfunkel, performing their legendary concert in New York's
Central Park in 1981, and his years as a solo artist.
CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM, ET) on the
CBS Television Network.
Rand Morrison is the executive producer.
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