The Unlikely Friendship of Carly Simon and Jackie Robinson
The year was 1952, and America was in the thick of the civil rights movement. Baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who had broken Major League Baseball’s color barrier, was once again facing discrimination—but this time, it was in his search for a home in Connecticut. Enter the Simon family, a progressive white couple willing to help him secure a property. Their support went beyond just finding a plot of land; they also took the Robinson family into their home temporarily. And thus began the heartwarming relationship between Jackie Robinson and a young girl who would grow up to be a musical legend—Carly Simon.
Living in the Simon household, Jackie Robinson, his wife Rachel, and their children found a sanctuary amid a world fraught with racial tensions. The Simon home became more than just a temporary shelter; it was a place where the Robinson family could find solace and support.
At the time, a young Carly Simon was just beginning to explore the world around her. Growing up in the same house as a sporting hero had a profound impact on her. Carly was often seen at Dodgers games, cheering for the team and occasionally acting as an unofficial mascot. Jackie Robinson even fondly referred to her as his “lucky charm.” The lessons Carly learned from this relationship were invaluable—not just about sports, but about courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
The friendship between Carly Simon and Jackie Robinson went beyond the baseball field and the confines of the Simon house. The two families often shared dinners and spent time together, enjoying a genuine and mutual respect for one another. Jackie Robinson’s influence on Carly is evident in her memoir, “Boys in the Trees,” where she reflects on the honor of knowing such a remarkable man. The Robinsons’ presence offered Carly a first-hand understanding of the struggles faced by African Americans during that time and the importance of empathy and support.
In an era where racial tensions were high, the friendship between Carly Simon and Jackie Robinson stands out as a beacon of unity and understanding. Their story is a testament to the power of human connection and the positive impact that friendship across racial lines can have. Today, Carly Simon continues to celebrate the legacy of Jackie Robinson, appreciative of the unique and formative time shared with the Robinson family. It serves as a powerful reminder that when people come together with kindness and compassion, they can create a lasting impact that transcends societal barriers.
Central Texas Theater
Vive Les Arts
Get ready for a toe-tapping, side-splitting adventure when you come to see The Drowsy Chaperone! This is one musical you definitely don’t want to miss!
Tickets: showpass.com/drowsy/
With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
Central Texas Theatre
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