Dion Releases a New Song With Paul Simon

Even at age 76, rock’n’roll legend Dion DiMucci (better known as just Dion) is still going strong. Earlier this month, he released the title track from his upcoming album, New York Is My Home, a duet with fellow New Yorker Paul Simon. The full record, which was produced by Jimmy Vivino of Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band, is set to be released February 16th.

“[Simon’s] from Queens, I’m from the Bronx. We’re both at home in New York,” Dion explains. “This was a labor of love for us.” The now-duet was originally recorded as a solo effort, but early on, he had hopes of singing it with Simon, due to their mutual love of rock’n’roll street music. Simon was eager to participate and added his own distinct touches to the production.

The song is an ode to both a lover and an all-encompassing love for the city of the New York. “What can I say? For me, God’s country is never gonna mean canyons and forests,” Dion continues. “It’s gonna have sirens and subways and crowds of people. I love the style and the way the city moves – all acceptance and love – the music seeping up from the streets. To my eyes the city is pure; it lifts me to a higher reality. I experience the fullness of life in New York.”