Friday 14 July 2017

Musical Muses-Kathy Chitty

I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you

In 1965 the first solo album of a little known folk singer, Paul Simon, appeared. Titled The Paul Simon Songbook the album cover featured Simon and a young woman, she was his girlfriend, Kathy Chitty.



Kathleen Mary Chitty met Paul in 1964 when he was living in England, touring folk clubs around the country. She was living in Brentwood, Essex, selling tickets at the door of the local folk club. It was love at first sight and they later moved to London. Kathy inspired some of Paul's most beautiful songs including, 'Kathy's Song', 'Homeward Bound' and 'America'. She is also mentioned in a verse of his song, 'The Late Great Johnny Ace'. Whilst in England Paul's song 'The Sound of Silence' became a worldwide hit and he returned to America to regroup with his singing partner, Art Garfunkel. Kathy was a shy girl and was reluctant to take part in the fame that awaited him, they broke up and didn't see each other for many years. They reconnected in the 1980s and have remained in contact, many believe Kathy was Paul's true love, and the beautiful lyrics of the songs he wrote for her certainly reflect this.

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I



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