Sting and Paul Simon: The Story Behind Their Musical Collaboration
When two titans of the music industry share a stage, the result is often nothing short of electric. For Sting and Paul Simon, a professional partnership was born not from a corporate boardroom, but from a shared residential address and a spontaneous moment of artistic chemistry.
A Friendship Forged in Manhattan
The bond between Sting and Paul Simon began in the late 1980s. The two musicians became friends while living in the same apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. Despite their friendship, it took several decades before they decided to merge their musical talents in a public setting.
The Spark: The Robin Hood Foundation Benefit
The catalyst for their joint venture occurred in May 2013 during the annual Robin Hood Foundation benefit. Although both artists had been booked for the event separately, they decided to collaborate on a joint performance.
The duo performed two iconic tracks: "The Boxer" and "Fields of Gold." According to Sting, the audience reacted with an audible gasp when the pair walked onto the stage together. The success of the performance was rooted in their adherence to the basic rules of harmony, creating a sound that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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From a Single Night to a Global Tour
The chemistry experienced during the benefit was immediate and mutual. Paul Simon recalled that after the performance, both artists looked at each other and recognized how interesting the collaboration was. This realization served as the origin for the idea of a joint concert tour.
Other Notable Performances
While the collaboration with Paul Simon captured global attention, Sting continued to explore diverse musical partnerships. On February 5, 2015, during the Australian leg of his tour, Sting performed at the Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in Melbourne.
During this event, he performed a duet of the song "Impossible" with Jo Lawry, an Australian singer, musician, and Sting's long-time backing vocalist. The track was featured on Lawry's album, Taking Pictures.
Key Facts
- Origin of Friendship: Met in the late 1980s as neighbors in Manhattan's Upper West Side.
- First Collaboration: May 2013 at the Robin Hood Foundation benefit.
- Collaborative Songs: "The Boxer" and "Fields of Gold."
- Tour Catalyst: The positive reception and vocal harmony at the 2013 benefit.
- Melbourne Performance: Sting performed "Impossible" with Jo Lawry on February 5, 2015.
| Event/Performance | Date/Period | Key Collaborators | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Hood Foundation Benefit | May 2013 | Sting & Paul Simon | "The Boxer", "Fields of Gold" |
| Bennetts Lane Jazz Club | February 5, 2015 | Sting & Jo Lawry | "Impossible" |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sting and Paul Simon first meet?
They became friends in the late 1980s when they lived in the same apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
What songs did Sting and Paul Simon perform together at the Robin Hood Foundation benefit?
They performed "The Boxer" and "Fields of Gold."
What led to the decision to start a joint concert tour?
The idea originated after their successful performance at the Robin Hood Foundation benefit in May 2013, where they discovered a strong musical chemistry.
Who is Jo Lawry and how is she connected to Sting?
Jo Lawry is an Australian singer and musician who has served as Sting's long-time backing vocalist.
Where and when did Sting perform with Jo Lawry in Australia?
They performed a duet of the song "Impossible" on February 5, 2015, at the Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in Melbourne.