BOOKENDS

"MRS ROBINSON"

Love this song and love the film too . . . . 

On this day in music history: June 1, 1968 - “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks. Written by Paul Simon, it is the second chart topping single for the folk-rock/pop duo from New York City. In mid 1967, director Mike Nichols contacts Paul Simon about writing some new songs for his second film “The Graduate”, as he happens to also be using several Simon & Garfunkel songs as a temporary soundtrack while filming and editing is in progress. When Simon initially writes the song, it is titled “Mrs. Roosevelt” (after former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt), with nostalgic remembrances of times past, also name dropping New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio. Playing the song for Nichols, Simon says that it isn’t for the film and that he hasn’t been able to come up with anything else (as S&G are on tour at the time). Eventually the director persuades Simon to change the title to “Mrs. Robinson” and allow him to use it in the film. When the soundtrack to “The Graduate” is released, it contains two alternate versions of the song that are heard in the finished film. The hit version is released as a single and on Simon & Garfunkel’s album “Bookends” in the Spring Of 1968. Entering the Hot 100 at #58 on April 27, 1968, it streaks to the top of the chart six weeks later. The single wins two Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary-Pop Performance - Vocal Duo or Group and Record Of The Year, with “The Graduate” Soundtrack earning an additional award for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special in 1969. The song is later covered by Frank Sinatra, Billy Paul, Bon Jovi, and The Lemonheads. “Mrs. Robinson” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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