Written by Paul Simon was one of the guests on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last night, April 2. Simon sang “Something So Right” from his 1973 album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon and sat down for an interview with Colbert, where he told the story of discovering while on tour in Europe that “The Sound of Silence” had become his first U.S. chart hit.
Later asked by Colbert to name an American lyricist he admired, Simon answered, “In the 50s, Chuck Berry wrote things that were so good they could’ve been part of the Harlem Renaissance, and he taught my whole generation. They’re all influenced by Chuck Berry—Bob and the Beatles and everybody—cause he made stories in words that flowed effortlessly. And his stories were great.” You can watch the chat and performance below.
Last year saw Simon tour North America for the first time since 2018. He’s set to stay on the road throughout 2026, playing shows across Europe this month and next before returning Stateside in June. Simon recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys.
Read about Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” at No. 37 in The 200 Best Songs of the 1960s.
