Under African Skies

"Under African Skies" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the fifth and final single from his seventh studio album, Graceland (1986), released on Warner Bros. Records. The song features guest vocals from singer Linda Ronstadt, who received top billing on the single release.

"Under African Skies"
Single by Paul Simon and Linda Ronstadt
from the album Graceland
B-side"I Know What I Know"
ReleasedAugust 1987 (1987-08)
Genre
Length3:37
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Paul Simon
Producer(s)Paul Simon
Paul Simon singles chronology
"Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"
(1987)		 "Under African Skies"
(1987)		 "The Obvious Child"
(1990)

Background

"Under African Skies" originated in later recording sessions for Graceland. Simon flew over several South African musicians to New York to complete the record three months after the original sessions in Johannesburg,[1] paying them triple union rates in order to lure them to record, as many did not know who he was.[2] He also offered writer's royalties to those who he felt had contributed particularly to the song's compositions.[3] These sessions also resulted in the lead single, "You Can Call Me Al".[1]

Personnel

References
  1. Graceland (liner notes). Paul Simon. US: Warner Bros. Records. 1986. W1-25447.CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. David Fricke (October 23, 1986). "African Odyssey". Rolling Stone. New York City: Wenner Media LLC (485): 77–80. ISSN 0035-791X.
  3. Stephen Holden (August 24, 1986). "Paul Simon Brings Home the Music of Black South Africa". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2014.

Sources
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