The Cathy Heller Podcast with Cathy Heller: Making Manifestation Make Sense Malcolm Gladwell & Bruce Headlam on the Miracle & Wonder of Paul Simon
Dec 16, 2021
Join bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and journalist Bruce Headlam as they dive into the life and legacy of Paul Simon. They explore Simon's remarkable ability to evolve over six decades, emphasizing the importance of taking creative risks and the beauty found in ordinariness. The duo shares insights on Simon's innovative studio experimentation, his persistence in songwriting despite setbacks, and the powerful cultural movements he aligned with. Through personal anecdotes, they reveal how curiosity fueled Simon's enduring artistic journey.
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Audio As A Distinctive Biography
- Paul Simon's career shows how audio-first storytelling can create a deeper artist portrait than a traditional book.
- Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam used 30 hours of conversation plus music to reveal process and personality.
Childhood Memory Sparked The Project
- Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam first encountered Paul Simon early through childhood memories of Bridge Over Troubled Water.
- That early impression stayed with them and influenced their desire to work with him decades later.
Longevity Through Reinvention
- Longevity stems from continual curiosity and willingness to reinvent across decades.
- Paul Simon remained creatively fertile by embracing new sounds instead of resting on past hits.