These guys are incredible. Simon and Garfunkel are true spiritual mediums for music, and simply put, an American treasure. They’ve consistently captured the spirit of the times with chart-topping hits like “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
No wonder their songs have etched themselves into the collective memory.
Table of contents
Early Years
How did these two legends find each other? Art and Simon met in Queens, NY at Parsons High School when they were 11 years old and were fast friends. They were in a school play together and afterwards had the idea to get together and sing. The early years were filled with all kinds of good musical weirdness, and they used various pseudonyms as they dialed in their signature sound.
Tom and Jerry
Eventually they started making music together under the name Tom & Jerry. They loved the way their voices harmonized, and wrote some original material during this time. Their earliest efforts were influenced by the pop-rock of that era, but already showed signs of the mastery they would later achieve.
Some of the tracks they recorded during these years can be found on the album The Early Years 1957-1962. It features 48 songs that give you a glimpse into the development of the duo’s style.
Paul Simon is not fond of these early songs and even went to court and successfully blocked their release.
Initial Success
Despite recording under various aliases, Simon & Garfunkel eventually found success with their own names. Paul really matured as a songwriter. In the early 1960s, they began to emerge as a prominent folk rock duo, building on their earlier chemistry.
Rise to Fame
You may recall the rise to fame of Simon & Garfunkel, a dynamic duo who were known for their harmonious folk-rock sound until their split in 1970. Let’s take a look at some key moments during their rise to stardom.
Sounds of Silence
In 1964, when you heard the breakthrough hit “The Sound of Silence”, you probably felt the powerful combination of haunting lyrics and unmatched harmonies. This song propelled them to fame and became their signature song.
During their early years, you might have also heard their lesser-known work under the name of Tom and Jerry. But “The Sound of Silence” was the first hit that truly established them as a duo to watch in the music industry.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
Inspired by an old English ballad, Simon & Garfunkel released their third album, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” in 1966. As you listen to this album, you can appreciate the intricate melodies and the poetic depth of their lyrics.
You find iconic tracks like “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” and “Homeward Bound” in this album. With their unique fusion of traditional folk music and contemporary themes, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel continued to captivate your attention in this era.
As you reminisce about Simon & Garfunkel’s rise to fame, you can appreciate the timeless quality of their music and the significant impact they had on the music world. Their harmonious voices, thought-provoking lyrics, and skillful blending of folk and rock elements made them an unforgettable part of your musical journey.
Iconic Albums
Hey! You’re probably a big fan of Simon & Garfunkel, and if that’s the case, then you’re in the right place. In this section, we’ll focus on two of their most iconic albums: “Bookends” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. So, let’s dive right in and explore these musical masterpieces.
Bookends
“Bookends” is a true classic. Released in 1968, this album showcases Simon & Garfunkel at their very best. It’s a mix of poetic, introspective tunes and catchy singalongs that epitomize their sound. Let’s check out a few highlights:
- “America”: With its beautifully poignant lyrics, this song captures the spirit of young wanderlust and the search for meaning in life.
- “Mrs. Robinson”: An inescapable hit of the ’60s, you can’t help but sing along to this upbeat tune – even if you haven’t seen “The Graduate.”
- “A Hazy Shade of Winter”: This energetic track shows off their impeccable harmonies, with the intricate guitar work adding an extra layer of depth.
With many more fantastic tracks, “Bookends” is an album that keeps you listening and wanting more.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Now, let’s talk about “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – their final studio album, released in 1970. This record solidified their status as musical icons and not only did the title track become the duo’s most commercially successful song, the album is one of the best-selling records of all time. Here are some stand-out songs:
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: The title track is a breathtaking ballad that has stood the test of time for its message of friendship, support, and love.
- “Cecilia”: A fun and lively tune that makes you want to sing and dance along. Its infectious rhythm can brighten up any day.
- “The Boxer”: A powerful and poignant song that tells a moving story. The famous “lie-la-lie” chorus adds a unique touch.
These two albums are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Simon & Garfunkel’s incredible musical journey, and they undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Enjoy listening to these gems, and don’t be afraid to explore even more of their amazing work.
Top Hits
| Rank | Song Name | Studio Album | Songwriter | Popularity | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Paul Simon | Diamond – 25 million copies sold worldwide | 1970 |
| 2 | The Sound of Silence | Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. | Paul Simon | Diamond – 22 million copies sold worldwide | 1964 |
| 3 | Mrs. Robinson | Bookends | Paul Simon | Diamond – Over 16 million copies sold globally | 1968 |
| 4 | Scarborough Fair/Canticle | Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme | Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel | Diamond – Over 10 million copies sold worldwide | 1966 |
| 5 | The Boxer | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Paul Simon | 8x Platinum – Over 8 million copies sold globally | 1969 |
| 6 | Cecilia | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Paul Simon | 6x Platinum – Over 6 million copies sold worldwide | 1970 |
| 7 | Homeward Bound | Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme | Paul Simon | 4x Platinum – Over 4 million copies sold worldwide | 1966 |
| 8 | I Am a Rock | Sounds Of Silence | Paul Simon | 2x Platinum – Over 2 million copies sold worldwide | 1965 |
| 9 | America | Bookends | Paul Simon | Platinum – Over 1 million copies sold worldwide | 1968 |
| 10 | The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) | Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme | Paul Simon | Platinum – Over 1 million copies sold worldwide | 1967 |
Hey there music lover! You’re exploring the fabulous world of Simon and Garfunkel songs. Here’s a quick rundown of some of their top hits that you might like to add to your playlist.
Mrs. Robinson
Ah, “Mrs. Robinson,” a classic tune you may recognize from the 1967 film “The Graduate.” This catchy, feel-good song won the duo a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969. Not only is it a fan favorite, but it’s also regarded as one of their best works. With its memorable chorus and upbeat melody, it’s no wonder “Mrs. Robinson” remains a staple in pop culture.
The Boxer
Next up is “The Boxer,” another brilliant song by the iconic duo. Released in 1969 as part of their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album, this tune captures a sense of melancholy and resilience. The song’s poetic lyrics tell the story of a young man struggling in New York City, while the beautiful harmonies and signature finger-picking guitar style make it an unforgettable listen. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming the famous “lie-la-lie” refrain long after the song ends.
Cecilia
Last but not least, let’s talk about “Cecilia.” This up-tempo, percussion-heavy song from their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album is downright infectious. With its playful lyrics about a fickle lover and a catchy chorus, “Cecilia” is sure to get stuck in your head in the best kind of way. Fun fact: the percussion in this track includes the sounds of a typewriter and a piano bench. So go ahead, give it a listen and let your body groove to the beat.
The Breakup and Solo Careers
You might be wondering what happened to Simon & Garfunkel after their split. Well, their breakup in 1970 didn’t spell the end for their musical careers. In fact, both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel pursued solo paths and continued to create some amazing music that captured the hearts of their fans.
Paul Simon kicked off his solo career with a self-titled album in 1972, and since then, he has released twelve solo studio albums. Some of his most popular songs include “You Can Call Me Al,” “Kodachrome,” and “Graceland.” Throughout the years, his music style evolved, incorporating elements of world music, new rhythms, and interesting storytelling.
On the other hand, Art Garfunkel embarked on an impressive solo career as well. He released his debut album, “Angel Clare,” in 1973 and followed up with more albums that featured his distinctive, angelic voice. Some of Art’s notable songs are “Bright Eyes,” “All I Know,” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.”
You’re probably curious about their reunion. Good news – Simon & Garfunkel did reunite a few times post-split, even playing several concerts together over the years. Their 1981 “Concert in Central Park” is an iconic moment for the duo, which brought them back for a brief period until they once again went their separate ways.
Reunions and Legacy
You might be wondering about the reunions and legacy of Simon & Garfunkel. Well, their journey as a duo speaks volumes. After disbanding in 1970, they reunited in 1981 for a free concert in Central Park, New York City. This remarkable event was attended by over 500,000 people! The concert featured some of their biggest hits and also gave fans a taste of what some Paul Simon solo songs could sound like with Art Garfunkel’s touch.
Not only did Simon & Garfunkel produce timeless tracks, but their music also became part of the soundtrack for the iconic 1967 movie, The Graduate. This helped propel them to even greater exposure and solidified their place in music history.
Over the years, the duo continued to sporadically reunite for special events and shows. This not only kept their fanbase engaged, but also expanded their influence to younger generations. Their music has transcended time, as songs like “The Sounds of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” continue to be celebrated.
So yeah, Simon & Garfunkel’s reunions and legacy have had quite an impact. Their music remains a significant part of the ’60s culture and beyond, and their fanbase is still going strong. If you’re ever looking to dive into their discography, don’t forget to check out their live performances, as they bring a unique energy that’s worth experiencing.
