My Beautiful Wife Rayna Ford and Paul Simon - Duncan (Live at the Sound Academy in Toronto)

Filmed at The Sound Academy in Toronto, Ontario on May 7, 2011.
This is one of the most magical moments of our lives.
My wife Rayna told me prior to the show that she had a dream that she would get up on stage and play "Duncan" with Paul. Naturally, we giggled about this prospect. Nonetheless, when we were in the second row, Rayna continued to request this song. He heard her in the audience and told her he would play it. She told him that "Duncan" was the first song she had learned on guitar. As a result, Mr. Simon asked her to join him on stage and play the song. It was truly a wonderful moment that we will never forget in our lives.
Mr. Simon and his band and staff were absolute sweethearts to us throughout the show and in meeting them backstage. Also, we would like to thank all of our friends and well wishers for their kind words and congratulations.
It has truly been a whirlwind as we have since had interviews with the CBC (Local and National) and NTV (Local Newfoundland News Station), various radio stations and websites.
When I first saw my video, I had wished that I hadn't coached her and I was concerned that I had ruined the video for her. But, at the time, I too was overly excited and extremely nervous for her. Fortunately, there are many great video versions of this moment so I can now look upon this video as a document of my own excitement and pride.
She is the love of my life and I could not be more proud of how she handled herself both onstage and in the media.
She is my hero!!!
Peace and Love,
Rod Ford

[@StacksMaxwell]

Hi Everybody, I am here on my husbands account so I could send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has left such wonderful comments and shared in this most amazing memory. I am so very grateful for the experience. I will never forget it as long as I live. I am also very happy knowing that this has made so many people smile. Always keep smiling folks!!! peace and love, Rayna Ford

[@nancywarren7331]

I am so impressed with Rayna and the generosity of Paul Simon. A night to remember!Wish I had the privilege to have been there❤️

[@downeylfc]

Paul Simon is the greatest musician of all time and this moment left me totally blown away.It was like we where all up there with her. Truly moving beyond words.

[@TheMiracleproducts]

Rayna was absolutely charming in living out every fan's dream.

[@whatwouldbrianwilson]

I absolutely sobbed while watching this. Beautiful in every way possible.

[@slapfire]

The song wasn't on Paul's set list for that night. It was an opportunity for him to close the circuit on that song for you that night. I respect Paul for doing that. It just goes to show you that as he has matured he has truly learned the secret that making a memory like that for someone else is more important than anything else he can possibly do at this point in his life / career. And in so doing, he has reaped the rewards.

[@murraybott]

Rayna:- You are truely awesome, a great singer, and a beautiful looking lady. This is one of lifes experiences that you will be able to tell your grandchildren about

[@truvei]

Lucky you Rayna... sounds like you husband was as excited as you were!!... Great video. Very nice thing for Paul to do!!!

[@tbone2dudley]

My husband and I were there for both concerts and saw Rayna that night and she was great! We travelled to see the concerts (from Topsail) and had no idea when we saw her perform that we were watching a fellow Newfoundlander! Way to go Rayna. What a shock you must have gotten! An opportunity any of us watching that night would have loved! You were great. So much fun!

[@slapfire]

Rayna and Rob: I have been in this crazy world of the entertainment business for almost 40 years now. I "discovered," landed record label deals and managed a number of multi-platinum selling acts including The Judds and Terri Clark. Over the years I have been blessed to have witnessed just how much music truly means to people and their lives. We can hear a certain song and recall where we were the first time we heard it. This was just the type of thing that I love to see happen.

[@BandOnTheRun87]

This is pretty remarkable...it was nice of him to invite her up...and she nailed the song!

[@larrygolfer]

Rayna, this is from West Palm Beach,FL, GREAT JOB!! He is absolutely right, you got it, baby!!!

[@FlyingKiwi1958]

I was at this concert having travelled from NZ (for this and the Beacon NYC shows), and standing not to far away. This was far and away the most thrilling concert moment I have ever witnessed. Very special to be part of it. You must be over the moon - and to have it on video priceless.

[@YouDummy]

You I have no idea how many times I have watched the videos of her and Paul. Absolute magic.

[@Nykkie]

Dude, your wife has a beautiful voice... would have loved to hear HER.

[@leeannj12]

I loved it. Thought the coaching was lovely and supportive. I have all but worshipped Paul Simon since high school, and it's a real gift to see him be so generous with Rayna who seems like such a lovely person. Thank you.

[@evans2610]

The coaching was the best bit! I love it!!

[@slapfire]

You were awesome Rayna. Anybody can see how much this means to you. But, it meant a lot to Paul as well, that he got the chance to fulfill someone else's dream with his song and his show. I say Good On You Both for this. And Rob, Good On You for loving Rayna this much. Isn't it a BLAST that there just happened to be about 5 hi definition video cameras at the front of the audience? Rock On Rayna!! Sorry for being so longwinded. From Woody Bowles

[@slapfire]

The song is titled, "You're The Hangnail In My Life, and I can't Bite You Off. What a thrill it was when Hoyt sang it two separate times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Paul may have made your dream come true that night, but you made Paul Simon look like a Saint!! Look at him! He is grinning and coaching you along as if he were watching one of his own children (in music) riding her bike for the first time.

[@SarahDeelicious]

Your wife is indeed beautiful, and your excitement just adds to the pure emotion of the moment. What a lovely memory for your grandkids!

[@rohmer50]

I would have folded like a cheap suit---you did great! What an amazing experience. Good job!!

[@JenniferS8]

The coaching is so adorable....very truly sympathetic joy and sharing in the experience. What a special moment!

[@slapfire]

This was one of the top human interest clips that was run on TV for two days following that show. If it had not been for you, his new CD might not have sold half as many copies, and no one would have cared that he was on Saturday Night Live that weekend.I know what it feels like to get to fulfill a dream. Two of my favorite acts recorded a song that I wrote in 1977. They were Hoyt Axton and The Kingston Trio.

[@lumlet333]

Good for you Rayna! What a dream come true. You rocked!!!! I had tears rolling down my face when I saw this!!! And NPR has posted it on their website! You're a star!

[@briandrum1]

Absolutely an INCREDIBLE story!

[@mrtimstik]

Loved every second of it. Thanks for sharing. Made me smile all day.

[@1956pepper]

O.M.G. this is incredible, I bet you had to watch the video over and over to make sure it wasn't just a dream. Thanks so much!!! I am just floored!

[@pastordan02]

What a special and unique moment, and how cool that so many of us can witness it. Keep on keepin' on!

[@christinekirby1]

I just seen her interview on "Out of the Fog" and then I just had to see this video. She was really good!

[@YouDummy]

I'd seen the other video of this, and this adds a whole new perspective. Screw the people chastising you for being excited that your wife was pulled out of the crowd to be ON STAGE WITH PAUL SIMON. This is still one of my favorite videos on KZbin, and I could not be happier for you and Rayna.

[@TheCandyrod]

Wonderfull to watch ! She has talent ! Saw this story in Belgian newspaper with link to youtube, so you are known around the world...

[@jaygeecee13]

Rayna - how wonderful! I learned a lot of my early guitar playing Kathy's Song, Dangling Conversation etc. I loved every second of your wonderful experience, your great poise and great playing. So happy for you!

[@DXWXMX44]

I heard about this from Scott Shannon on "oldies". This is good! Way to go Rayna!

[@mav613]

Please let Rayna know seeing this was the best part of my day!!!! You have one special woman!!!!

[@WWEEZZYY]

this made me happy

[@stpetric]

How wonderful!

[@lisagsf]

so raw, so real, so beautiful. i loved rayna's confidence mixed with constant disbelief. and what a beautiful voice. the experience of a lifetime. heart warming.

[@subframer]

Nah, the coaching is so awesome, the whole vista of experiencing this through your position as fan and husband, that's what makes this vid extra cool.

[@LuisaPlantierMartins]

i loved hearing you go nuts cheering for Rayna, you sounded so happy and proud for her.....that's exactly what a loving husband is supposed to do, good for you !!! Rayna you really made me smile, so happy for you!!! CHEERS!

[@gingernm]

@StacksMaxwell It's SO obvious how excited you were. I started laughing when I realized you were shouting her chords. The love of a husband to his wife, pure and simple!

[@JeffVoss]

Totally awesome!

[@OrdinaryUsername]

This is my favorite video ever! I listened to her story on NPR and headed straight for KZbin. I love listening to her husband sing along and cheer her on and holler out the chords! Very sweet. Every amateur singer's dream! Paul Simon! are you kidding me?! Goosebumps and tears of joy for you guys.

[@McMinnette]

@StacksMaxwell This is so inspiring! I have watched it numerous times. Go Rayna!

[@LifesonFan4Life]

@StacksMaxwell ... Excellent job Rayna !!! .. I can only imagine how excited and nervous you must of been but you pulled it off wonderfully ... I can only dream of getting on stage with my favorite band RUSH and playing one of their songs with Geddy and Neil .. lol ... again great job and even though I wasn't at that concert I had goosebumps watching this video ... Dreams do come true .. for some .. lol

[@girlsailor123]

That's too awesome

[@grrannimal]

I heard about this on the radio this morning. I have never posted to a KZbin video before and I have to say that this is one of the coolest I have seen. You did great and I applaud you for taking Paul up on his offer to join him on stage!

[@XmanSully]

truly beautiful moment one of the best videos I have ever seen on youtube and I have seen plenty

[@reathpd]

watch 5 times. What a moment. Thank you

[@constitutionalradiation3587]

She did amazingly well being so impromptu and unexpected. I've been playing that song for over 35 years and probably couldn't have done as well. Very hard to do what she did, Congratulations!

[@OrangeSunshine2]

without a doubt one of greatest videos on KZbin

[@langelodsilva]

Very very cool!

[@babzc]

i loved this video , from the shaking of your hands due to nervousness to the beauty of the rhythm you were in at the end! my husband laughed and wondered what was your cut of the gate!

[@darrenmuse]

This was really cool!

[@jordanthecat]

WOW! What an unforgettable experience this must have been for Rayna, and she performed so wonderfully well! I think if I were ever invited on stage by my guitar inspiration (John Prine) I'd probably just freeze up and immediately forget every chord I ever knew. Congratulations on a fabulous performance, Rayna!

[@LtDarkstar]

COOLEST.. CONCERT... EVAR!

[@ElianeMarchesi]

A-MA-ZING !!!!!!!:-):-):-) lucky you !!!

[@wamblingwose]

@StacksMaxwell Please, no apologies. After I saw the primary video, I stumbled upon this one and it only added to the authenticity of your experience. I laughed out loud hearing you yell and scream, calling out chords and the one *$#( you said out of sheer amazement and joy. I didn't even know Paul Simon was releasing a new album, and now, because of you and Rayna, I will be ordering it. Thank you so much for sharing your joy with the rest of the world.

[@jimstidham]

Absolutely incredible...great job Rayna

[@paulh6161]

just amazing, Rayna - well done!

[@danielobrien8]

WOW!!!!!

[@wamblingwose]

@slapfire Love that title! Going to look it up right now.

[@ekimnagrom]

Hello Rayna! Though I have been playing and singing on stage for years, I have to tell you with great admiration that I think you have nerves of sheer steel! My fingers would have been failing and flailing all over that guitar and I wouldn't have been able to remember word one! Love to you for living the moment and celebrating something "That Feels So Good!" Play on, Sistah! Mike Morgan, Kasilof, Alaska

[@bobulele]

Awesome.

[@anthroopera]

Unbelievable!

[@drkatel]

I love your version best of all! "D! D!!" I'd want you watching my back, too!

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

A truly magical moment! Nearly everyone who I've shared this with, or the other one, has ended up in tears. A once in a life-time magical moment -- so glad you shared it with us.

[@maxtrack9008]

I just stumbled on this performance while preparing an episode of Chain Reaction for CKCU 93.1 FM, which features a chain of music where each song connects to the next via personal relationships between the performers. This means I can now play any Paul Simon song connected to any song Rayna Ford plays, and then to any other song played by people Rayna Ford has played with. Which means I really would like to connect with Rayna and obtain addition music connections. Thank you, ~ Allen

[@melvinklassen]

Today, Stuart Mclean's national CBC Radio One weekly show [The Vinyl Cafe] mentioned this video, and added a link from their web-site: cbc ca / vinylcafe / shows.php ?vShowID = 1623 to this video ... and the beat goes on. :-)

[@scruffymid]

Amazing, you performed so well, especially under the awsome pressure of being on stage with Paul Simon !

[@BlixtenMarlowes]

Great moment! :-D

[@MarkPJordan]

Loved this, but had to turn off half way through due to the "coaching". But well done, dream come true.

[@StacksMaxwell]

@Dmcmahon3367 Thank you SO MUCH!!!!!!! I just heard the interview and I am so grateful you posted this. It has been such an amazing experience and I have wondered if he had been asked about it. I am amazed that he spoke about it for a full portion of the interview. Also, my husband and I were truly floored and know to know Mr. PAUL SIMON has watched our KZbin video as well. Hearing him talk about it just makes it that much more amazing. Thank you once again!! Peace and Love Rayna Ford

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

Sorry for replying to such an old comment but do you have any idea where I can hear that interview?

[@Garfunkel2]

@StacksMaxwell Hi Rayna, if you're on Facebook, why not join our Paul Simon fan group - 'A.M.P.S.' - it's the old newsgroup which used to be called alt.music.paul-simon. There's a whole heap of us on there, and we've all been going to the concerts and some of our group were at 'your' concert. You're the talk of our group right now. We'd love to have you with us. I can't stop watching your video, your expressions were so wonderful. I'm in the UK, and you're famous there now too!

[@MarkPJordan]

@StacksMaxwell Nowt to be ashamed of, perfectly human reaction to seeing your spouse getting up on stage with a living legend. I'm just jealous is all ;)

[@ChadWorthman]

G! G! Too funny Homer!

[@kurtzinto]

heard her story on the radio

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Rayna was awesome there. Also check out Shirleyf448 video of the performance. It came out really good.

[@autismpete]

If that was my wife up there I'd be losing my shit and going nuts too!

[@PatrickDacre]

Is this the Newfie version of the next susan boyle? Make some tunes and we'll publish them through Sophia Sirius Publishing

[@StacksMaxwell]

@MarkPJordan I too felt a little ashamed at my "coaching" at the time. But, in my defense, I was extremely nervous for her and never even realized I was doing it at the time. Now, with so many other videos in existence, I look at it as a document of my own personal pride and excitement. Either way, check out the other great videos out there from the show in which you can't hear any coaching. (See shirleyf448's video)

[@2PinkFreuds]

Was the mic on for this or did they mix it down?

[@1m00nleo]

beautiful moment...almost ruined by the over-enthusiastic "coaching" of her hubby. She's doing fine. She's got it covered. Step back and let her have her moment.

[@grrannimal]

I heard about this on the radio this morning. I have never posted to a KZbin video before and I have to say that this is one of the coolest I have seen. You did great and I applaud you for taking Paul up on his offer to join him on stage!