Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel, comprising the duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, is an iconic American folk rock duo formed in New York City in 1964. Their harmonious blend of voices and introspective, poetic lyrics captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The duo’s music often tackled themes of alienation, love, and social issues, resonating with a generation seeking to make sense of the tumultuous 1960s.
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel first met in elementary school in Queens, New York, in the late 1940s and began performing together as Tom & Jerry in the late 1950s. They gained recognition with their debut album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” in 1964, which initially went unnoticed. However, the album’s single “The Sound of Silence” was re-released with electric guitar overdubs and became a surprise hit, propelling the duo to stardom.
Throughout their career, Simon & Garfunkel released a string of critically acclaimed albums, showcasing their impeccable harmonies and lyrical depth. Their second album, “Sounds of Silence” (1966), featured hits such as “I Am a Rock” and “Homeward Bound.” The pinnacle of their success came with the release of “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” (1966), which included classics like “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” and “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy).”
In 1968, Simon & Garfunkel released their magnum opus, “Bookends,” which yielded timeless tracks such as “Mrs. Robinson” and “America.” The soundtrack album for the film “The Graduate” (1967), featuring several of their songs, further solidified their reputation as folk rock icons. The duo’s swan song, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970), remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, boasting the titular track, “The Boxer,” and “Cecilia.”
Simon & Garfunkel’s music exuded a blend of folk, rock, and pop sensibilities that struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Their introspective lyrics and ethereal harmonies set them apart from their contemporaries, earning them a dedicated fan base that endures to this day. Despite their creative differences leading to a series of breakups and reunions, Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless music continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
UK Hits:
1. “The Sound of Silence” (1965) – #13
2. “Homeward Bound” (1966) – #9
3. “I Am a Rock” (1966) – #17
4. “A Hazy Shade of Winter” (1966) – #11
5. “At the Zoo” (1967) – #13
6. “Fakin’ It” (1967) – #18
7. “Mrs. Robinson” (1968) – #4
8. “The Boxer” (1969) – #6
9. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970) – #1
10. “Cecilia” (1970) – #2
Albums:
1. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964)
2. Sounds of Silence (1966)
3. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
4. Bookends (1968)
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
Awards and Achievements:
– Simon & Garfunkel won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
– They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
– The duo received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 for their contributions to music.
– Their song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1971.
Simon & Garfunkel’s enduring legacy lies in their timeless music, which continues to inspire and touch the hearts of listeners across the globe. Their harmonious blend of voices and profound lyrics have solidified their status as one of the greatest folk rock acts in music history.
