Simon & Garfunkel

Biography

Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk-rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, and their biggest hits included "The Sound of Silence" (1965), "Mrs. Robinson" (1968), "The Boxer" (1969), and "Bridge over Troubled Water" (1970). The duo sold more than 100 million records, won ten Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Early Years and Formation

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in elementary school in Queens, New York, in 1953. As teenagers, they began performing together under the name Tom & Jerry, achieving minor success with the song "Hey Schoolgirl" in 1957. After high school, they went their separate ways for a few years, with Simon moving to England and Garfunkel attending college. In 1963, they reunited and signed with Columbia Records as Simon & Garfunkel. Their debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.," was released in 1964 but was initially unsuccessful.

Breakthrough and Success

The duo's breakthrough came in 1965 when a producer remixed their song "The Sound of Silence" with electric instruments, turning it into a number-one hit. This led to the release of their second album, "Sounds of Silence," in 1966, which was a commercial success. Their next album, "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" (1966), saw them gain more creative control. Their fame grew exponentially when their music was featured in the 1967 film "The Graduate," including the hit song "Mrs. Robinson." This was followed by the album "Bookends" in 1968, which topped the charts.

Musical Style and Legacy

Simon & Garfunkel were known for their tight harmonies, Simon's introspective songwriting, and their ability to capture the mood of the 1960s. Their music blended folk, rock, and pop, and their lyrics often explored themes of alienation, love, and social commentary. They are considered one of the most successful and influential folk-rock acts of their time.

Breakup and Reunions

Despite their immense success, the duo's relationship was often strained, leading to artistic disagreements. They broke up in 1970 after the release of their most successful album, "Bridge over Troubled Water." The album became one of the world's best-selling albums and won six Grammy Awards. After the split, both artists pursued solo careers. They have reunited for several performances over the years, most notably for a free concert in New York's Central Park in 1981, which drew a massive crowd. More recently, in 2024, it was reported that the two had met and reconciled after a long period of estrangement.