How Paul Simon met Archie

Join Archie Roach sharing the songs and stories behind his multi award winning 1990 debut album Charcoal Lane. In Ep 12 Archie catches up with his old friend, artist and photographer, Pierre Baroni, who designed and took the photos for Archie's first four albums whilst working at Mushroom. It was the striking front cover of Charcoal Lane that caught the attention of Paul Simon who, after listening to the whole album asked to meet Archie when he was touring Australia which forged a close friendship over many years
To purchase a copy of the remastered 1990 Charcoal Lane vinyl and check out Archie's other merchandise go to www.archieroach...
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[@dbackx]

I work in the travel industry based here in Melbourne & I have specialised in travel & photography to Africa for 25+years. Back in my younger days here in Melbourne I was a very keen drummer, avid music lover & I witnessed most of the Aussie bands in the pubs throughout the late 70’s, 80’s, 90’s etc. including Archie Roach on numerous occasions. During my early travels in Africa in the early-mid 90’s, one night I happened to stumble into a local Shabeen (beer hall) on the outskirts of Cape Town where I was lucky enough & privileged to see perform & meet South African music legend Hugh Masekela (brass player) & his incredible band. After Nelson Mandela, Hugh Masekela who passed away in 2018 was arguably the 2nd most important & most influential African of our time both musically & politically with the struggle against apartheid. Hugh & the equally legendary South African musician guitarist & multi instrumentalists Mr Ray Phiri who passed away in 2017, were to become the musical directors & the backbone of Paul Simon’s Graceland album & world touring project. It was these 2 fine South African gentlemen & musician’s who shaped & moulded the classic “Graceland” album. From that chance meeting in Cape Town the mid 90’s, I was lucky enough to form a lasting friendship with the wonderful & ever humble Mr Ray Phiri. Mr Ray would often reminisce with me about his times with Paul Simon, his Graceland days & his times spent touring the world including Australia with Paul Simon. Mr Ray had a great love for indigenous music from all over the world & in particular Australian indigenous music.On many of my trips to Africa, I would always buy up a swag of Australian rock & indigenous music CD’s for Mr Ray including Archie’s complete music catalogue along with Warumpi Band, Kutcha Edwards, Ruby Hunter, Jimmy Little, Kev Carmody & many others. Each time I travelled to Africa & up into the Kruger National Park area where Mr Ray lived, I would try & catch up with Mr Ray for a coffee & a yarn. On my last meeting with Mr Ray in early 2016, I gifted him Archie’s CD’s of “Into the Bloodstream” & “Let Love Rule” which he enjoyed immensely right up until his passing in late 2017. Ray often told me he had a great love, understanding & spiritual connection from afar for Australian indigenous music & Archie Roach was indeed a special favourite of his.

[@Natufia1]

This is very interesting. I love that third has been such interconnectedness across continents with such a calibre of musicians-sincere and from the heart.

[@nita4797]

Great viewing - and like Pierre said - it was serendipity. Much love to you Archie, so good to hear one of your stories, and how a friendship blossomed. I know you'll be missing our soul brother too x

[@Natufia1]

Beautiful to hear and see you both reminiscing about old times and the warm and respectful friendship that still exists albeit so much time has passed.

[@nitch3304]

Archie I've loved this whole series of clips but this one was really special. I've loved Pierre's work for years. What a beautiful humble man. Can't wait till the next clip.

[@killa46464]

Loved this chat between old collaborative artists mates 🧡😊

[@lynettemuirhead8670]

The Butter Boy cover was beautiful

[@matthewhodge3779]

I love your music archie keep it up

[@lynettemuirhead8670]

So interesting Pierre and Archie

[@dbackx]

Paul Simon live in Africa featuring Hugh Masekela (trumpet), Mr Ray Phiri (guitar) & Ladysmith Black Mombazo. th-cam.com/video/JeO0CJqjsgU/w-d-xo.html