Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel
Company type	Musical duo
Industry	Music
Founded	1953 in Queens, New York City, United States
Founder	Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Products	Music albums and singles

Simon & Garfunkel formed a renowned American folk rock partnership, featuring singer-songwriter Paul Simon alongside vocalist Art Garfunkel. They stood out as one of the top-selling musical duos during the 1960s, achieving three U.S. number-one hits: "The Sound of Silence," and the two Record of the Year recipients, "Mrs. Robinson" and "Bridge over Troubled Water." Their catalog also includes popular tracks such as "Homeward Bound," "I Am a Rock," "Scarborough Fair/Canticle," "A Hazy Shade of Winter," "America," "The Boxer," and "Cecilia."

The duo's origins trace back to 1953 in Queens, New York City, where they first crossed paths in elementary school and Simon began crafting songs. As adolescents, performing under the moniker Tom & Jerry, they attained modest recognition with their 1957 single "Hey Schoolgirl," influenced by the Everly Brothers. By 1963, they reunited and signed with Columbia Records adopting the name Simon & Garfunkel. Their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964), initially experienced limited commercial success; during this period, Simon embarked on a solo venture in England while Garfunkel attended Columbia University. The remixed version of "The Sound of Silence" released in 1965 gained traction on US AM radio, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Their sophomore album, Sounds of Silence (1966), supported a nationwide tour primarily targeting college audiences. With their third album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), they secured increased artistic input. Their songs featured prominently in Mike Nichols’s 1967 film The Graduate, whose soundtrack shared the top spot on the Billboard Top 200 charts alongside their fourth album, Bookends, which included the notable track "Mrs. Robinson."

Although they enjoyed significant commercial achievements, creative differences ultimately caused their separation in 1970. Their final studio release, Bridge over Troubled Water, launched in January that year, became one of the best-selling albums worldwide. Following their split, Simon pursued a flourishing solo career highlighted by albums such as Graceland (1986). Meanwhile, Garfunkel had success with singles like "All I Know" (1973), "I Only Have Eyes for You" (1975), and "Bright Eyes," which topped charts in Britain in 1979. He also explored acting roles in Mike Nichols’ films Catch-22 (1970) and Carnal Knowledge (1971), as well as Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing (1980). The pair reunited on several occasions; notably, their 1981 concert in Central Park drew an audience exceeding 500,000 people, ranking among history’s largest live concert gatherings.

Throughout their career, Simon & Garfunkel earned seven Grammy Awards, including four entries into the Hall of Fame. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Widely recognized as "the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960s," they remain among the best-selling musical acts globally with sales surpassing 100 million records. In 2010, they were positioned 40th on Rolling Stone's list of the Greatest Artists of All Time and ranked third among its greatest duos.

1953–1956: Formative Period

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were raised during the 1940s and 1950s in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, New York, a mainly Jewish neighborhood where their homes were just three blocks apart. Their educational paths overlapped as they attended Public School 164, Parsons Junior High School, and Forest Hills High School. Both developed a passion for music, particularly inspired by the rising rock and roll movement and groups like the Everly Brothers. Simon first became aware of Garfunkel’s singing talent during a fourth-grade talent show, which led to their friendship beginning in 1953 amid a sixth-grade production of Alice in Wonderland. They formed a doo-wop streetcorner group named the Peptones, refining their harmonies and performing as a duo at various school events.

While at Forest Hills High School, they composed their initial song titled "The Girl for Me," which Simon's father officially registered with the Library of Congress. Attempting to recollect the Everly Brothers’ lyrics inspired them to write "Hey, Schoolgirl," which they recorded for $25 at Sanders Recording Studio in Manhattan. During this session, promoter Sid Prosen discovered them and signed them to his independent label Big Records; both were only 15 years old at the time.

1957–1964: Tom & Jerry Era and Initial Recordings

Under the Big Records label, Simon and Garfunkel adopted the stage names Tom & Jerry; Garfunkel chose "Tom Graph" reflecting his affinity for mathematics, while Simon selected "Jerry Landis," inspired by a girl he once dated. Their debut single "Hey, Schoolgirl" was released in 1957 with "Dancin' Wild" as its B-side. Employing payola tactics, Prosen paid DJ Alan Freed $200 to ensure nightly airplay on AM pop radio stations nationwide. The single sold more than 100,000 copies and reached number 49 on Billboard charts and number 45 in Canada. Prosen also arranged for them to headline on Dick Clark's American Bandstand alongside Jerry Lee Lewis. From this hit, Simon and Garfunkel earned approximately $4,000—each receiving about two percent in royalties, while the majority went to Prosen. Subsequent releases such as "Our Song" and "That's My Story" did not achieve commercial success.

After completing high school in 1958, Simon pursued English studies at Queens College within the City University of New York system, whereas Garfunkel shifted his focus from architecture to art history at Columbia College, Columbia University. Simon released a solo single titled "True or False" under the pseudonym "True Taylor," which caused tension with Garfunkel and temporarily strained their collaboration.

Both artists explored solo ventures: Garfunkel recorded tracks including "Private World" for Octavia Records and "Beat Love" (under the name Artie Garr) for Warwick Records; Simon produced music under Jerry Landis and Paul Kane while collaborating with notable songwriters such as Carole King and Gerry Goffin. After graduating in 1963, Simon joined Garfunkel at Columbia University to perform as a folk duo. Concurrently, he attended Brooklyn Law School on a part-time basis. By late 1963, performing under Kane & Garr at Greenwich Village’s Gerde's Folk City, they debuted songs like "The Sound of Silence", capturing the attention of Columbia Records A&R representative Tom Wilson. Following an audition featuring this song, Wilson signed them.

Their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., produced by Wilson, was recorded across three sessions in March 1964 and released in October of that year. It included five original compositions by Simon alongside traditional folk tunes. Simon insisted on abandoning their stage names for this release. Columbia promoted their initial concert billed as Simon & Garfunkel at Folk City on March 31, 1964.

1964–1965: Simon's time in England; Garfunkel at university

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. initially sold just 3,000 copies after its release. Simon relocated to England, where he performed in intimate folk venues and formed connections with musicians such as Bert Jansch, Martin Carthy, Al Stewart, and Sandy Denny. During this period, he also encountered Kathy Chitty, who inspired both "Kathy's Song" and "America".

A modest publisher named Lorna Music licensed Simon's earlier single "Carlos Dominguez" for a successful cover by Val Doonican. This opportunity led to a publishing and recording agreement with the Oriole label, under which Simon released the single "He Was My Brother". Simon invited Garfunkel to join him in England for the summer of 1964.

Towards the end of that summer, Garfunkel returned to Columbia University. Simon briefly enrolled at Brooklyn Law School before deciding to return to England in January 1965, fully committed to his music career. His landlady submitted demo recordings to the BBC, which broadcast them with positive reception. After Oriole merged into CBS, the company aimed to produce a new Simon album.

In June 1965, Simon recorded his debut solo album, The Paul Simon Songbook, which included early versions of tracks like "I Am a Rock" and "April Come She Will". CBS producer Wilson traveled to England to collaborate on the project. Although sales were modest, Simon remained optimistic about his prospects in England. Meanwhile, Garfunkel completed his degree in 1965 and pursued graduate studies in mathematics at Columbia University.

1965–1966: Breakthrough and commercial success

In the United States, Dick Summer, a late-night DJ at Boston’s WBZ, began playing "The Sound of Silence," which resonated with college listeners along the East Coast. Inspired by his experience producing Bob Dylan’s folk-rock hit "Like a Rolling Stone", producer Tom Wilson created an electrified remix of the song using session musicians without informing Simon & Garfunkel. Released in September 1965, this version eventually climbed the ranks of the Billboard Hot 100. Initially, Simon was appalled by the unauthorized remix.

By January 1966, "The Sound of Silence" had reached number one on the Hot 100 chart and sold over a million copies. At CBS’s request, Simon reunited with Garfunkel in New York to record a follow-up album titled Sounds of Silence, designed to capitalize on the single’s success. Completed within three weeks, the album featured re-recorded songs from The Paul Simon Songbook alongside four new pieces. It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. Singles such as "Homeward Bound" and "I Am a Rock" reached the US top ten and number three respectively. The duo embarked on a nationwide tour across America that included a headline show at the University of Massachusetts Boston. CBS also reissued Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., which climbed to number 30 on the charts. Despite their commercial achievements, some critics dismissed them as contrived folk imitators.

Considering Sounds of Silence a hastily produced record, Simon & Garfunkel dedicated nine months to crafting their next album, with Simon demanding full creative authority for the first time. Their roles as producers were cemented during the recording of "Scarborough Fair" alongside engineer Roy Halee. Released in October 1966, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme followed several singles and sold-out college performances. The duo developed an image described as "alienated," "eccentric," and "poetic," partly influenced by manager Mort Lewis who restricted television appearances to uninterrupted or carefully curated sets. At age 26, Simon believed he had attained artistic credibility within rock's elite, aligning himself more closely with Bob Dylan than mainstream pop artists. They secured representation with William Morris for bookings based on Wally Amos's recommendation.

Singles from this era included "A Hazy Shade of Winter", which peaked at number 13, and "At the Zoo", reaching number 16 on the charts. Around this time, Simon expressed diminishing interest in releasing singles and encountered writer’s block that delayed their subsequent album planned for 1967. Executives at Columbia Records became increasingly concerned about their output compared to peers who released multiple albums annually. Chairman Clive Davis appointed producer John Simon to encourage progress. Distrustful of label executives, Simon and Garfunkel secretly recorded a meeting where Davis urged them to accelerate their creative pace for later amusement. Between 1966 and 1967, they made infrequent television appearances on programs including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Meanwhile, director Mike Nichols, working on The Graduate, became an enthusiastic admirer of their music and sought licensing permission from Davis for use in the film’s soundtrack—a project Columbia anticipated would be highly profitable. Initially cautious about commercializing their material, Simon agreed to compose new songs after meeting Nichols and reviewing the screenplay. Agent Leonard Hirshan negotiated a $25,000 agreement for Simon to provide three songs to Nichols and producer Lawrence Turman. Nichols rejected two submissions but embraced an unfinished track that evolved into "Mrs. Robinson".

1967–1968: Recording sessions and subdued presence

Simon & Garfunkel’s fourth studio effort, Bookends, was recorded sporadically from late 1966 through early 1968, with concentrated sessions commencing in late 1967. Taking advantage of an older contract clause that required the label to finance studio time, the duo brought in additional musicians to enhance the recordings. The album’s streamlined production demanded considerable time, illustrated by the more than 50 hours dedicated to perfecting "Punky's Dilemma." Garfunkel’s vocal contributions were more prominent on this record, while their trademark harmonies took a lesser role. For Simon, Bookends signaled the approaching conclusion of their collaboration and hinted at his future solo career.

Prior to the album’s release, they participated in the Monterey Pop Festival, reflecting the cultural transition occurring on the West Coast. The single "Fakin' It" experienced moderate success on AM radio but aligned with their strategic shift toward the burgeoning FM radio format, which favored album-oriented tracks. In January 1968, they performed primarily earlier songs during their appearance on the Kraft Music Hall special titled Three for Tonight.

Columbia Records issued Bookends in April 1968—just weeks before Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination—where it debuted on the Billboard Top LPs chart on April 27. The album eventually ascended to number one for seven non-consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for a total of 66 weeks. Anticipating strong sales, Columbia applied for award certification prior to distribution and highlighted this achievement in advertisements. This release became their highest-selling album at that point, bolstered by momentum from the Graduate soundtrack issued ten weeks earlier; combined sales surpassed five million copies.

Columbia executive Davis suggested increasing the album price by one dollar to cover costs associated with including a large poster inside vinyl editions. Simon opposed this price hike, expecting the album to be Columbia’s top seller that year without premium pricing. According to biographer Marc Eliot, Davis felt underappreciated for his pivotal role in their success. Rather than raising the cost, Simon & Garfunkel negotiated an extended contract featuring improved royalty terms. At the 1969 Grammy Awards, "Mrs. Robinson" made history as the first rock song to win Record of the Year and also secured Best Contemporary Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

1969–1970: Diverging paths and final release

The success of Bookends alongside the Graduate soundtrack firmly established Simon & Garfunkel as the preeminent rock duo worldwide. Simon declined multiple offers to compose for films such as Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Midnight Cowboy, as well as a Broadway production starring Dustin Hoffman. He briefly collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on a sacred mass project but ultimately withdrew due to discomfort with its direction.

Mike Nichols cast Garfunkel in the film Catch-22, though Simon’s role was removed because of script limitations. Garfunkel began filming in January 1969, which delayed studio work and created friction between the partners. Simon later acknowledged that Garfunkel’s growing film career threatened their collaboration, motivating him to concentrate more on songwriting independently.

Following completion of filming in October, they embarked on what was planned as their final tour, culminating with a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in November. They also produced a politically themed CBS special titled Songs of America, which aired only once amid network disputes and low ratings.

Released in January 1970, Bridge over Troubled Water became their concluding studio album and achieved number one status in over ten countries including both the US and UK. It was the world’s best-selling album from 1970 through 1972 and held CBS Records’ sales record until Michael Jackson’s Thriller surpassed it in 1982. The album spent ten weeks atop Billboard charts and maintained number one for 35 weeks in the UK, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.

The title track single "Bridge over Troubled Water" reached number one across five nations and became their most successful hit, covered by more than fifty artists including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Subsequent singles "Cecilia" and "El Condor Pasa" also achieved strong chart performances. A short UK tour followed the album’s release, concluding with their final concert at Forest Hills Stadium. In 1971, the album garnered six Grammy Awards including Album of the Year.

1971–1990: Separation, Conflicts, and Occasional Reunions

The production of Bridge over Troubled Water proved challenging, coinciding with a decline in Simon and Garfunkel's personal relationship. Simon later reflected, "By then, I simply wanted to leave."

In 1972, Simon revealed to Rolling Stone magazine:

Prompted by his wife Peggy Harper, Simon confirmed the dissolution of the partnership with Garfunkel. For several years afterward, their communication was limited to just a few conversations annually.

Throughout the 1970s, the pair reunited intermittently. Their initial reunion occurred at the Together for McGovern benefit concert in June 1972. In 1975, they reconciled during studio sessions involving John Lennon and Harry Nilsson. That year, they endeavored to rekindle their collaboration, producing only one track, "My Little Town", which appeared on Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years and Garfunkel's Breakaway. Garfunkel joined Simon for a medley performance on Saturday Night Live, where Simon was the host. In 1977, they briefly appeared together on The Paul Simon Special and recorded a rendition of Sam Cooke's "(What a) Wonderful World" alongside James Taylor. By 1978, old tensions had lessened as their interactions became more frequent; notably, on May 1, Simon participated with Garfunkel in a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall.

By 1980, both artists faced challenges in their solo endeavors. To uplift New Yorkers amid economic difficulties, promoter Ron Delsener proposed a free concert in Central Park featuring a Simon & Garfunkel reunion. Both agreed, and the event held on September 19, 1981 drew an audience exceeding 500,000—the largest concert crowd at that time. Warner Bros. Records released The Concert in Central Park, which achieved double platinum status in the United States. A 90-minute recording was sold to HBO for over $1 million. This event revitalized interest in their music and fostered several candid conversations aimed at resolving prior disputes. They launched a world tour beginning in May 1982; however, interpersonal relations remained tense with limited communication throughout much of the tour.

Warner Bros. encouraged extending the tour and producing a new studio album. While Simon had prepared new compositions and Garfunkel saw potential for a genuine duo project, tensions reemerged as Garfunkel declined to learn songs during studio sessions and continued long-standing habits involving cannabis and cigarettes despite Simon's requests. As a result, the material evolved into Simon's 1983 solo release Hearts and Bones. A representative noted that Simon considered the songs personal and better suited for his individual record but anticipated future collaborations.

Another conflict arose when the protracted production of Simon's 1986 album Graceland delayed Garfunkel's work with engineer Roy Halee on his Christmas album The Animals' Christmas (1985). In 1986, Simon remarked that they remained friends outside professional settings "like we did when we were ten."

1990–2010: Honors and Final Touring

In 1990, Simon and Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Garfunkel expressed gratitude toward Simon as "the person who most enriched my life by channeling those songs through me," to which Simon responded, "Arthur and I rarely agree on anything. But it’s true—I have enriched his life considerably." After performing three songs together, they departed without exchanging words. In August 1991, Simon performed his own Central Park concert later issued as a live album titled Paul Simon's Concert in the Park. He declined Garfunkel’s invitation to join him on stage.

By 1993 their relationship had improved sufficiently for Simon to invite Garfunkel on an international tour. Following a sold-out series of 21 shows at New York's Paramount Theater and an appearance at the Bridge School Benefit, they toured parts of Asia. However, tensions resurfaced later in the decade. During his 2001 solo Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech, Simon expressed regret about their estrangement.

In 2003, both were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and performed "The Sound of Silence," which led to the Old Friends tour. Launching in October 2003 with forty sold-out U.S. dates through December, it grossed approximately $123 million. A second U.S. leg followed in June 2004 covering twenty cities alongside a twelve-city European tour. The tour culminated with a free concert before an estimated 600,000 spectators at Rome’s Colosseum in July 2004—surpassing even their Central Park attendance figures. In 2005, they appeared together at a Hurricane Katrina benefit held at Madison Square Garden.

In February 2009, they reunited for three songs during Simon’s Beacon Theatre engagement which led to an Asia and Australia tour mid-year. On October 29, they performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary Concert. In January 2010, after choking on lobster Garfunkel developed vocal cord issues diagnosed as vocal cord paresis. His headlining performance at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival proved difficult; he subsequently canceled remaining tour dates.

Two months later they reunited once more for an "Mrs. Robinson" performance during an American Film Institute Life Achievement Award tribute honoring Mike Nichols—potentially their final joint appearance. Although Garfunkel’s manager anticipated vocal recovery within a year that did not occur, further straining their relationship. While Simon continued publicly expressing support, Garfunkel focused on rebuilding his voice through smaller-scale performances.

By 2014 Garfunkel voiced optimism about touring again but doubted that enthusiasm was mutual from Simon’s side. In a 2015 interview he lamented their ongoing estrangement; meanwhile Simon dismissed any reunion prospects for 2016 citing persistent difficulties between them. Nevertheless by November 2024 Garfunkel acknowledged that they had reconciled as friends. In April 2025 he suggested they might consider another reunion to explore future possibilities.

Musical style

Simon & Garfunkel's sound transitioned from straightforward folk rock to encompass innovative influences, such as Latin and gospel styles. Rolling Stone remarked that their music deeply connected with disaffected youth during the late 1960s. According to Pitchfork, while they were esteemed as a folk duo celebrated for their natural harmonies and Paul Simon's songwriting, they maintained a more traditional stance compared to the Greenwich Village folk revivalists. By the end of the 1960s, they had become emblematic of the "folk establishment," characterized by an approachable and non-threatening image that introduced listeners to the more intricate folk movements of the 1960s counterculture. Their subsequent records showcased sophisticated production techniques, merging gospel, rock, R&B, and classical elements, reflecting a diverse musical expertise.

Critical reception and legacy

During their height of popularity, Simon & Garfunkel encountered some criticism. In 1968, Rolling Stone labeled their music as "slick" but lacking in emotional depth, while the New York Times described their style as "timid" and overly calculated. Richie Unterberger of AllMusic observed that their refined sound diminished their credibility amid the psychedelic era, and certain critics favored Paul Simon’s solo career over the duo’s collaborative work.

Despite receiving varied critiques, their commercial achievements and impact remain significant. In 2003, Rolling Stone included four of their albums in its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Bridge over Troubled Water (#51), Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (#201), Bookends (#233), and Greatest Hits (#293). Additionally, in 2004, their tracks "Bridge over Troubled Water" (#47), "The Boxer" (#105), and "The Sound of Silence" (#156) were featured among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Awards

Grammy Awards

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Additional honors

Awit Awards (1969) – Foreign Division Single of the Year ("The Sound of Silence")
Awit Awards (1969) – Foreign Division Album of the Year (The Graduate)
Brit Awards (1977) – International Album (Bridge over Troubled Water)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1990) – Inductees
Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2006) – Inductees

Discography

Studio albums

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964)
Sounds of Silence (1966)
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
Bookends (1968)
Bridge over Troubled Water (1970)

Bibliography

External links