"Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was released as the 4th single from ‘Graceland’ 35 years ago this month. Check out this performance from “The African Concert” live in Zimbabwe, 1987. | Paul Simon

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Today was a dream. I have always loved The Graceland album by Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Specifically this song ’Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ I found MAGICAL. You might hear my love for it on the song 85 off the last record. By an amazing coincidence of events they agreed to collaborate on a song with me. After recording the song (oh my GOD it’s so good) they just decided to make my world and sing ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ with me. The smile

Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album hit the airwaves 35 years ago this week. The groundbreaking album blended South African street music with his iconic lyrical style, generated new interest in world music on Western radio and won a Grammy in 1987. Here’s the backstory behind this classic album, including the backlash Paul Simon received for recording with artists in South Africa, breaking a cultural boycott against apartheid. | AARP