- Paul Simon Begins to Accept Hearing Loss and Its Impact on His Life and Work
- The Role of Guitar in Paul Simon’s Life Amidst Hearing Challenges
- Struggles and Reflections: Paul Simon’s Journey with Hearing Loss and Music
Paul Simon has said he is “beginning to” accept his hearing loss, and that having such a disability “changes how you interact with life” and work.
In May, the 81-year-old American singer-songwriter disclosed that he had nearly lost all hearing in his left ear.
Sunday, The Hollywood Reporter quoted him as saying, “I have not fully accepted it, but I am beginning to.”
He spoke following the Toronto Film Festival premiere of In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.
“I play the guitar daily.” Simon stated, “It’s the instrument that allows me to express my creativity.”
“However, it is also where I seek solace. If I’m feeling… ‘whatever,’ it’s very important to me.”
He added, “You know, when you have a disability, something happens to you that alters your awareness and how you interact with life.”
“Descended into a depression”
This summer, Simon released his 15th solo album, Seven Psalms. He rose to prominence in the 1960s folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel with songs such as Mrs. Robinson and The Sound of Silence.
He acknowledged that performing the new songs live has been difficult.
Typically, after completing an album, he would tour with it, allowing him to delve deeper into the composition. “Thereafter, it evolves to a new standard and advances.
“However, in a week I’m going to attempt to work with two guitarists who will perform the parts I played on the album, and see if I can sing the piece.
“I’m not sure how I can integrate my voice with the guitars.”
According to AFP, he explains in the film how he “really fell into a depression” due to his hearing loss.
Alex Gibney’s Oscar-winning documentary is an engrossing deep dive into the star’s career, from his partnership with childhood friend Art Garfunkel to his exploration of world music on his successful solo album Graceland to his recent hearing issues.
Since I was 13 years old, I’ve never desired to be anything other than a songwriter and a singer, he says on-screen.
During the post-screening Q&A on Sunday, Simon revealed that he had written a new song titled When I Learned to Play Guitar, but “I don’t know if I’ll ever release it.”
