Why Paul Simon’s “Graceland” Made Music History

2026-10-07 · 60 min · 9 entities

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Asserted relationships

→ hosted by Jack Coyne person

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Feed author/publisher: Jack Coyne
→ discusses Music concept

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Feed category: Music
→ discusses Music Commentary concept

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Feed category: Music Commentary
→ discusses Music Interviews concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music Interviews
→ discusses Music History concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music History

Entities found in this episode

concepts 7

mentioned Music Commentary concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music Commentary
mentioned Music Interviews concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music Interviews
mentioned Music History concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music History
discusses Music concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music
discusses Music Commentary concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music Commentary
discusses Music Interviews concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music Interviews
discusses Music History concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Music History

persons 2

mentioned Jack Coyne person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Jack Coyne
hosted by Jack Coyne person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed author/publisher: Jack Coyne

Episode description as stored

Music historian Ashley Kahn and bassist Bakithi Kumalo join Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music, people, and stories behind Paul Simon’s Graceland. Drawing on Kahn’s new book, Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland, the conversation traces the album’s South African roots and the collaborations that helped shape its unmistakable sound. Bakithi shares his perspective from inside the studio and on the road, recalling his first meeting with Simon, his experience on the Graceland tour, and what it meant to perform alongside South African legends. Together, Ashley and Bakithi bring the album’s history to life through personal memories and the music that connects it all, from the sounds that inspired Graceland to the influence it continues to have today. This Episode's Track List: Gumboots (with Boyoyo Boys) - Paul Simon The Boy In The Bubble - Paul Simon Graceland - Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon Pata Pata - Miriam Makeba Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - Paul Simon