Simon and Garfunkel, the folk-rock duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, became one of the most beloved musical acts of the 1960s. Known for their harmonious vocals and poetic lyrics, their hits include "The Sound of Silence” "Bridge Over Troubled Water” and "Mrs. Robinson”. They captured the spirit of the era with their introspective songs and social commentary. After their initial split in 1970, they reunited sporadically for concerts and tours. Both have enjoyed successful solo careers, particularly Paul Simon, who remains an influential singer-songwriter.
Simon and Garfunkel Career Highlights
1953
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in elementary school in Queens, New York. They began performing together under the name "Tom and Jerry" and had a minor hit with "Hey Schoolgirl."
1964
Released their first album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M”. under the name Simon & Garfunkel. The album initially failed to chart.
1965
"The Sound of Silence" was remixed and re-released with electric instrumentation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1966
Released "Sounds of Silence” which included hits like "I Am a Rock" and "Homeward Bound."
1967
Their third album, "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” was released to critical acclaim.
Provided the soundtrack for the film "The Graduate” featuring "Mrs. Robinson” which became a massive hit.
1968
Released the album "Bookends” which included hits like "A Hazy Shade of Winter" and "America."
1970
Released "Bridge Over Troubled Water” their final studio album, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. The title track won multiple Grammy Awards.
1970
The duo officially broke up after the release of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
1981
Central Park Reunion - Performed a free concert in Central Park, which drew an estimated 500,000 people.
2003
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Simon and Garfunkel Grammy Awards
Simon and Garfunkel have won several Grammy Awards, including
1. Album of the Year (1971) For "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
2. Record of the Year (1971) For "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
3. Song of the Year (1971) For "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
4. Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (1971) For "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
5. Lifetime Achievement Award (2003).
3 Most Famous Simon and Garfunkel Songs
1. "The Sound of Silence" (1965) - The breakthrough single that defined their early sound and brought them to mainstream attention.
2. "Mrs. Robinson" (1968) - Featured in the film "The Graduate” this song became an anthem of the late 1960s.
3. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970) - The title track of their final album, it became one of the most iconic songs in music history.
Simon and Garfunkel Quotes
Paul Simon
We were very young, and the music industry was still developing. It was a much more innocent time.
Art Garfunkel
We've always been trying to make sense of the world and express that through our music.
Simon and Garfunkel Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Breakup: The breakup of Simon and Garfunkel in 1970 was fueled by personal and creative differences. Simon's desire to pursue a solo career and Garfunkel's interest in acting created tension between the duo.
- Reunions: Despite their breakup, Simon and Garfunkel have reunited several times for concerts and tours, including the famous Central Park concert in 1981 and the "Old Friends" tour in 2003-2004.
- Solo Careers: Both members pursued successful solo careers. Paul Simon became an acclaimed solo artist with hits like "Graceland” while Art Garfunkel released several solo albums and pursued acting.
- They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, with both members reflecting on their tumultuous relationship during the ceremony.
- Their music has influenced countless artists across multiple genres, and their songs continue to be covered and referenced in popular culture.
Simon and Garfunkel ratings
