Paul Simon's "Kathy's Song" has been covered countless times since it debuted 60 years ago on the songwriter's debut album. Some say Eva Cassidy's version of the personal love song eclipses the original. However, Lukas Nelson's take, which he performed on June 24 on The Howard Stern Show, could make a run for the top.
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Before performing the track, Nelson mentioned that he was feeling inspired by Simon's journey, following the 83-year-old folk legend's five shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Simon intended to retire from touring after his "Homeward Bound" tour in 2018. He recently returned to the stage with his wife, Edie Brickell, to promote his latest album, 'Seven Psalms.'
However, while working on that album, the hearing in his left ear rapidly deteriorated. Since then, Simon has been able to retain 6% of his hearing in that ear, according to CBS News. Thanks to some adjustments, the singer-songwriter made a triumphant return to the stage for his "A Quiet Celebration" tour this year.
"It was one of the most moving shows I've ever seen," Nelson said before launching into the cover.
Nelson Is Also Becoming A Legend
Nelson is a singer-songwriter in his own right. The son of the legendary Willie Nelson, the artist formed his band, Promise of the Real, in 2008, and has collaborated with everyone from B.B. King to Neil Young. It was performing with Young that introduced Nelson to actor Bradley Cooper. The two worked with pop superstar Lady Gaga on the soundtrack to the movie A Star Is Born, which won the Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media in 2019.
Last year, Promise of the Real went on hiatus. That didn't mean that Nelson took a break. He was on Stern's show to promote his debut solo record 'American Romance.' Produced by Shooter Jennings, the son of Waylon Jennings, the album is a beautiful collection of songs that draws inspiration from both Nelson's father and Simon's folk roots. It's about Nelson's fascination with traveling on the road. The lead song, titled 'Ain't Done,' is a melancholy number about the need to keep going even when the chips are down. That sounds like something Simon could appreciate.
