Few duos in music history have achieved the poetic grace, commercial success, and emotional depth of Simon & Garfunkel. With their seamless harmonies and poignant lyrics, they became the voices of a generation in the turbulent 1960s. From coffeehouse folk to stadium-filling performances, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel transformed American folk rock into an art form that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
This article takes you on an in-depth journey through their lives, career, albums, hits, breakup, reunion concerts, and lasting impact on music and culture.
Table of Contents
Early Lives of Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel
Childhood Friends from Queens
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel both grew up in the middle-class neighborhoods of Queens, New York.
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Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, to Hungarian-Jewish parents.
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Art Garfunkel was born on November 5, 1941, to Romanian-Jewish parents.
They met in sixth grade in 1953 and bonded over a shared love of music. Inspired by the close harmonies of the Everly Brothers, they began singing together and writing songs while attending Forest Hills High School.
By age 15, they adopted the stage name Tom & Jerry and scored a minor hit in 1957 with the song Hey, Schoolgirl.
The Birth of Simon & Garfunkel
After high school, the two pursued separate college careers—Simon at Queens College and Garfunkel at Columbia University—but reunited musically in the early 1960s as the folk revival swept America.
In 1964, they signed to Columbia Records and released their debut album:
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
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Released: 1964
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Notable songs: The Sound of Silence (original acoustic version), The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Bob Dylan cover).
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Initially, the album flopped commercially.
But in 1965, producer Tom Wilson overdubbed electric instruments onto The Sound of Silence, turning it into an electrifying folk-rock hit and propelling Simon & Garfunkel into stardom.
Breakthrough & Rise to Fame
Sounds of Silence (1966)
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The success of the electric Sound of Silence led to their second album, featuring classics like:
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I Am a Rock
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April Come She Will
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
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Showcased their growing sophistication as songwriters and arrangers.
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Key tracks:
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Scarborough Fair/Canticle
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Homeward Bound
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For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
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Bookends (1968)
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A concept album exploring the arc of life—from youth to old age.
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Standout songs:
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America
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A Hazy Shade of Winter
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Mrs. Robinson
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Mrs. Robinson became a massive hit after it was featured in Mike Nichols’ film The Graduate, cementing their place as icons of the 1960s counterculture.
Masterpiece: Bridge Over Troubled Water
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel released their magnum opus:
Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Title track: A soaring ballad showcasing Garfunkel’s angelic tenor, often regarded as one of the greatest pop songs ever written.
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Other hits:
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The Boxer
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Cecilia
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El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
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Keep the Customer Satisfied
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This album swept the 1971 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year, and the title song won Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
The Breakup
Despite their creative success, tensions between Simon and Garfunkel began to surface during the recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Some reasons for the split:
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Creative differences: Simon felt overshadowed when Garfunkel began pursuing acting (notably appearing in Catch-22).
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Personal friction and ego clashes.
By 1970, after completing their world tour, Simon & Garfunkel disbanded at the height of their fame.
Solo Careers
Paul Simon
Paul embarked on a successful solo career with hits like:
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Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
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50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
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You Can Call Me Al
He also explored world music, winning multiple Grammys, especially for his 1986 album Graceland.
Art Garfunkel
Garfunkel released several solo albums, showcasing his unique voice on songs like:
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All I Know
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Bright Eyes
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Breakaway
He also acted in films and published poetry.
Reunions
Over the decades, Simon & Garfunkel reunited sporadically for concerts and tours:
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1972: Released a live album from a one-off reunion.
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1981: Legendary Concert in Central Park, drawing over 500,000 people — one of the largest concerts in history.
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1993: Short-lived reunion tour.
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2003–2004: World tour.
Although they never recorded a full studio album again, their live performances reaffirmed their magic.
Musical Style & Legacy
Harmonies & Lyrics
Simon & Garfunkel’s music blended:
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Folk traditions with modern pop elements.
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Thoughtful, poetic lyrics often reflecting themes of alienation, love, and social commentary.
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Perfectly matched vocal harmonies — Garfunkel’s ethereal high voice paired with Simon’s warm baritone.
Influence
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Paved the way for artists like James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, and contemporary indie-folk acts.
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Their albums still sell millions, and their songs remain staples of radio, TV, and film soundtracks.
Awards & Recognition
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Multiple Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award).
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Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
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The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water featured on many “greatest songs of all time” lists.
Discography (Studio Albums)
| Album | Year | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. | 1964 | The Sound of Silence |
| Sounds of Silence | 1966 | I Am a Rock |
| Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme | 1966 | Scarborough Fair |
| Bookends | 1968 | America, Mrs. Robinson |
| Bridge Over Troubled Water | 1970 | The Boxer, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water |
Iconic Songs
Here are 10 of their most beloved tracks:
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The Sound of Silence
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Mrs. Robinson
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The Boxer
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Scarborough Fair/Canticle
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Cecilia
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Homeward Bound
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I Am a Rock
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America
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April Come She Will
FAQs about Simon & Garfunkel
Q1: Why did Simon & Garfunkel break up?
A: They parted ways due to creative differences, personal tensions, and Garfunkel’s focus on acting at a time when Simon wanted to prioritize music.
Q2: Are Simon & Garfunkel still friends?
A: Their relationship has been complicated — marked by periods of friendship and estrangement. While they respect each other as artists, their personal bond has been strained.
Q3: What was their biggest hit?
A: Bridge Over Troubled Water is considered their most successful and iconic song, winning multiple Grammys and topping charts worldwide.
Q4: Did they ever reunite after their breakup?
A: Yes, they reunited several times for concerts and tours, most notably at the 1981 Central Park concert and their 2003–2004 world tour.
Q5: What are Simon & Garfunkel’s contributions to music?
A: They helped popularize folk rock, elevated songwriting as an art form, and influenced countless musicians with their harmonies and introspective lyrics.
Conclusion
Simon & Garfunkel’s music remains timeless. Their voices carried the hopes and anxieties of a generation, and their songs continue to comfort, inspire, and resonate. Whether through the haunting echoes of The Sound of Silence, the uplifting Bridge Over Troubled Water, or the bittersweet America, their work has etched itself into the cultural fabric.
Their story — full of creativity, conflict, and reconciliation — reminds us that even fleeting partnerships can create everlasting art.