On November 20, 1976, music legend Paul Simon took the stage on Saturday Night Live, not in his usual attire, but in a rather unexpected costume – a full-fledged turkey suit. This bizarre yet memorable moment has become etched in the annals of SNL history, leaving fans and viewers alike scratching their heads and wondering how this sartorial choice came to be.
The Genesis of the Turkey Suit: A Thanksgiving Twist
The story behind Simon’s feathered transformation begins with his hit song “Still Crazy After All These Years” released in 1975. The song’s title coupled with the Thanksgiving timing of the SNL episode, sparked the idea of a comical skit involving the singer dressed as a turkey.
Simon’s Reservations: Image vs. Humor
While the producers were enthusiastic about the turkey suit concept, Simon initially had reservations. He felt it clashed with his serious persona and the introspective nature of his music, particularly songs like “The Boxer.” He feared looking “stupid” and alienating his audience.
“Mr. Alienation” vs. “Regular Guy”: A Battle of Personalities
In his monologue, Simon addressed his discomfort with the costume, stating, “I said, when the turkey concept was first brought up, I said there’s a very good chance I’m gonna end up looking stupid if I come out wearing it.”
The producers, however, encouraged him to loosen up and embrace the humor, suggesting it could be a way to break free from his “Mr. Alienation” image and connect with the audience on a more relatable level.
A Half-Hearted Performance and a Costume Conundrum
Despite his reservations, Simon donned the turkey suit and attempted to perform “Still Crazy After All These Years.” However, he only managed a few bars before stopping, lamenting that the whole thing felt like a “disaster.”
SNL producer Lorne Michaels, however, found the performance “wonderful” and was willing to let Simon change out of the suit, but only if he could fit through the door frame in his cumbersome attire. This final image of Simon struggling with the turkey suit became the comedic culmination of the skit.
A Thanksgiving Tradition: The Turkey Suit Lives On
Paul Simon’s turkey suit appearance on SNL has become a Thanksgiving tradition, reminding us that even the most serious artists can embrace a bit of silliness and surprise their audiences. The image of the iconic singer in a feathered costume serves as a testament to the power of humor and the ability to step outside of one’s comfort zone.
- Paul Simon
- Saturday Night Live
- Turkey Suit
- Thanksgiving
- “Still Crazy After All These Years”
- Humor
- Image
- Persona
- Lorne Michaels
- SNL Skit
- Thanksgiving Tradition
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