Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. One of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s, their music was defined by intricate vocal harmonies, Simon's poetic lyrics, and a sound that bridged acoustic folk music with contemporary rock and roll production. They are best known for a series of hit singles and albums, including the landmark 1970 album Bridge over Troubled Water, before their acrimonious breakup. Their work has left an enduring mark on popular music and culture.

Formation and early career

The duo's origins trace to Forest Hills, Queens, where childhood friends Simon and Garfunkel began performing together in 1956 as "Tom & Jerry," emulating the style of popular Everly Brothers. Their first minor success was the single "Hey Schoolgirl" in 1957, released on Big Records. After a period of separation during their college years, they reunited in 1963, inspired by the burgeoning Greenwich Village folk revival. They signed with Columbia Records producer Tom Wilson and recorded their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964), which initially sold poorly. The album's acoustic track "The Sound of Silence" was later overdubbed with electric instruments by Wilson without the duo's knowledge, creating a folk rock version that became a number-one hit on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in late 1965, catapulting them to stardom.

Musical style and themes

Their core sound was built upon Garfunkel's soaring, pure tenor voice harmonizing with Simon's slightly lower, more rhythmic lead, creating what critics often described as a "angelic" blend. Musically, they evolved from straightforward folk music arrangements to incorporate diverse influences including British Invasion rock, Latin music, gospel music, and world music, often utilizing the meticulous production of Roy Halee. Simon's lyrics were marked by literary ambition, exploring themes of alienation, urban loneliness, and social observation in songs like "I Am a Rock" and "The Boxer." Other works reflected the counterculture of the 1960s, addressing issues such as the Vietnam War in "7 O'Clock News/Silent Night" and the generation gap in "Mrs. Robinson", written for the film The Graduate.

Main discography and notable songs

Their major studio albums constitute a concise but highly influential catalog: Sounds of Silence (1966), Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), the Grammy Award-winning Bookends (1968), and Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). The latter, featuring orchestral and gospel influences, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, winning several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Iconic singles from these albums include "Mrs. Robinson", "The Boxer", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "Cecilia", and "America". Key compilation albums like Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits (1972) have also achieved diamond certification.

Breakup and solo careers

Tensions, fueled by Simon's creative dominance, Garfunkel's acting pursuits in films like Catch-22, and personal rivalry, led to their dissolution shortly after the release of Bridge over Troubled Water. They officially parted ways in 1970. Simon embarked on a highly successful and critically acclaimed solo career, exploring genres like reggae, jazz, and African music on albums such as Graceland, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987. Garfunkel pursued a solo singing career, achieving hits like "Bright Eyes", and continued acting. They reunited for several notable events, including the 1975 ''Saturday Night Live'' appearance, the 1981 Concert in Central Park, and a world tour in 2003-2004, but have not recorded new studio material together since the 1970s.

Legacy and influence

Widely regarded as one of the greatest duos in music history, they have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Their sophisticated harmonies and songcraft influenced countless subsequent artists across folk, rock, and pop music, from the British folk rock of Fairport Convention to American singer-songwriters like James Taylor. Their music remains a staple of film soundtracks and cultural memory, emblematic of the 1960s era. The Library of Congress selected "The Sound of Silence" for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2012, cementing their status as a foundational act in American popular music.

Category:American folk rock musical groups Category:Musical groups from New York City Category:Grammy Award winners