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Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland
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Expected 11 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 18:13:59
100 copies available
U.S. only
The story of the making and legacy of Paul Simon’s Graceland, drawn from exclusive interviews with musicians, producers, record label staff, and more, written by an award-winning journalist who was a member of the Graceland tour management team.
In 1984, Paul Simon was at a creative low. His record of the previous year had failed to connect with listeners the way his previous albums had, and the musical eras of the ’60s and ’70s that he’d thrived in were giving way to a synth-drenched, MTV-driven 1980s, in which Simon (already in his forties) could seemingly play little part.
That summer, he was given a mixtape of what was known as “township jive”—the street music of South Africa. He fell in love, so much so that he decided he wanted to play with those very musicians. But South Africa was under boycott by a 1980 UN resolution in response to the country’s horrific, violent policy of apartheid. Simon decided to move forward with writing and recording anyway, during a whirlwind trip to South Africa in 1985. The resulting album, Graceland, was a critical and commercial giant, earning Grammys, selling sixteen million records, and spawning a five-year, worldwide tour.
Days of Miracle and Wonder is the first book to tell the full story of Graceland. It examines Simon’s creative process, the songs themselves, the political controversies that were raised and surmounted, the open-eared spirit of the age, and the album’s technical achievements. It draws from interviews with the scores of people who contributed to the Graceland phenomenon, including African and American musicians, producers, engineers, and the Warner Brothers team. And above all, it offers a celebration of a musical masterpiece—a record created in a moment filled with hope, excitement, new sounds, a spirit of change, and a sense of global possibility.
In 1984, Paul Simon was at a creative low. His record of the previous year had failed to connect with listeners the way his previous albums had, and the musical eras of the ’60s and ’70s that he’d thrived in were giving way to a synth-drenched, MTV-driven 1980s, in which Simon (already in his forties) could seemingly play little part.
That summer, he was given a mixtape of what was known as “township jive”—the street music of South Africa. He fell in love, so much so that he decided he wanted to play with those very musicians. But South Africa was under boycott by a 1980 UN resolution in response to the country’s horrific, violent policy of apartheid. Simon decided to move forward with writing and recording anyway, during a whirlwind trip to South Africa in 1985. The resulting album, Graceland, was a critical and commercial giant, earning Grammys, selling sixteen million records, and spawning a five-year, worldwide tour.
Days of Miracle and Wonder is the first book to tell the full story of Graceland. It examines Simon’s creative process, the songs themselves, the political controversies that were raised and surmounted, the open-eared spirit of the age, and the album’s technical achievements. It draws from interviews with the scores of people who contributed to the Graceland phenomenon, including African and American musicians, producers, engineers, and the Warner Brothers team. And above all, it offers a celebration of a musical masterpiece—a record created in a moment filled with hope, excitement, new sounds, a spirit of change, and a sense of global possibility.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Ashley Kahn
26 books48 followersAshley Kahn is an American music historian, journalist, and producer.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book that looks at an album that created not just a new sound for an act many thought had lost their way, but introduced the world to a new genre of music, giving life to old artists, new sounds, and lots of joy.
One of my favorite moments in life, one that if there is a heaven would be on repeat for me, was watching Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live in 1986. I was young, my brother was younger, and my parents were all downstairs watching the big TV. My parents enjoyed Paul Simon, my brother thrilled to be up late, and myself a pre-teen probably being moody. The first song was ok, but what was memorable was the performance of Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes. I was lost, the beats the music, the dancing, everything was wonderful. Amazing. I always wonder what made me care for music more than something to be played in the background. This might have been it. I know I was soon deeper in lyrics, and trying in those pre-Internet days to find out more about music not from this country. I am sure that I was not alone. Graceland was an album that started slow, but once it started moving didn't seem to stop. An album that changed lives, introduced a world to music outside their car radios, and influenced many. Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland by writer and music historian Ashley Kahn is the story of an idea, an album, its legacy and the creation of an album that still stands up, and more importantly still makes people stand up and feel good about the world.
Paul Simon has a long commute to his home in the Hamptons from his office in the Brill Building in Manhattan. Simon played music the entire trip, but one tape never seemed to leave his player. This was a compilation tape of music from South Africa featuring different bands and different styles. Music that Simon soon could not get out of his head. Soon Simon was writing lyrics to these songs, and as in began to investigate Simon found a whole genre of music he never knew about. A simple idea soon brought him to the country of South Africa. During the 1980's the country was an apartheid pariah, travel was limited, as was contact with black majority. The United Nations itself had a ban about performing with South African artists. Something Simon planned to deal with later. The music began to roll, tapes were made, and the ideas for an album were made. However there were many incidents and accidents, hints and allegations to come.
This is my first experience reading a book by Ashley Kahn, though I have seen many of his books sold in the stores I have worked at. And I can see why. This is one of the most interesting and best written books about an album I have read in quite a long time. Kahn has done incredible research, with Simon, and those involved in the creation of the album. Tracked down interviews, videos and audio, and created a real portrait of not only Simon, but the music. Kahn is a very good writer, able to explain geopolitics, song writing, life in South Africa as a black musician, and what life is like in a recording studio. The writing is very smooth and every page has either some great ideas, or factoids that are probably new. This is not a hagiography in anyway. Kahn mentions the problems, from artists like Los Lobos, the United Nations, and even fans.
One of the most complete looks at an artists creative life. There are many books about how something came about in music, this one really gets to the hearts and bones of the subject. Lyrics, musical creation, engineering, recording, reception. Even how it was brought to life in from of crowds. A really excellent book for fans of Simon, fans of the album, and for readers who enjoy books on creativity. I can't wait to read more by Ashley Kahn.
One of my favorite moments in life, one that if there is a heaven would be on repeat for me, was watching Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live in 1986. I was young, my brother was younger, and my parents were all downstairs watching the big TV. My parents enjoyed Paul Simon, my brother thrilled to be up late, and myself a pre-teen probably being moody. The first song was ok, but what was memorable was the performance of Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes. I was lost, the beats the music, the dancing, everything was wonderful. Amazing. I always wonder what made me care for music more than something to be played in the background. This might have been it. I know I was soon deeper in lyrics, and trying in those pre-Internet days to find out more about music not from this country. I am sure that I was not alone. Graceland was an album that started slow, but once it started moving didn't seem to stop. An album that changed lives, introduced a world to music outside their car radios, and influenced many. Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland by writer and music historian Ashley Kahn is the story of an idea, an album, its legacy and the creation of an album that still stands up, and more importantly still makes people stand up and feel good about the world.
Paul Simon has a long commute to his home in the Hamptons from his office in the Brill Building in Manhattan. Simon played music the entire trip, but one tape never seemed to leave his player. This was a compilation tape of music from South Africa featuring different bands and different styles. Music that Simon soon could not get out of his head. Soon Simon was writing lyrics to these songs, and as in began to investigate Simon found a whole genre of music he never knew about. A simple idea soon brought him to the country of South Africa. During the 1980's the country was an apartheid pariah, travel was limited, as was contact with black majority. The United Nations itself had a ban about performing with South African artists. Something Simon planned to deal with later. The music began to roll, tapes were made, and the ideas for an album were made. However there were many incidents and accidents, hints and allegations to come.
This is my first experience reading a book by Ashley Kahn, though I have seen many of his books sold in the stores I have worked at. And I can see why. This is one of the most interesting and best written books about an album I have read in quite a long time. Kahn has done incredible research, with Simon, and those involved in the creation of the album. Tracked down interviews, videos and audio, and created a real portrait of not only Simon, but the music. Kahn is a very good writer, able to explain geopolitics, song writing, life in South Africa as a black musician, and what life is like in a recording studio. The writing is very smooth and every page has either some great ideas, or factoids that are probably new. This is not a hagiography in anyway. Kahn mentions the problems, from artists like Los Lobos, the United Nations, and even fans.
One of the most complete looks at an artists creative life. There are many books about how something came about in music, this one really gets to the hearts and bones of the subject. Lyrics, musical creation, engineering, recording, reception. Even how it was brought to life in from of crowds. A really excellent book for fans of Simon, fans of the album, and for readers who enjoy books on creativity. I can't wait to read more by Ashley Kahn.
Read
June 5, 2026“Days of Miracle and Wonder by Ashley Kahn is a detailed and engaging account of the making and legacy of Paul Simon’s Graceland. Drawing from extensive interviews and archival insight, the book explores both the creative process behind the album and the cultural and political context in which it was created.
What stands out most is the depth of perspective. The book doesn’t just focus on Paul Simon, but also highlights the musicians, producers, and broader network of artists who contributed to the project, offering a more complete view of how Graceland came together.
It also thoughtfully addresses the political controversy surrounding the album’s creation during apartheid-era South Africa, balancing the artistic achievement with the ethical and historical complexities involved.
Overall, Days of Miracle and Wonder is a well-researched and compelling music history work that will strongly appeal to readers interested in Paul Simon, African music influences, and landmark cultural albums.”
What stands out most is the depth of perspective. The book doesn’t just focus on Paul Simon, but also highlights the musicians, producers, and broader network of artists who contributed to the project, offering a more complete view of how Graceland came together.
It also thoughtfully addresses the political controversy surrounding the album’s creation during apartheid-era South Africa, balancing the artistic achievement with the ethical and historical complexities involved.
Overall, Days of Miracle and Wonder is a well-researched and compelling music history work that will strongly appeal to readers interested in Paul Simon, African music influences, and landmark cultural albums.”
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The story was interesting to read.
June 25, 2026
Good read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews