Today the legendary [lastfm]Paul Simon[/lastfm] turns 69 years young. Thirty-three years ago, the then 36-year-old singer-songwriter had just completed a hot streak of three successful albums, reaching the top of the album and singles charts and collecting Grammy awards in the process. Listen as Simon talks with his hometown station WNEW and on-air personality Scott Muni about words, melody, royalties, and John Lennon, among other topics.

In an interview from 1977, listen as Paul discusses words vs. melody:

Thirteen years later Paul came by the WNEW studios again after a huge success with Graceland, Grammy awards, an amazing tour, and the follow up album, The Rhythm Of The Saints, which was also Grammy-nominated.

In 1990, Paul discuss his early music career and many alias’ which he recorded under:

Again in 1990, Paul talks about record royalties and remembers a conversation he had with John Lennon:

As a bonus, listen to Paul Simon performing “Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard,” with some help.