I have most of his albums/cds and I will never forget when I got this one at the PX at Ft. Eustis, VA. If I am not mistaken it took a few years for it to take off because it was so different using South African musicians...and in a time of apartheid. He drew attention to the struggle to end apartheid.
@@drdr76 -- He took a lot of shit from anti-apartheid activists for it. He went to S. Africa to work with their musicians, which violated the boycott. However, it had the effect of introducing the world to South African music and nothing can break down barriers like music can.
I can only repeat what others have said - Graceland. And try Rhythm of the Saints. Both fantastic African and other cosmopolitan music. You will fall in love.
she's not rich, the diamonds are a symbol for stars. this is music from, South Africa. as for reggae sounding; to me, it sounds more like Calypso. I still ''lik'ed'' it .......lol
When Joseph Shabalala died his funeral was practically a national event. He was the much loved leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I never saw a performance of theirs where he didn't have that beautiful smile on his face.
(wikipedia) On the night of 10 December 1991, his brother and fellow member Headman Shabalala was killed by an off-duty white security guard near the town of Ladysmith. The death was thought to be a racial murder.[6] Later that day, my local PBS station (NY channel 13) was doing a fundraising drive with the Graceland tour video. I called to tell them that they MUST acknowledge his death on air. Initially, they didn't believe me. I assume other folks called as well. About a half hour later they mentioned it on the air.
This is from his album "Graceland". One of the greatest albums of all time. Not a bad song on that one. Can listen to it back to front on repeat. So good.
I was 14 when Paul Simon's Graceland was released and I was obsessed with it for a year. I still think of it as one of the best albums of modern rock. To this kid from the midwest the rhythms of South Africa and the beautiful vocals of Ladysmith Black Mambazo was a revelation. Simon went on to do Rhythm of the Saints, taking inspiration from Latin American music. Not quite as amazing as Graceland but still worth a listen. I often worry when I hear artist X's latest album is influenced by culture Y because so often the result is clumsy, but when artists like Paul Simon (Graceland and after), Peter Gabriel (his whole solo career) or David Byrne (Rei Momo and after) do it it can be a wonderful avenue to hear new forms of music while still having a frame of reference.
This style of music is often referred to as "Township Jive" and comes from the apartheid era segregated townships in South Africa. Paul Simon was the first to bring it to the masses of the US although some artists had a small niche here
I spent a summer in Zimbabwe a year or two after this concert was filmed there, in a township called Dvarasweka (I think). Much of the audience came from South Africa, so Paul Simon was making a grand cultural statement with this project. You see, Zimbabwe had been liberated from its racist apartheid government 7 or 8 years prior and was living in a season of racial harmony and reconciliation, while neighboring South Africa was still in its pre-Mandela apartheid state. This was more than ground-breaking, gorgeous, and infectious music presentation, this was a statement about human dignity and unity.
Paul Simon did the unthinkable in the name of music. South Africa was under the oppressive apartheid regime with Nelson Mandela in jail. In spite of heavy opposition from the music industry he traveled to the ghettos of South Africa and liberated the music and musicians. He paid them all American wages when they recorded and toured and gave album credit for royalty’s. That concert was for the oppressed blacks who had not seen or heard live music in quite some time. This is my fav track.... Thanks for reacting to it. 💜
My daughter was raised on the album. She was the toddler dancing to Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes. She is now expecting her second child. I was a child when Sounds of Silence was released. The music still sounds so fresh. I have always said that you can buy a Paul Simon record unheard and you will never be ripped off.
Paul Simon is incredible. He's so generous with his music, his talent and with his stage. To this day he collaborates with unknown artists and artists from other countries. Just amazing. Ladysmith are also just spectacular.
The album Graceland was created by Paul Simon during the apartheid era in South Africa. This performance was in Zimbabwe because they were prohibited from performing in South Africa. The group singing and dancing is Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which means the black ox (most powerful animal) from Ladysmith township. They are singing in the Zulu language. The lead singer of the group was Joseph Shabalala, who passed this year. The trumpet player is Hugh Masakela. The concert itself was controversial because at the time there was a UN sanctioned cultural boycott against South Africa due to the repressive apartheid government, and Nelson Mandela was still in prison. However, the concert and album were quite famously received very well. BTW, Paul Simon is half of the duo Simon and Garfunkle.
So great you are reacting to Paul Simon, India, as he is one of the greatest American songwriters of all time. He has written songs since the early 1960s, performing with Art Garfunkel mostly during the 60s and early 70s, including The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, The Boxer, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. He has had an equally prolific solo career and the video here is a song on the album Graceland from the mid-80s. I enjoyed your earlier reaction to Bridge Over Troubled Water. (Btw, his last name Simon, rhymes with "Diamond," silent "a" and without the "d" at the end.)
The whole album is inspired by African musical and storytelling traditions. I was lucky to have an English teacher in the 90s who used this whole album to teach poetry analysis. Been one of my favorites ever since.
I was a photo editor at Rolling Stone when this song came out and I was lucky enough to go to a photo session with Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I remember how gracious and happy Ladysmith Black Mambazo members were to everyone. And the music so good.
Paul Simon is the writer and part of the duo that sang Sound of Silence, that Disturbed covered. Paul traveled the world exploring music of many cultures. You should listen to more from Graceland and the original Sound of Silence. You will fall in love. Obvious Child is probably one of my favorite songs of his.
This is Paul Simon of Simon & Garfunkel....Love Him!!!! I believe on this album he specifically brought in musicians from the places/place that influenced the music....It was so lovely!! The album is called Graceland - check it out!
Paul Simon fought hard to realize the creation of this masterpiece in Apartied South Africa. It was not a political statement but rather to pay homage to that countries musical roots. it was not the Afrikaans government that opposed his efforts but the ANC and other organizations fighting the scourge of Apartied who did not which to see South Africa be seen as a place where artists would be encouraged to perform and produce. I was felt it would discount their struggles against Apartied and create a new normal. Has been and always will be my favorite album and believe it did more good than bad to further that cause
"Call me Al" has much the same vibe. A very fun song. Paul is known as 'Rhymin' Simon because of his unique ability to write interesting lyrical stories. I love his music.
i LOVE that song. It's one of the first music videos I remember seeing as a child (idk why but it always stuck in my memory) and I watch the video often 🤗
Actually you have reacted to him. He was 1 of Simon and Garfunkel ;) The song you reacted to was Bridge Over Troubled Water. He recorder this album in South Africa
@@OhMyGoshIndia The album was recorded in the USA & PS flew the guys from South Africa to New York. As this was during the apartheid era, they were confused when they got there that they were free to walk about without documentation. As everywhere in South Africa was monitored, you had to carry ID everywhere & if approached had to show you had a right to be in a vicinity. People could be jailed for stepping into the wrong area.
@@paulfell4962 Wow. Its hard to believe apartheid really wasn't that long ago. Did you read about that? Wonder if theres a video...I will have to look and see. Thanks for sharing
Fun as the live version is, I really do recommend listening to the studio version. The original recording is one of the best produced albums I've ever heard, and live recording from the 80s just can't hold up to that standard.
Late to the party, but wanted to chime in. The whole Gracel6album is a collaboration between Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mamvazo, a famous group from South Africa. This was the height of Apartheid, and I believe this is the historic concert in South Africa. Freakin' Revolutionary, y'all.
When Paul Simon made this album the world got a problem. At the time South Africa was in boycott due to the systematic racism called apartheid-system. So nobody really knew what to do - as a musician broke the boycott on behalf of those that were repressed to make art as protest. It is in my mind one of few albums that approach perfection at every level.
That song is my favorite Paul Simon song.. I had it on cassette way back when...lol. I also literally wore the tape out at that point...kept playing the song, rewinding it and playing again while in my car. It finally snapped during the middle of the song. I think by then the tape was about 10 years old. :P Thanks for reviewing it. I love that clip of this song, it's better than the original music video...which was pretty awesome too.
Paul Simon's album best selling album titled, "Graceland" (the name of Elvis Presley's home if course) featured all the artists on the stage plus the Every Brothers guested on the title track. "Graceland" was released 1986 in the UK. Listen to the album on your own. It was a brilliant collaboration with the African singers and musicians. I think this concert was in South Africa.
❤️ This song is about Carrie Fisher .... his wife… Her mother was Debbie Reynolds and her dad was Eddie Fisher… Her dad left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor .... Carrie Fisher grew up in Hollywood and New York and Paris and everywhere awesome that there possibly could be!
Wow, thanks for that, I've loved this song my whole life (thanks mum) but I never knew his wife was Carrie Fisher, or the meaning of the song. So thanks for the knowledge👍
The backup singers were Lady Smith Black Mambazo--yes the joke from the Mean Girls movie. This choral group was an excellent example of how music helped launch the revolution against Apartheid in South Africa. It’s a shame more people don’t listen to that whole album it’s phenomenal.
The whole Graceland album was recorded in South Africa. Paul demanded that he recorded it there. The album is an absolute masterpiece paying homage to Africa and its artist who he put on the map.
This collaboration was in part a effort to bring awareness in America of Apartheid in South Africa. It was a successful protest and even though the work was a critical success, Paul Simon caught a lot of heat for this.
It amazes me you hadn't experienced Paul Simon before this. The man is a musical genius. His collaboration with Art Garfunkel is legendary. Art has probably a better voice than Paul, but when it comes to composing and arranging music, Paul Simon was one of the best. And the album Graceland is an example of that which this song is on. He took a trip to South Africa during apartheid and fell in love with the native music. The album was controversial because of that. But his music sensibility created just a fantastically composed work of art. I urge you to hear the other songs on the album.
A lot of history in the making of Graceland, the album this song is from. Took place during Apartheid in South Africa. There's another song: Ain't Gonna Play Sun City - which may give an idea of the opposition Paul Simon faced when making the album. It's a great album - listen to Under African Skies - beautiful.
Heard this song on the radio and had to get it! Bought the tape/album played this song on repeat for days before getting around to rest of the tape. How I didn't snap it I'll never know. One of the best albums I've ever bought.
A black North American girl is reacting to a song by a white North American artist featuring a South African band that clearly has some traditional African sounds and dancing in it and she's saying "I'm getting Reggae Jamaica vibes" and "uhh Jazz", which is terribly wrong and right at the same time! 😂
Paul Simon and his friends won the Grammy for best album in 1986 and this was the last song on the album entitled: Graceland. and yes there were references to the home of the guy you were wearing on your shirt Elvis.
There was a time in the 80s that nearly everyday there was some atrocity in Soweto and anywhere else that the white apartheid regime thought it was ok to kill people on the streets for just being black. If you get time India take a look at what was going on in south Africa back then.
I love this song (and the album), but it was just fun to listen and watch this music with the reactions on your face. I believe you have diamonds on your soul. Blessings.
I was very flattered when a friend dedicated this song to me. He said no one could miss that I was from a rich family and it gave me lots of class but I never made anyone feel awkward or uncomfortable.
I am an old dude. Just discovered "reactor" videos today. I don't expect younger people to know the music of my youth. I sure don't know all the young artists of today. You can't know everything, in all fields of music (much less all fields of knowledge), throughout history. But you can have an open mind, and keep learning even though you are no longer "in school". I am happy, and moved, when folks younger than me get turned on to great music. When someone reacts to "cult of personality", but has no idea who Mussolini is, I appreciate their love of the music, & that they get the general gist of the song. India's reaction to Neil Young's "Southern Man" & "Harvest moon" back to back is beautiful.
This is from Simon's 'Graceland' concert in Zimbabwe, which my parents attended back in the '80's. I've seen the full concert video, and it's amazing; really super-positive feel and full of hope for the future - rather heartbreaking in retrospect when you consider the miserable place that the country is currently in. Also, if you don't mind re-visiting material, I would suggest you listen to the original version of 'Graceland', from this concert or the original CD. I know you listened to a later re-recording, but in my opinion there is no beating the original. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's vocals just cannot be replaced by a few guitar riffs. So far as other recommendations go, I would suggest you check out some of Harry Nilsson's songs (specifically 'Coconut', 'Cuddly Toy' and 'Jump Into the Fire'), because he was amazing and more people need to know about him, and maybe some Scatman John (because he's super-inspiring, if nothing else). But that, of course, is up to you.
This is one of my favorite songs! This whole concert is phenomenal. All of the musicians are musical legends (mostly South African). And like you said, the vibe is so mellow and happy. 😊
Love this song, and the entire album. The song title doesn't indicate that she's a rich girl; the reason she has diamonds on the soles of her shoes...is that this scene takes place in South Africa; where the diamond trade is so prevalent and powerful. The diamond mines supply most of the diamonds that you see in jewelry stores around the world. When the workers chip & chisel the diamonds from the walls of the mines....it leaves tiny diamonds, and diamond dust, like sand...that gets blown around and tracked all over that region; that's why she has diamonds on the soles of her shoes. 😉
I always thought it was about poor diamond workers stealing the diamonds, but it does say "she was a rich girl", so I think others are correct in mentioning Carrie Fisher.
@@justsomeguy5490 Years ago, I watched a music segment called, "Album Liner Notes", featuring Paul Simon. He basically said that the young children would gather together and dance....talking about how they were all rich, because the bottoms of their sandals were shiny with diamond fragments.
I rinsed this until the tape snapped..!!! One of the most beautiful albums ever produced, and this track in particular has some of the sweetest words ever put to music.
South Africa in the HOUSE! That was Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the orange shirts and most of the band who are South African. I spotted Hugh Masekela and Ray Phiri. I AM PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!
The whole album Graceland by Paul Simon is simply amazing and different.
Without doubt. I've been listening to this for 25 years.
It's one of the few perfect albums I've ever heard.
I have most of his albums/cds and I will never forget when I got this one at the PX at Ft. Eustis, VA. If I am not mistaken it took a few years for it to take off because it was so different using South African musicians...and in a time of apartheid. He drew attention to the struggle to end apartheid.
One of the greatest pieces of music of the 20th century.
@@drdr76 -- He took a lot of shit from anti-apartheid activists for it. He went to S. Africa to work with their musicians, which violated the boycott. However, it had the effect of introducing the world to South African music and nothing can break down barriers like music can.
You should also listen to “Late in The Evening” by Paul Simon. I think you will like it
It's about Carrie Fisher!
To love music is to travel through time.
I can only repeat what others have said - Graceland. And try Rhythm of the Saints. Both fantastic African and other cosmopolitan music. You will fall in love.
If I could have 1 album on a desert island, this would be it.
South africa vibes actually
she's not rich, the diamonds are a symbol for stars. this is music from, South Africa. as for reggae sounding; to me, it sounds more like Calypso. I still ''lik'ed'' it .......lol
We know what you talking about for sure love y'all.
check out paul simon american tune
When Joseph Shabalala died his funeral was practically a national event. He was the much loved leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I never saw a performance of theirs where he didn't have that beautiful smile on his face.
(wikipedia) On the night of 10 December 1991, his brother and fellow member Headman Shabalala was killed by an off-duty white security guard near the town of Ladysmith. The death was thought to be a racial murder.[6]
Later that day, my local PBS station (NY channel 13) was doing a fundraising drive with the Graceland tour video. I called to tell them that they MUST acknowledge his death on air. Initially, they didn't believe me. I assume other folks called as well. About a half hour later they mentioned it on the air.
The first time I saw them, and the first time I heard this song was when they appeared with Paul Simon on on SNL-they were amazing! STUNNING!
This is from his album "Graceland". One of the greatest albums of all time. Not a bad song on that one. Can listen to it back to front on repeat. So good.
Yes. Me too. A treasure.
Jason Remy I truly feel this album was instrumental in introducing the larger American public to ‘World Music.’ Its influence can’t be overstated.
I 100% agree. Thirty years later and we STILL listen to it.
I was 14 when Paul Simon's Graceland was released and I was obsessed with it for a year. I still think of it as one of the best albums of modern rock. To this kid from the midwest the rhythms of South Africa and the beautiful vocals of Ladysmith Black Mambazo was a revelation. Simon went on to do Rhythm of the Saints, taking inspiration from Latin American music. Not quite as amazing as Graceland but still worth a listen. I often worry when I hear artist X's latest album is influenced by culture Y because so often the result is clumsy, but when artists like Paul Simon (Graceland and after), Peter Gabriel (his whole solo career) or David Byrne (Rei Momo and after) do it it can be a wonderful avenue to hear new forms of music while still having a frame of reference.
The whole Graceland album is flavored with the music of South Africa.
Not just South Africa. Cajian music ,Calypso also as well as some soft Jazz and soul.
This style of music is often referred to as "Township Jive" and comes from the apartheid era segregated townships in South Africa. Paul Simon was the first to bring it to the masses of the US although some artists had a small niche here
I spent a summer in Zimbabwe a year or two after this concert was filmed there, in a township called Dvarasweka (I think). Much of the audience came from South Africa, so Paul Simon was making a grand cultural statement with this project. You see, Zimbabwe had been liberated from its racist apartheid government 7 or 8 years prior and was living in a season of racial harmony and reconciliation, while neighboring South Africa was still in its pre-Mandela apartheid state. This was more than ground-breaking, gorgeous, and infectious music presentation, this was a statement about human dignity and unity.
thanks for sharing!
You should REALLY listen to "Under African Skys," AND "Homeless."
This was my favorite album of his!
Also in the same way as SCATTERLINGS OF AFRICA. (Jaluka) Remarkable!
“Homeless” is amazing!
Paul Simon did the unthinkable in the name of music. South Africa was under the oppressive apartheid regime with Nelson Mandela in jail. In spite of heavy opposition from the music industry he traveled to the ghettos of South Africa and liberated the music and musicians. He paid them all American wages when they recorded and toured and gave album credit for royalty’s. That concert was for the oppressed blacks who had not seen or heard live music in quite some time. This is my fav track.... Thanks for reacting to it. 💜
My daughter was raised on the album. She was the toddler dancing to Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes. She is now expecting her second child. I was a child when Sounds of Silence was released. The music still sounds so fresh. I have always said that you can buy a Paul Simon record unheard and you will never be ripped off.
Paul Simon is incredible. He's so generous with his music, his talent and with his stage. To this day he collaborates with unknown artists and artists from other countries. Just amazing. Ladysmith are also just spectacular.
Graceland was a breath of fresh air at the time, what a fantastic album
The album Graceland was created by Paul Simon during the apartheid era in South Africa. This performance was in Zimbabwe because they were prohibited from performing in South Africa. The group singing and dancing is Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which means the black ox (most powerful animal) from Ladysmith township. They are singing in the Zulu language. The lead singer of the group was Joseph Shabalala, who passed this year. The trumpet player is Hugh Masakela. The concert itself was controversial because at the time there was a UN sanctioned cultural boycott against South Africa due to the repressive apartheid government, and Nelson Mandela was still in prison. However, the concert and album were quite famously received very well. BTW, Paul Simon is half of the duo Simon and Garfunkle.
The "diamonds" are broken glass embedded in their shoes as they sleep in the doorway.
He had a whole new sound after his trip to Africa. Happens to a lot of musicians, with great results.
So great you are reacting to Paul Simon, India, as he is one of the greatest American songwriters of all time. He has written songs since the early 1960s, performing with Art Garfunkel mostly during the 60s and early 70s, including The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, The Boxer, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. He has had an equally prolific solo career and the video here is a song on the album Graceland from the mid-80s. I enjoyed your earlier reaction to Bridge Over Troubled Water. (Btw, his last name Simon, rhymes with "Diamond," silent "a" and without the "d" at the end.)
As far as i know he is English.
The whole album is inspired by African musical and storytelling traditions. I was lucky to have an English teacher in the 90s who used this whole album to teach poetry analysis. Been one of my favorites ever since.
I was a photo editor at Rolling Stone when this song came out and I was lucky enough to go to a photo session with Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I remember how gracious and happy Ladysmith Black Mambazo members were to everyone. And the music so good.
Paul Simon is the writer and part of the duo that sang Sound of Silence, that Disturbed covered.
Paul traveled the world exploring music of many cultures. You should listen to more from Graceland and the original Sound of Silence. You will fall in love.
Obvious Child is probably one of my favorite songs of his.
I could be mistaken, but I think she already reacted to S&G's version a few weeks ago.
Oh my bad, as someone else pointed out, she reacted to Bridge Over Troubled Water.
This is Paul Simon of Simon & Garfunkel....Love Him!!!! I believe on this album he specifically brought in musicians from the places/place that influenced the music....It was so lovely!! The album is called Graceland - check it out!
'She said honey tale me dancing, but they ended up out sleeping in a doorway..' is the most romantic thing I've ever heard... Beautiful words.
The person on the horn with the beautiful afro was Hugh Masekela. Awesome horn player
I was at this concert, it was amazing.
Wow 🤩
NefariousPorpoise - So excited for you. What a treat! 😊🤟🇦🇺
@@LAinAustralia credit goes to my dad, I was 10 years old.
React to "Me and Julio down by the schoolyard" and " Slip sliding away". Great stuff.
Thomas Finnell Paul has hits on hits on hits. Guy is an absolute legend!
Paul Simon fought hard to realize the creation of this masterpiece in Apartied South Africa. It was not a political statement but rather to pay homage to that countries musical roots. it was not the Afrikaans government that opposed his efforts but the ANC and other organizations fighting the scourge of Apartied who did not which to see South Africa be seen as a place where artists would be encouraged to perform and produce. I was felt it would discount their struggles against Apartied and create a new normal. Has been and always will be my favorite album and believe it did more good than bad to further that cause
50 ways to leave your lover is another good Paul Simon song. He made/ makes all types of music in his songs
"Call me Al" has much the same vibe. A very fun song. Paul is known as 'Rhymin' Simon because of his unique ability to write interesting lyrical stories. I love his music.
i LOVE that song. It's one of the first music videos I remember seeing as a child (idk why but it always stuck in my memory) and I watch the video often 🤗
My hubs and I crank up the volume on that song!
He makes the sign of a teaspoon, she makes the sign of a wave...no idea what it means but it's perfect. Simon is a true poet.
Actually you have reacted to him. He was 1 of Simon and Garfunkel ;) The song you reacted to was Bridge Over Troubled Water. He recorder this album in South Africa
OMGGG , HOW DID I NOT KNOW :/
@@OhMyGoshIndia The other was just an audio and he was much younger...think he even had hair 😋
@ShariSez1 Oh...yea I guess he does 🤭
@@OhMyGoshIndia The album was recorded in the USA & PS flew the guys from South Africa to New York. As this was during the apartheid era, they were confused when they got there that they were free to walk about without documentation. As everywhere in South Africa was monitored, you had to carry ID everywhere & if approached had to show you had a right to be in a vicinity. People could be jailed for stepping into the wrong area.
@@paulfell4962 Wow. Its hard to believe apartheid really wasn't that long ago. Did you read about that? Wonder if theres a video...I will have to look and see. Thanks for sharing
The whole album Graceland, is a masterpiece. Give it a listen.
Fun as the live version is, I really do recommend listening to the studio version. The original recording is one of the best produced albums I've ever heard, and live recording from the 80s just can't hold up to that standard.
Late to the party, but wanted to chime in.
The whole Gracel6album is a collaboration between Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mamvazo, a famous group from South Africa.
This was the height of Apartheid, and I believe this is the historic concert in South Africa.
Freakin' Revolutionary, y'all.
Best album ever, in my mind. "Graceland" is the album.
There is not a weak track to be found on it. Truly a 10/10 album.
Try the Boy in the Bubble
I will totally agree with you on that.
Paul Simon spent some time in Africa, where he met this group, and wrote music with them. They had a album and did a tour.
This is a joy in it's purest form! Restores my good mood each time I listen it.
That's what it's about. Music is making joy and sharing it with the audience. Then they give it back to you...
When Paul Simon made this album the world got a problem. At the time South Africa was in boycott due to the systematic racism called apartheid-system. So nobody really knew what to do - as a musician broke the boycott on behalf of those that were repressed to make art as protest.
It is in my mind one of few albums that approach perfection at every level.
That song is my favorite Paul Simon song.. I had it on cassette way back when...lol. I also literally wore the tape out at that point...kept playing the song, rewinding it and playing again while in my car. It finally snapped during the middle of the song. I think by then the tape was about 10 years old. :P Thanks for reviewing it. I love that clip of this song, it's better than the original music video...which was pretty awesome too.
Paul Simon's album best selling album titled, "Graceland" (the name of Elvis Presley's home if course) featured all the artists on the stage plus the Every Brothers guested on the title track. "Graceland" was released 1986 in the UK.
Listen to the album on your own. It was a brilliant collaboration with the African singers and musicians. I think this concert was in South Africa.
Check out his whole album, Graceland. You won’t regret it! And Ladysmith Black Mambazo (the backup singers) are amazing too!)
❤️ This song is about Carrie Fisher .... his wife… Her mother was Debbie Reynolds and her dad was Eddie Fisher… Her dad left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor .... Carrie Fisher grew up in Hollywood and New York and Paris and everywhere awesome that there possibly could be!
Wow, thanks for that, I've loved this song my whole life (thanks mum) but I never knew his wife was Carrie Fisher, or the meaning of the song. So thanks for the knowledge👍
The backup singers were Lady Smith Black Mambazo--yes the joke from the Mean Girls movie. This choral group was an excellent example of how music helped launch the revolution against Apartheid in South Africa. It’s a shame more people don’t listen to that whole album it’s phenomenal.
The whole album was recorded in South Africa with only black south african musicians.
The whole Graceland album was recorded in South Africa. Paul demanded that he recorded it there. The album is an absolute masterpiece paying homage to Africa and its artist who he put on the map.
I could sing this whole album by heart.
This collaboration was in part a effort to bring awareness in America of Apartheid in South Africa. It was a successful protest and even though the work was a critical success, Paul Simon caught a lot of heat for this.
No Reggae, No Jamaica. It's South African. It's Paul Simon (from Simon & Garfunkle) from his mastrpiece album 'Graceland'
It amazes me you hadn't experienced Paul Simon before this. The man is a musical genius. His collaboration with Art Garfunkel is legendary. Art has probably a better voice than Paul, but when it comes to composing and arranging music, Paul Simon was one of the best. And the album Graceland is an example of that which this song is on. He took a trip to South Africa during apartheid and fell in love with the native music. The album was controversial because of that. But his music sensibility created just a fantastically composed work of art. I urge you to hear the other songs on the album.
This is from his "Graceland" album, it has another hit song on it 'You Can Call Me Al' he did a funny video for it with comic actor Chevy Chase.
And I believe that's the great South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela blowing that horn.
A lot of history in the making of Graceland, the album this song is from. Took place during Apartheid in South Africa. There's another song: Ain't Gonna Play Sun City - which may give an idea of the opposition Paul Simon faced when making the album. It's a great album - listen to Under African Skies - beautiful.
Paul loves world music. Incorporates it constantly while also writing ridiculously catchy music. Peter Gabriel is the same way.
Heard this song on the radio and had to get it! Bought the tape/album played this song on repeat for days before getting around to rest of the tape. How I didn't snap it I'll never know. One of the best albums I've ever bought.
A black North American girl is reacting to a song by a white North American artist featuring a South African band that clearly has some traditional African sounds and dancing in it and she's saying "I'm getting Reggae Jamaica vibes" and "uhh Jazz", which is terribly wrong and right at the same time! 😂
SEEING YOU ARE WEARING AN ELVIS T-SHIRT YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO (I AM GOING TO GRACELAND )
The song from the album that I love the most is "Homeless". I cried when I heard it.
Paul Simon and his friends won the Grammy for best album in 1986 and this was the last song on the album entitled: Graceland. and yes there were references to the home of the guy you were wearing on your shirt Elvis.
There was a time in the 80s that nearly everyday there was some atrocity in Soweto and anywhere else that the white apartheid regime thought it was ok to kill people on the streets for just being black.
If you get time India take a look at what was going on in south Africa back then.
Nice Elvis shirt greetzz From the Netherlands
I love this song (and the album), but it was just fun to listen and watch this music with the reactions on your face. I believe you have diamonds on your soul. Blessings.
Lady Smith Black Mambazo!
I was very flattered when a friend dedicated this song to me. He said no one could miss that I was from a rich family and it gave me lots of class but I never made anyone feel awkward or uncomfortable.
Great reaction, love Paul Simons...
Oh and you are class 👌
Have loved this song forever...Played Graceland to my daughter all through my pregnancy...! =)
The song "Homeless" is my favorite on the album. "Crazy love" second.
Sorry, how does someone not know Paul Simon? Or this great song from his Graceland album?
I am an old dude. Just discovered "reactor" videos today. I don't expect younger people to know the music of my youth. I sure don't know all the young artists of today. You can't know everything, in all fields of music (much less all fields of knowledge), throughout history. But you can have an open mind, and keep learning even though you are no longer "in school". I am happy, and moved, when folks younger than me get turned on to great music. When someone reacts to "cult of personality", but has no idea who Mussolini is, I appreciate their love of the music, & that they get the general gist of the song. India's reaction to Neil Young's "Southern Man" & "Harvest moon" back to back is beautiful.
This is from Simon's 'Graceland' concert in Zimbabwe, which my parents attended back in the '80's. I've seen the full concert video, and it's amazing; really super-positive feel and full of hope for the future - rather heartbreaking in retrospect when you consider the miserable place that the country is currently in.
Also, if you don't mind re-visiting material, I would suggest you listen to the original version of 'Graceland', from this concert or the original CD. I know you listened to a later re-recording, but in my opinion there is no beating the original. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's vocals just cannot be replaced by a few guitar riffs.
So far as other recommendations go, I would suggest you check out some of Harry Nilsson's songs (specifically 'Coconut', 'Cuddly Toy' and 'Jump Into the Fire'), because he was amazing and more people need to know about him, and maybe some Scatman John (because he's super-inspiring, if nothing else). But that, of course, is up to you.
He also did some of these songs with them on Saturday Night Live at the time.
Thanks for the reaction video! Great song, classic album - one of the greatest selling albums of all time
Love the bass player. He kicks ass. I still have the cassette of the Graceland album
❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh yeah… Carrie Fisher… is princess Leia in Star Wars
This is one of my favorite songs! This whole concert is phenomenal. All of the musicians are musical legends (mostly South African). And like you said, the vibe is so mellow and happy. 😊
Despite or in spite of their circumstances, they partyed hard
A masterpiece!
Do call me Al!
Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel were really influenced by African music in the 80s
AFRICA
Hugh Masekela on the Trumpet... Jazz legend and don't forget Khumalo on the Bass Guitar....
Music that makes sense. Music that makes you feel good. Paul Simon one of the greatest!
Love this song, and the entire album. The song title doesn't indicate that she's a rich girl; the reason she has diamonds on the soles of her shoes...is that this scene takes place in South Africa; where the diamond trade is so prevalent and powerful. The diamond mines supply most of the diamonds that you see in jewelry stores around the world. When the workers chip & chisel the diamonds from the walls of the mines....it leaves tiny diamonds, and diamond dust, like sand...that gets blown around and tracked all over that region; that's why she has diamonds on the soles of her shoes. 😉
I always thought it was about poor diamond workers stealing the diamonds, but it does say "she was a rich girl", so I think others are correct in mentioning Carrie Fisher.
@@justsomeguy5490
Years ago, I watched a music segment called, "Album Liner Notes", featuring Paul Simon. He basically said that the young children would gather together and dance....talking about how they were all rich, because the bottoms of their sandals were shiny with diamond fragments.
You have reacted to Paul Simon before...Simon and Garfunkel...Same guy...
I love this song--and this is from one of my favourite albums of all time ('Graceland').
I rinsed this until the tape snapped..!!! One of the most beautiful albums ever produced, and this track in particular has some of the sweetest words ever put to music.
My man on the fretless bass is killin' it!
Yes, indeed.
This is music from the Mother Land. The group is Lady Smith Black Mambazo from South Africa.
Think you’ve reacted to Simon & Garfunkel before. That’s Paul Simon
My Fav Paul Simon song is "Ways to leave your Lover" and its a quirky song like this. He was different, that's for sure.
Filmed when apartheid was still around but blacks and whites enjoyed concert together.
This concert was recorded in Zimbabwe. The group is Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa.
RIP Joseph Shabalala, leader of LadySmith Black Mambazo, He died on February 11th 2020. Beautiful and powerful voice of South Africa
That's Black Lady Mambazo with Paul in South Africa.
Please check out Ladysmith Black Mambaza. That's the back up singers.
South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This is my favorite song off this album! The entire album is very good!
Paul Simon is one of the 10 greatest song writers of all Time. "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "Sounds of Silence"
South Africa - Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mombaza
South Africa in the HOUSE! That was Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the orange shirts and most of the band who are South African. I spotted Hugh Masekela and Ray Phiri. I AM PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!