Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the incredible journey of his historic Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime. On the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon's GRACELAND, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger offers a glimpse at the controversy surrounding the decision to record the album in South Africa despite a UN boycott of the nation, which was aimed at ending apartheid. In the run-up to an eagerly anticipated reunion concert, Simon, Quincy Jones, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney and others reflect on the decision to record with local artists in South Africa, and the cultural impact of the album that delivered such hits as "I Know What I Know" and "You Can Call Me Al."
Direction
Berlinger lets Simon squirm beautifully in the hot seat.
Score
Obviously. The album that launched a thousand white dads.
Director
Joe Berlinger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The famous 'You Can Call Me Al' video with Chevy Chase was shot in one continuous take. Simon hated it initially.
Graceland helped expose world music to mainstream America, though South African musicians like Ladysmith Black Mambazo toured stadiums while remaining nearly unpaid for years.
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