Miracle and Wonder
Conversations with Paul Simon
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Miracle and Wonder
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Narrated by:
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Malcolm Gladwell
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Bruce Headlam
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Paul Simon
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Written by:
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Malcolm Gladwell
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Bruce Headlam
About this listen
*For a more up-to-date version check out Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon (Special Edition)
What happens when Paul Simon, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in music history, and Malcolm Gladwell, the best-selling author, sit down together, with a tape recorder and a guitar?
Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon is part memoir, part investigation, and unlike any creative portrait you’ve ever heard before. Recorded over a series of 30 hours of conversation between Simon, Gladwell, and Gladwell’s oldest friend and co-writer, journalist and Broken Record podcast co-host Bruce Headlam, the conversation flows from Simon’s music, to his childhood in Queens, NY, to his frequent collaborators including Art Garfunkel and the nature of creativity itself. Gladwell and Headlam traveled from the mountains of Hawaii to Simon’s own backyard studio to record an artist they’ve idolized since childhood.
Woven throughout the audiobook is distinctive commentary about Simon’s songwriting alongside archival audio footage and never-before-heard live studio versions and original recordings of beloved hits including “The Boxer", “The Sound of Silence", and “Graceland”. Between conversations, Gladwell deploys his signature blend of historical research and social science in an attempt to understand how a boy from 1940s Queens conjured near-perfect songs over an incredible 65-year career. Along the way, he gathers reflections on Simon’s particular genius from the likes of Sting, Herbie Hancock, Renee Fleming, Jeff Tweedy, Aaron Lindsey, and Roseanne Cash.
The result is an intimate audio biography of one of America’s most popular songwriters. Brimming with music and conversation, Miracle and Wonder is a window into Simon’s legendary career, what it means to be alive as an artist, and how to create work that endures.
©2021 Pushkin Industries and Paul Simon (P)2021 Pushkin Industries and Paul SimonWhat listeners say about Miracle and Wonder
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Laura Feeleus
- 2022-01-09
My first Audible
I’ve listened to Malcolm Gladwell’s podcasts for years. This was of the same impeccable yet human and entertaining quality. Having Simon relate the stories behind his works was genius, and of course mixing that with the music itself made for a full listen. Loved it. Hard to find a follow up of the same enjoyment.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Breck Liles
- 2023-07-19
Brilliant homage to a great artist.
Amazing work and a brilliant idea to have a musical biography. Very entertaining and insight into the mind of a great entertainer. I believe I love Paul Simon even more now.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 2022-01-06
In the background of my life
These wonderful conversations and music made me realize how much Paul Simon’s enduring creative output has been part of our lives.
Beautiful insights by Gladwell on creativity and Simon’s memory and openness of collaboration is truly inspiring.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- ShelleyCS
- 2022-02-01
Brilliant look at a true talent
I’ve listened to this several times and I’m not sure who I’m most impressed with - the amazing talent at the heart of this or the great interview. Both are extremely well done.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anthony Longo
- 2021-12-23
A must read/listen for any music lover
Great audio book. Malcolm Gladwell does a great job having Paul Simon tell his story. Many antidotes, funny stories and great insights into one of the greatest songwriters of all time. A must listen to audio book if you are a Paul Simon fan or a lover of music.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 2022-07-18
Brilliant
This is a wonderful listen. It’s so well researched, recorded and presented. It’s captivating from beginning to end. If you’ve ever even heard of Paul Simon this book is for you. As for Malcolm Gladwell - once again he doesn’t disappoint. His thoughtful, honest and interesting questions lead to revealing insights into the genius of Paul Simon. Thanks to everyone and congratulations on an excellent piece of work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Beth L Goldberg
- 2022-10-12
includes music
I will certainly listen again. This was more an audio documentary rather than a book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MaG_A
- 2023-01-17
Great story
Awesome interview and storytelling… if you enjoy Paul Simon’s music you’ll love the story, well worth the listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Om-sweet-om
- 2021-11-20
Beyond great! I loved this so much!
Whether you are a songwriter, an artist, or just someone who admires the creative process when it reaches the level of genius, this is a treasure. I love the relaxed journey that Malcolm Gladwell takes the listener through a lifetime of songwriting and performance. The conversation is liberally sprinkled with ad hoc performances by Paul Simon as he explains what he was thinking when writing each song discussed. It's both intimate and light and thoroughly enjoyable in every aspect.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MKH
- 2022-02-02
Extremely Well Done
This is a must for any Paul Simon fan. A very unique way of interviewing and chatting with Paul and getting to the roots of his music.
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