Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk-rock duo consisting of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, formed in New York City in 1957. Known for their intricate harmonies, poetic lyrics, and melodic compositions, they became one of the most iconic acts of the 1960s. Their music bridged folk, rock, and pop, influencing countless artists worldwide.
The duo achieved global success with hits like “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, selling over 100 million records and earning multiple Grammy Awards.
Paul Simon – Singer, Guitarist, and Songwriter
Paul Simon was born October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Early Life and Family
Paul grew up in a Jewish family and showed early talent in music. He met Art Garfunkel in school, and the two became friends and later musical collaborators.
Studies and Musical Development
Paul attended Queens College, New York, but left to focus on his music career. He was influenced by folk, jazz, and Latin music, which shaped the duo’s signature sound.
Personal Life
Paul Simon has been married multiple times and has five children. Beyond Simon & Garfunkel, he also enjoyed a prolific solo career, including acclaimed albums like Graceland (1986).
Art Garfunkel – Singer and Vocalist
Art Garfunkel was born November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.
Early Life and Family
Art also grew up in a Jewish household and attended Queens College, where he studied mathematics and later earned a Master’s in mathematics.
Musical Talent
Art’s angelic tenor voice became a defining element of the duo’s sound. He also pursued a career in acting, appearing in films like Catch-22 and Carnal Knowledge.
Personal Life
Art Garfunkel has been married and has two children. He continues to perform as a solo artist and occasionally reunites with Paul Simon for concerts.
Formation and Early Career
The duo met in elementary school in Queens, New York. Initially performing as “Tom & Jerry” in the late 1950s, they released several singles before adopting the name Simon & Garfunkel in the early 1960s.
Their breakthrough came with the album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964), featuring early folk compositions. Although initially a commercial failure, their fortunes changed after the song “The Sound of Silence” was remixed with electric instruments and became a massive hit in 1965.
Discography
Studio Albums
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Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964)
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Sounds of Silence (1966)
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
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Bookends (1968)
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Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
Compilation & Live Albums
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Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits (1972)
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The Concert in Central Park (1982) – live reunion performance
Most Popular Songs
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The Sound of Silence
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Mrs. Robinson
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Scarborough Fair / Canticle
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The Boxer
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Cecilia
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America
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Homeward Bound
These songs are celebrated for their lyrical depth, harmonies, and timeless melodies.
Awards and Achievements
Simon & Garfunkel won 10 Grammy Awards, including:
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Album of the Year – Bridge Over Troubled Water (1971)
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Record of the Year – Bridge Over Troubled Water (1971)
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Best Contemporary Song – Mrs. Robinson (1969)
They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
Fun Facts About Simon & Garfunkel
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They performed a legendary concert in Central Park (1981) attended by over 500,000 people.
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“The Sound of Silence” was originally recorded as an acoustic folk song, later electrified for radio play.
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Paul Simon wrote many of the duo’s hits, while Art’s harmonies gave them a distinctive sound.
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The duo briefly reunited in the 1980s and 1990s for tours but often had a turbulent relationship.
Did You Know?
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Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel first performed together as teenagers under the name Tom & Jerry.
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“Bridge Over Troubled Water” was inspired by gospel music and features Art Garfunkel’s soaring lead vocals.
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The duo’s influence extends across folk, rock, and pop music, inspiring artists from Bob Dylan to Coldplay.
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Despite their fame, they had a complicated personal and professional relationship, contributing to their eventual split in 1970.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Simon & Garfunkel’s music remains a defining voice of 1960s America, blending social commentary with poetic storytelling. Their songs continue to be covered, featured in films, and celebrated worldwide.
They are considered one of the most influential duos in music history, bridging the gap between folk and mainstream rock while inspiring generations of musicians.
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