July 26, 2024      —–     Chart #256

Hello Music Friends,

Hey folks, welcome to another edition of Chart of the Week. Bet you remember this one! “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the second single from his fourth studio album, Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), released on Columbia Records. Backing vocals on the single were performed by Patti Austin, Valerie Simpson, and Phoebe Snow. The song features a recognizable repeated drum riff performed by drummer Steve Gadd.

One of his most popular singles, “50 Ways” was released in December 1975 and began to see chart success in the new year. It became Simon’s sole number-one hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and was his highest position in France, where it peaked at number two. Elsewhere, the song was a top 20 hit in Canada and New Zealand. The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of more than one million copies.

Following Simon’s divorce from first wife Peggy Harper, Simon opted to take a more humorous approach to document the event. He recorded the song in a small New York City studio on Broadway and built the song around the drums in order to “avoid clutter”.

Live in Hyde Park with Steve Gadd on drums:  https://youtu.be/E8JXiroAi6Y?si=8b_rQMoqqvYyjhHI

Who out there has not piped along with this chorus . . “Just slip out the back Jack, make a new plan Stan, no need to be coy Roy . . . . “ ? I know all of you have, and your smiling now thinking about it! Have fun with this one.

Keep Rockin’,

Stan Bradshaw