In a night that honored the career of Paul Simon, it was many others who got the spotlight.
A Grammy Salute to Paul Simon took place Sunday night, featuring performances from Rhiannon Giddens and the Jonas Brothers. But in a night that honored the career of one of America’s most essential songwriters, it was many others who got the spotlight at Sunday night’s Grammy Salute to Paul Simon.
In a night that honored the career of Paul Simon, it was many others who got the spotlight. The Jonas Brothers performed “The Boxer,” which they wrote with Simon and his wife Edie Brickell. They also sang their hit “Satisfied” with him at his piano. Rhiannon Giddens appeared as a guest on Paul’s piano for an acoustic version of “American Tune.” She later joined him onstage for another performance of “America,” just one day after she won Best New Artist at The Grammy Awards on Sunday night (Feb 24).
Other artists included Patti LaBelle, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Wynton Marsalis all performing songs from their personal collections while playing keys or drums alongside each other on stage during this special tribute concert hosted by Dave Koz – one half of the duo ‘Dave Koz & Friends’ who recorded “Homeward Bound: A Grammy Salute To Paul Simon” album earlier this year.. The TV special featured performances from Paul Simon, Rhiannon Giddens, the Jonas Brothers and more. Other artists included Emmylou Harris, Mavis Staples and David Crosby & Graham Nash; Vince Gill; Alison Krauss; Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros; and Grey Gardens’s Lisa Loeb (who sang an a capella version of “The Boxer”). Ken Ehrlich served as host for the occasion.
In Homeward Bound: A Grammy Salute to Paul Simon, the musicians paid tribute to Simon’s music with spirited covers of his classic songs. The album is a collection of cover versions that include Giddens’ take on “The Boxer” (which she sings while playing acoustic guitar), Q-Tip’s smooth interpretation of “American Tune,” Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue’s soulful take on “Graceland,” and many more options for listeners who want to hear their favorite tracks in an entirely new way.
The album also includes some unexpected collaborations, such as one between singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and producer Nine Black Alps; she performs Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” alongside him on electric guitar before transitioning into her own original lyrics about overcoming fear by getting help from friends who are willing to sit beside you during hard times. But in a night that honored the career of one of America’s most essential songwriters, it was many others who got the spotlight at Sunday night’s Grammy Salute to Paul Simon.
The evening began with Rhiannon Giddens performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which benefited her upcoming album Sinner and Soul. She also sang “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” which may be more familiar as a cover by Bonnie Raitt than Simon—though both artists have recorded it.
The Grammy Awards are one of the highest honors in music. Each year, artists from all genres and generations come together in Hollywood for this big night that helps honor some of the best music of the year. Last night’s event was a tribute show for Paul Simon, who has been nominated for several Grammy awards throughout his career but never won any of them until now. This year he received his first ever Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance (Male).
The evening began with Rhiannon Giddens performing three songs from her album “I Am Love” including “Waiting On The Sun” which she wrote while pregnant with her son; it was very touching seeing these two performers share their love story during this performance!
Then came the Jonas Brothers who performed five tracks off their album “A Little More Personal.” They had everyone singing along as they sang about growing up together and falling apart when one left town while another stayed behind…and then getting back together again after years had passed by!
It was a night that honored Paul Simon’s career with some of his most beloved songs. But in a night that honored the career of one of America’s most essential songwriters, it was many others who got the spotlight at Sunday night’s Grammy Salute to Paul Simon. From Rhiannon Giddens and Jonas Brothers to Zac Brown and Willie Nelson (and more), there were so many incredible moments during this special tribute. And while these artists may not all be household names yet, they all made an impact on our hearts when they played their part in honoring one of America’s greatest composers: Paul Simon
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