It’s about time someone curated a museum exhibition for Paul Simon. The New Jersey artist has given folk more than five decades worth of pioneering music, ranging from his early work as half of the singer-songwriter duo Simon & Garfunkel to his afrobeat-tinged solo material showcased on records like 1986’s Graceland. Now there’s finally a place to celebrate his legacy.
“Paul Simon: Words and Music”—a traveling Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit that runs through January 18 at the Jewish Museum of Maryland—is centered around the artist’s creative process with more than 80 memorabilia items, including Simon’s first guitar, original lyric notes for Simon & Garfunkel classic “The Boxer,” and special performance clips.
Another added treat: The exhibition is anchored by video narration from Simon himself, filmed specifically for the occasion. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame staff interviewed Simon for hours, discussing how he got his start in music and his process for writing songs.
“You’re really getting a look inside his head,” says Rachel Kassman, development and marketing manager at the museum. “You hear the words from his mouth. It’s as true to the source as possible.”
In addition to the exhibit, the Jewish Museum has plans for programs and events that discuss the stories of other prominent Jewish singer-songwriters, like Bob Dylan and Theodore Bikel.
“Paul Simon: Words and Music” runs through January 18 at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Admission $10.
