Carly Simon

Carly Simon
Name	Carly Simon
Caption	Simon in 1979
Birth name	Carly Elisabeth Simon
Birth date	25 June 1945
Birth place	The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Singer-songwriter
Years active	1963–present
Spouse	James Taylor (1972–1983), James Hart (1987–2007)
Children	2, including Sally Taylor and Ben Taylor

Carly Simon is an iconic American singer-songwriter and musician whose career has spanned over five decades. Known for her distinctive contralto vocals and confessional songwriting, she rose to fame in the early 1970s with a string of hit records. Her work has earned her multiple major accolades, including two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award, cementing her status as a foundational figure in popular music.

Early life and education

She was born into an intellectually vibrant family in The Bronx, the daughter of Richard L. Simon, co-founder of the publishing house Simon & Schuster, and his wife Andrea. She grew up in Riverdale alongside her sisters, the opera singer Joanna Simon and the musician Lucy. A severe stutter during her childhood led her to express herself through music and poetry. She attended the prestigious Riverdale Country School before briefly studying at Sarah Lawrence College, though she left to pursue music with her sister Lucy as the duo The Simon Sisters.

Music career

Her professional breakthrough came with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1971, which featured the top-ten hit "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be." The follow-up, *Anticipation*, solidified her success. Her 1972 album *No Secrets*, produced by Richard Perry and featuring the global number-one single "You're So Vain," became a cultural landmark. Throughout the 1970s, she delivered a series of successful albums like *Hotcakes* and *Playing Possum*, and her recording of "Nobody Does It Better" for the James Bond film *The Spy Who Loved Me* became a signature hit. In 1988, she won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Let the River Run" from the film *Working Girl*. She continued recording and performing into the 21st century, releasing albums such as *The Bedroom Tapes* and *Into White*, and collaborating with artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael McDonald.

Personal life

She was married to fellow singer-songwriter James Taylor from 1972 to 1983; their relationship was a focal point of media attention and influenced the work of both artists. They have two children, musicians Sally Taylor and Ben Taylor. Following her divorce from Taylor, she married writer James Hart in 1987; that marriage ended in 2007. She has been open about her struggles with anxiety, stage fright, and breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with and treated for in the late 1990s. She has maintained homes in New York City and Martha's Vineyard.

Artistry and legacy

Her artistry is defined by her emotionally candid lyrics, which often explore themes of romance, vulnerability, and introspection, influencing the genre of singer-songwriters. Her musical style incorporates elements of folk, pop, rock, and soft rock. The enduring mystery surrounding the subject of "You're So Vain" has become a piece of popular culture lore. She is recognized for expanding the narrative scope of pop music for women and has been cited as an influence by numerous artists, including Taylor Swift, Missy Elliott, and k.d. lang. In 1994, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Discography

A selection of her studio albums includes: * *Carly Simon* (1971) * *Anticipation* (1971) * *No Secrets* (1972) * *Hotcakes* (1974) * *Playing Possum* (1975) * *Boys in the Trees* (1978) * *Come Upstairs* (1980) * *Torch* (1981) * *Hello Big Man* (1983) * *Coming Around Again* (1987) * *The Bedroom Tapes* (2000) * *Into White* (2007)

Awards and nominations

Her major awards include: * Grammy Awards: Won Best New Artist (1971) and Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Let the River Run" (1989). * Academy Awards: Won Best Original Song for "Let the River Run" from *Working Girl* (1988). * Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Original Song for "Let the River Run" (1988). She has also received nominations for multiple other Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award.

Category:American singer-songwriters Category:1945 births Category:Grammy Award winners