PAUL SIMON--BRIDGING THE CULTURE GAP

In the first essay in Calendar’s new Popping Off series, William K. Knoedelseder Jr. defended Paul Simon’s decision to record “Graceland” in South Africa, and to use South African musicians. Knoedelseder’s commentary, prompted by protests against Simon by students at Howard University, drew spirited response from readers. Here is a sampling of opinion, the overwhelming majority of which supported Simon’s actions. Popping Off is an occasional forum commenting on timely issues in pop music.

Because of hearing “Graceland” we searched for recordings by the African musicians and bought an album of Ladysmith Black Mambazo with the strangest cover and all African songs. I still understand the “Graceland” album better but I enjoy both. If we are to survive, individuals must take responsibility where nations do not or can not.

IVY DIXON

Long Beach