Paul Simon and SNL: A Legendary Friendship

Paul Simon: An ‘SNL’ Icon and Longtime Friend of the Show

Why Paul Simon?

Paul Simon, best known as one half of the legendary folk duo Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water), played a significant role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Given that Saturday Night Live (SNL) emerged from that same cultural wave in the 1970s, his association with the show feels natural—but there’s more to the story.

A Close Connection to SNL

Simon shares a longtime friendship with SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels. This connection led to his early involvement in the show, including an appearance in SNL’s very first episode. He even teased a temporary reunion with Art Garfunkel, setting the stage for a memorable musical moment in a later episode.

A Trailblazer on SNL

Paul Simon has hosted SNL at least four times and was one of the first celebrities to both host and perform as a musical guest—an honor that would become a prestigious tradition on the show.

One of his most iconic SNL moments came in November 1976, when he walked onto the stage in a turkey costume to perform Still Crazy After All These Years. Mid-performance, he stopped, acknowledging how ridiculous he looked—a moment that was scripted but executed so naturally that it became a legendary SNL memory.

A Lasting Legacy

Through his music, humor, and deep ties to SNL, Paul Simon has solidified his place as one of the show’s most beloved and enduring figures. His appearances continue to be celebrated as classic moments in the history of the long-running comedy institution.

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