Authorized Paul Simon biography to come from Robert Hilburn

Paul Simon is cooperating with writer Robert Hilburn for an authorized biography, publisher Simon & Schuster announced Tuesday. The Grammy-winning musician first hit the charts as half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and has gone on to have a long solo career.

“I thought seriously about writing my own memoir, but I’d rather devote my time to making music, which continues to hold my full attention,” Simon said in a statement. “I’m confident Robert Hilburn will write an insightful book. I enjoyed and admired his biography of Johnny Cash and I think he’ll tell my story well.”

Hilburn’s biography of Cash, “Johnny Cash: The Life,” was published in 2013. Hilburn spent 35 years at the Los Angeles Times, where he was music editor and rock critic. Some of his experiences as a music journalist were gathered in his memoir, “Corn Flakes With John Lennon and Other Tales From a Rock ‘N’ Roll Life.”

Details about the book, including title and publication date, have not been announced. The Associated Press reports that it was the subject of a multi-publisher auction, writing, “Publishers have long been anxious for a book from Simon, among the world’s most popular, introspective and articulate musicians.”

Simon’s hits include “The Sounds of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “I Am Rock,” “Homeward Bound” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Art Garfunkel and, on his own, “Graceland,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “Loves Me Like a Rock,” “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” and “Still Crazy After All These Years.”

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