An authorized biography of renowned singer-songwriter Paul Simon is in the works, reports the Associated Press.
The book will be penned by former Los Angeles Times music editor and critic Robert Hillburn. The biography remains unnamed and its release date has not been divulged. It will be published by Simon and Schuster who purchased the rights in a six-publisher auction.
"I thought seriously about writing my own memoir," Simon said in a statement quoted via the Los Angeles Times. "But I'd rather devote my time to making music, which continues to hold my full attention."
"I'm confident Robert Hillburn will write an insightful book," he added. "I enjoyed and admired his biography of Johnny Cash and I think he'll tell my story well."
In a statement, Hillburn described Simon as a "consummate singer." He also pointed out how "his music has spoken about our lives and times with such an intimacy, insight and grace that they share an important place in our cultural consciousness."
He promised that the book will be a "gripping, inspiring portrait of an artist, including the toughness and heart it requires to avoid giving in to the many factors - from rejection to self-doubt to writer's block to complacency - that have derailed so many pop artists."
Simon rose to fame when he and Art Garfunkel broke through the music industry with their unique folk-rock sound. Among their many famous songs are "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." After they split, Simon pursued a solo career. He is currently touring alongside Sting, according to Rolling Stone.
Hillburn served 30 years as a music editor and critic at the Los Angeles Times. He published his memoir titled "Corn Flakes with John Lennon (And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life) in 2009. He also wrote the 2013 bestseller and critically acclaimed Johnny Cash biography titled "Johnny Cash: A Life."