Paul Simon, the celebrated folk-rock artist, is facing significant challenges due to hearing loss, impacting both his life and musical career. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter, known for hits like “You Can Call Me Al,” recently opened up about his struggle with acoustic health issues during his appearance on CBS Mornings. The interview revealed not only his personal experience but also his thoughts on creativity in the wake of disability.
During the discussion, Simon made it very clear: fans should not expect to hear “You Can Call Me Al” any time soon. “I’m going through my repertoire and reducing a lot of the choices to acoustic versions,” he explained, emphasizing how this adaptation is part of managing his condition. “It’s all much quieter. It’s not ‘You Can Call Me Al.’ That’s gone. I can’t do it anymore.” His heartfelt remarks come as he grapples with significant hearing loss, claiming to have lost 94 percent of the hearing in his left ear alone.
Simon first noticed his hearing issues about four years ago, coinciding with the production of his latest album, Seven Psalms. At the time, the artist harbored doubts about the possibilities of continuing his performances. “It was incredibly frustrating. I was very angry at first, y’know, to this happening to me,” he admitted, expressing how the new reality of diminished hearing deeply affected him.
One of the more poignant revelations from Simon's reflections is his concern over how his hearing loss could affect his enjoyment of music: “I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to enjoy making music.” This statement captures the essence of his struggle—a battle not just with his physical limitations but also with the emotional toll it carries.
Initially, when Simon consulted with doctors about his hearing condition, he was told there were no interventions available to help restore his hearing. Since then, he has become involved with the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, which involves over 100 scientists working diligently to find solutions for those facing hearing impairments. Simon’s newfound hope is tightly woven with the mission these researchers uphold.
Seeking inspiration from those who have walked similar paths, Simon looks to other artists like Henri Matisse. “You know Matisse, when he was suffering at the end of his life, when he was bedridden, he envisioned all these cut-outs and had this exciting creative period,” Simon shared. “So I don’t think creativity stops with disability. So far, I haven’t experienced it. And I hope not.” It’s evident he’s not ready to put his creative endeavors to rest just yet.
Even as he places some of his iconic songs on the back burner, Simon remains optimistic about his future performances. “I’m hoping to eventually be able to do full-length concerts. I’m optimistic. Six months ago, I was pessimistic,” he disclosed, hinting at his aspirations to reconnect with fans through live music again.
Simon's relationship with the music community extends far beyond his own struggles; it intertwines with his long-time collaborator, Art Garfunkel. Recently, the two stars reunited for the first time after years apart, reigniting discussions about their storied past and the intriguing left turns it has taken. Garfunkel expressed his emotions during this reunion, reflecting on the impact of past remarks he made about Simon. “I cried when he told me how much I had hurt him,” Garfunkel confessed, illustrating the depth of their bond and the complex history of their partnership.
For Simon, the future may be uncertain, but he is steadfastly committed to remaining creatively active. He continues to explore avenues for musical expression, even as he grapples with his current reality. Simon’s story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, the importance of hope, and the enduring nature of creativity, irrespective of life’s challenges.
