I rarely end up with a picture of the week’s artist in a bar, but it’s always my goal. A modest goal but a goal, nonetheless.

The featured image comes from 1979 and shows Paul Simon partying with Carrie Fisher, Gilda Radner, David Geffen, and Marlo Thomas. Ms. Fisher looks a bit the worse for wear but it’s what happens when you go boozing with the stars.

There’s an obvious reason for selecting this week’s tune: Mother’s Day is just around the corner. The Sunday Dozen will feature mother songs. Stay tuned.

Paul Simon wrote Mother and Child Reunion for his eponymous 1972 debut album. It’s a reggae influenced romp with a sweet subtext.

We begin with the songwriter:

Randy California was one of the founding members of Spirit. Here’s his spirited rendition of this week’s tune:

Little known fact about Johnny Rivers: He grew up in Baton Rouge, LA.

Time for some Philadelphia soul:

Let’s get boney with Boney M. Does that mean anything at all? Beats the hell outta me.

Finally, Paul Simon live with Jimmy Cliff whose music inspired this week’s song.

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to Paul Simon. Thanks for all the great music. It’s what the man himself dressed as a turkey on SNL would want. Never argue with him.