Paul Simon
Paul Simon is a legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist.
I won’t go into his history with duo Simon & Garfunkel. You can read that anywhere.
What’s he got? For starters, a very pure voice, sweet and somehow penetrating. Like Joni Mitchell, Simon glides between the extremes of conversationally speaking lyrics and impassioned singing. His wry sense of humor pervades his later music.
Simon also has a penchant for African rhythms, instruments and singing, showing up throughout his later albums.
I recommend Rhythm of the Saints (1990), and if you somehow managed never to hear it, Graceland (1986). You’re the One (2000) is quite enjoyable too. To get all of these as free music downloads, try looking online on music websites like Kazaa.