The following year, Simon gave up a few more letters, telling Regis Philbin in 2004 that the letters “A” and “R” were also in the name. He donated $50,000 in an auction for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services to earn the rights to the name (which he couldn’t reveal) as well as a private performance over a lunch of peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwiches and vodka on the rocks, according to the Los Angeles Times.Įbersol was given one clue in advance: The letter 'E' was in the person’s name. But 31 years after the song came out, she finally gave up her secret in 2003 - but only to one person, then-NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol.Īn odd recipient of such coveted information, the television executive had good reason to be the co-secret keeper. Over the years, Simon's revealed a few of the letters in the subject's nameįor decades, Simon remained mum on the subject. He certainly thought it was about him - he called me and said thanks for the song.”īut the sneaky singer didn’t confirm at the time if his appreciation was warranted.Ĭarly Simon, 1971 Photo: Ed Caraeff/Getty Images And of course, there was the possibility of Mick Jagger, with whom she shared “raw electricity” while singing together.īeatty rose to the top of the list after a 1983 interview with the Washington Post when Simon said, “It certainly sounds like it was about Warren Beatty. And with Simon’s famous lineup of romantic partners, the cocky individual could have pointed to Warren Beatty, Michael Crichton, David Geffen, Kris Kristofferson, Terrence Malick, Jack Nicholson, Cat Stevens, James Taylor or John Travolta - or even rumored flings with Sean Connery (she later denied any romantic interactions), Marvin Gaye and Jeremy Irons. The lyrics of the meta song pointedly accused someone - likely a lover - of being way too into himself. After receiving the Best New Artist of the Year Grammy in 1971, Simon released “You’re So Vain” in November 1972 - the track quickly skyrocketed up the Billboard chart, where it stayed for 17 weeks, peaking at No.

The staggering success of the song has deepened the guessing game. After all, the inspiration for the song has been one of the biggest secrets in popular music history - and even today, the mystery has only been partially revealed. More performers will be added shortly.It’s ironic that Carly Simon’s biggest hit “You’re So Vain” was on an album titled No Secrets. I’m also excited because legends Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr of the 5th Dimension, are on the bill. They’ve also added Darlene Love, the Indigo Girls, writer/producer Linda Perry, Rachael Price from Lake Street Dive, and Carly’s family– “kids” Ben and Sally Taylor and John Forte, their pal who Carly got sprung from jail after a stupid drug conviction. It includes Cyndi Lauper, Michael McDonald, and even Carly’s former brother in law Livingston Taylor. Updated today, the list of performers is not bad. If it’s only in the rehearsals, I’m going to be footloose in the aisles.” It’s a tribute to them. I will be singing along with all of the exceptional performers who have given their time. The concert is for a charity called, and Simon says: “I’m so proud to be involved with bringing music into the lives of underprivileged children. Who knows? She may even get up on stage and sing. Not only are A-listers turning out, but Simon herself– who rarely performs live– will be on hand. (I’ll never forget Phoebe Snow tearing down the house with Elton’s “Empty Garden” or Sam Moore doing Paul Simon’s “Loves Me Like a Rock.” But the honorees, like Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Elton John, the Rolling Stones and so on usually do not participate in the event– too shy? Still, stars and peers come and sing their songs. Michael Dorf of City Winery fame has been producing tribute concerts to rock legends at Carnegie Hall for years and years.

So vain carly simon hit