Paul Simon's Graceland Journey, Under African Skies, chronicles the creation and lasting influence of the Grammy-winning album as the artist travel back to South Africa for the first time in 25 years.
In 1987, Paul Simon decided to collaborate with African artists and together, they fused American pop with deeply traditional African roots, creating a new world music sound (now prevalent today) under the heat of intense scrutiny and political outrage.
Selling 14 million plus copies worldwide, spawning three hit singles, and resulting in a five year tour, Graceland was a huge success - but it was also met with tremendous political crossfire.
This documentary by multiple award-winner Joe Berlinger chronicles the creation and lasting influence of Simon's groundbreaking Graceland on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and relrease.
Under African Skies features live performances of "Homeless", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", "The Body in the Bubble" and "You Can Call Me Al", as well as the original footage of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Saturday Night Live appearance that brought American crowds to their feet.
The film also includes interviews with key anti-apartheid activists; entertainment icons (like Oprah, Lorne Michaels, and Whoopi Goldberg); and musical legends (like Quincy Jones, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, David Byrne and Peter Gabriel).
Graceland Box Set Give-A-Way
This is How We Begin to Remember. At our Under African Skies screening on Saturday, June 23, GP is giving away a copy of the Graceland 25th Anniversary box set courtesy of our friends at Sony Legacy. This 4-disc edition is brimming with extras, unreleased tracks, concert footage, and more – and it goes to one lucky GPeep. Just join our FB event and share, via wall post, what Graceland has meant to you. We've got a short little span of attention here, so we’re not looking for a novel; just 3- to 5-sentences about what impact Simon’s work has made on your life or music. The GP team will pick the most heartfelt impression, so c'mon move us! All entries must be received by June 21, winner will be announced at the screening on June 23.
Ride your bike! The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition will have a bike valet set up on our plaza at this event.