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.

News item: Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela were cutting discs while you, my friend, were cutting diapers. They are world-known outstanding musicians and do not need Paul Simon. By the way, does he plan to use his earnings to fight for freedom of South Africa or pocket them for Madison Avenue?

SAMUEL C. JONES

Simi Valley