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title

YEAR

288

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

1970

393

BRIGHT EYES

1979

443

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

1966

791

125

THE BOXER

1969

1163

215

EL CONDOR PASA (IF I COULD)

1970

1249

330

YOU CAN CALL ME AL

1986

1342

456

MRS. ROBINSON

1968

1740

661

GRACELAND

1986

2043

751

CECILIA

1970

2344

704

HOMEWARD BOUND

1966

2498

1041

LATE IN THE EVENING

1980

3224

1339

I AM A ROCK

1966

5151

1800

MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION

1972

5583

2116

KODACHROME

1973

5650

2198

50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER

1976

7263

2971

MY LITTLE TOWN

1975

11212

3088

THE OBVIOUS CHILD

1990

12089

5650

SCARBOROUGH FAIR

1968

16486

8117

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

1975

18616

6340

THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE

1987

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s story is one of friendship, ambition, harmony, and the complicated bond that shaped some of the most enduring music of the twentieth century. Their journey begins long before fame, long before the world knew their names, in the neighborhoods of Queens where two boys discovered that their voices blended in a way that felt almost fated.

Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Queens. Art Garfunkel was born a few weeks later, on November 5, 1941, in Manhattan, before his family settled in Forest Hills. They met in elementary school, drawn together by a shared curiosity and a natural musical instinct. Their first performance together came in sixth grade during a school production of “Alice in Wonderland,” where Paul played the white rabbit and Art played the black cat. It was a small moment, but one that hinted at the creative partnership that would follow.

As teenagers, they became captivated by the harmonies of the Everly Brothers. Inspired, they began writing songs and practicing relentlessly. In 1957, still in high school, they recorded “Hey Schoolgirl” under the name Tom & Jerry. The song became a modest national hit, and for a moment it seemed like their careers might take off immediately. But the momentum faded, and after a few unsuccessful follow‑up singles, they drifted apart to attend college. Paul studied literature and law at Queens College, while Art pursued mathematics at Columbia University.

Even during this period of separation, music remained central to both of them. Paul continued writing songs, experimenting with folk influences and releasing solo material under various pseudonyms. Art sang in a college vocal group, refining the clarity and purity of the voice that would later become instantly recognizable. In 1963, the two reunited and signed with Columbia Records as Simon & Garfunkel. Their debut album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” arrived in 1964 but initially made little impact. Disappointed, Paul moved to England, performing in folk clubs and absorbing the European folk scene.

Everything changed when producer Tom Wilson revisited one of their album tracks, “The Sound of Silence.” Without telling them, he added electric guitar, bass, and drums, transforming the quiet acoustic song into a striking folk‑rock piece. The new version unexpectedly climbed to number one in early 1966. Paul returned from England, and the duo reunited with renewed purpose.

Their second album, “Sounds of Silence,” followed quickly, featuring songs like “I Am a Rock” and “Homeward Bound.” They began touring college campuses, where their introspective lyrics and gentle harmonies resonated deeply with young audiences. Later that same year, they released “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” an album that showcased their growing artistic confidence. With more control over production, they crafted intricate arrangements and poetic, socially aware lyrics that reflected the shifting cultural landscape of the 1960s.

Their music reached an even wider audience when director Mike Nichols used several of their songs in his 1967 film “The Graduate.” The soundtrack included “The Sound of Silence” and a new composition, “Mrs. Robinson,” which became one of their signature songs. Their 1968 album “Bookends” explored themes of youth, aging, and the passage of time, featuring tracks like “America,” “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” and the full version of “Mrs. Robinson.” The album’s success solidified their place as one of the defining musical voices of their era.

Yet behind the acclaim, tensions were growing. Paul Simon, as the primary songwriter, carried much of the creative weight, while Art Garfunkel’s role as vocalist sometimes left him feeling sidelined. Their personalities, once complementary, began to clash. Paul was driven, analytical, and intensely focused on songwriting. Art was more relaxed, philosophical, and increasingly drawn to acting. These differences became especially pronounced during the creation of their final studio album, “Bridge over Troubled Water,” released in 1970.

The album was a triumph. The title track, sung by Art with Paul accompanying on piano, became one of the most celebrated songs of the century. Other highlights included “The Boxer,” “Cecilia,” and “El Condor Pasa.” The album’s success was enormous, but the partnership behind it was fraying. Art’s acting commitments, particularly his role in the film “Catch‑22,” caused delays and frustration. By the time the album was released, the duo had already begun drifting apart.

Their split in 1970 marked the end of an era, but not the end of their individual creativity. Paul Simon embarked on a highly successful solo career, releasing albums such as “Paul Simon,” “There Goes Rhymin’ Simon,” and “Still Crazy After All These Years.” His 1986 album “Graceland,” which blended American songwriting with South African musical traditions, became a global phenomenon and earned widespread acclaim.

Art Garfunkel also pursued a solo career, releasing albums like “Angel Clare” and “Breakaway,” and achieving hits with songs such as “All I Know” and “Bright Eyes.” He continued acting, appearing in films including “Carnal Knowledge” and “Bad Timing.” Though his solo career was less commercially dominant than Paul’s, his voice remained beloved for its clarity and emotional resonance.

Despite their differences, Simon & Garfunkel reunited several times. Their most iconic reunion came in 1981 with the Concert in Central Park, a free performance that drew more than half a million people. The event became a landmark moment in music history and led to a successful live album. They toured together again in the early 1980s, the 1990s, and the early 2000s, each time rekindling both the magic and the tension that defined their partnership.

Their relationship has always been complex—marked by admiration, rivalry, affection, and frustration. They have spoken openly about their disagreements, yet they also acknowledge the unique musical chemistry they share. Their harmonies, once formed in the hallways of a Queens elementary school, remain instantly recognizable and deeply moving.

Simon & Garfunkel’s legacy is immense. They won multiple Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and continue to influence musicians across genres and generations. Songs like “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” “The Boxer,” and “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” remain timeless, still finding new listeners decades after their release.

Their music captured the introspection, uncertainty, and hope of the 1960s, offering comfort and reflection during a turbulent era. And although their partnership was often fraught, the beauty they created together endures. Today, Paul Simon continues to write and perform, exploring new musical landscapes, while Art Garfunkel occasionally tours, writes poetry, and reflects on the journey they shared. Their paths may have diverged, but the echoes of their harmonies continue to resonate—across generations, across cultures, and across time.