Under African Skies Explained

Under African Skies
Cover:Under African Skies.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Paul Simon and Linda Ronstadt
Album:Graceland
B-Side:I Know What I Know
Recorded:April 1986
Label:Warner Bros.
Producer:Paul Simon
Chronology:Paul Simon
Prev Title:Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Prev Year:1987
Next Title:The Obvious Child
Next Year:1990

"Under African Skies" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the fifth and final single from his seventh studio album, Graceland (1986), released on Warner Bros. Records. The song features guest vocals from singer Linda Ronstadt.

Background

"Under African Skies" originated in later recording sessions for Graceland. Simon flew over several South African musicians to New York to complete the record three months after the original sessions in Johannesburg, paying them triple union rates in order to lure them to record, as many did not know who he was.[1] He also offered writer's royalties to those who he felt had contributed particularly to the song's compositions.[2] These sessions also resulted in the lead single, "You Can Call Me Al".[3]

Cash Box said that "Ronstadt provides angelic harmonies to Simon's inimitable vocal stylings."[4]

Personnel

References

Sources

Notes and References

  1. David Fricke. David Fricke. October 23, 1986. African Odyssey. Rolling Stone. 485 . 77–80 . Wenner Media LLC. . 0035-791X .
  2. News: Stephen Holden. Paul Simon Brings Home the Music of Black South Africa. August 24, 1986. The New York Times. November 22, 2014.
  3. Graceland . 1986 . . liner notes . . . W1-25447.
  4. Single Releases. 6. Cash Box. December 5, 1987. 2022-11-06.