Laurel Canyon Music

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50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon (1975)

his LCM Classic is a clever and beautifully written song from Paul Simon, it's a live version of '50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. It was the second single from his fourth studio album, Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), released on Columbia Records. Backing vocals on the single were performed by Patti Austin, Valerie Simpson, and Phoebe Snow.The song features a recognizable repeated drum riff performed by drummer Steve Gadd.

One of his most popular singles, "50 Ways" was released in December 1975 and began to see chart success within the new year. It became Simon's sole number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) denoting sales of over one million copies.

It was written after Simon's divorce from first wife Peggy Harper, the song is a mistress's humorous advice to a husband on ways to end a relationship. The song was recorded in a small New York City studio on Broadway.