096 Ashley Kahn on Paul Simon's "Graceland"

On this episode, Marc talks with Ashley Kahn, author of "Days Of Miracle And Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland," released in August of 2026. It's an in-depth look at the making of Simon's classic 1986 album, in which he launched into a new style of songwriting and production, working with many African artists, sometimes in Africa, at a time when there was a loose cultural boycott due to the ongoing apartheid there. Kahn's book delves into how that situation was more complicated than headlines suggested, and is also a fascinating exploration of musical collaboration and how records were made at a time where analog and digital converged.

As Ashley writes, "It is challenging to describe a time when the world seemed to be moving in sync, toward a common good...Graceland served as a soundtrack to that time...[It] was music built on the priority of collaboration and what it locked into was the spirit of community. Simon's triumph was to achieve that, and to do it in a way that, for a moment, swung doors wide open, inviting all to celebrate.

We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Ashley Kahn!