50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (1976) 12/10/20

Of all the songs that Paul Simon has written in his long and legendary career, today's “Great Song of the '70s” was, believe it or not, his biggest hit—and only #1—of his solo career!

It was the second single released from his “Still Crazy After All These Years” album...hot off the heels of “Gone At Last” (with Phoebe Snow), which we highlighted back on August 31st.( https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk/posts/207316887408433)

“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” hit the charts running in late 1975, and in early 1976, In topped both Billboard's Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary Charts! Elsewhere, it reached #1 on Canada's Pop Music Chart and #2 in France.

Paul wrote the song after his divorce from first wife Peggy Harper, and decided to take a humorous approach to the experience. Obviously, he succeeded...with a little help from a powerhouse trio of backup singers: Patti Austin, Valerie Simpson, and (once again) Phoebe Snow. :-) Drummer Steve Gadd added to the song with his distinctive drum cadence.

“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover:” One of Paul Simon's best...and a “Great Song of 1975-76!”