In the early 1980s, Simon's relationship with his former musical partner Art Garfunkel had deteriorated, his marriage to the actress Carrie Fisher had collapsed, and his previous record, Hearts and Bones (1983), had been a commercial failure. In 1984, after a period of depression, Simon became fascinated by a bootleg cassette of mbaqanga, South African street music. He and Halee spent two weeks in Johannesburg recording with South African musicians. Further recordings were held in the US with American musicians including Linda Ronstadt, the Everly Brothers, Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters and Los Lobos. Simon toured with South African musicians, performing their music and songs from Graceland.

Organizations such as Artists United Against Apartheid criticized Simon for breaking the cultural boycott on South Africa imposed for its policy of apartheid, while others accused him of appropriating the music of another culture. Simon responded that Graceland was a political statement that showcased collaboration between black and white people and raised international awareness of apartheid. Some praised him for helping popularize African music in the west.

TRACKLIST

The Boy In The Bubble
Graceland
I Know What I Know (ft. General MD Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters)
Gumboots (ft. the Boyoyo Boys)
Diamonds On The Sole Of Her Shoes (ft. with Ladysmith Black Mambazo)

You Can Call Me Al
Under African Skies
Homeless (ft. Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
Crazy Love Vol. II (ft. Stimela)
That Was Your Mother (ft. Good Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters)
All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints (ft. Los Lobos)