Simon & Garfunkel

“I’ve got nothing to do today but smile”.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, also known as Simon and Garfunkel grew up in Queens NY. They preformed among their peers and were popular among the high school crowds. “Hey Schoolgirl” was their first single. At the time they were recording under the name of Tom and Jerry. They became the duo Simon and Garfunkel in 1964 and continued to record together until 1970. Their style of folk/pop continues to be popular in many households across the nation.

Becoming “Simon and Garfunkel”

Paul and Art did not start off as Simon and Garfunkel. They were a high school duo that enjoyed writing and performing songs for the local crowds. 1957 was the first year that recorded a single. After that top 50 hit the duo split up to take their own paths in the world. Paul as a musician and Art was college bound.

Both of them did their own thing for a while. Paul was determined to make it in the music world, while Art studied mathematics at the University. By the early 1960’s the two of them were talking about making music together again. Both were heavily influenced by folk music. They teamed up again and blended the pop and folk styles that they both loved. They first recorded as Simon and Garfunkel with Columbia records in 1964. The album was called “Wednesday Morning, 3 AM”.

After this initial recording as Simon and Garfunkel, the duo split again. Simon was on his way to England where he would record some solo work. Art went back to school to continue his education in mathematics.

A Style Change

Simon and Garfunkel may have called it quits on the duo if it were not for an idea from their producer. The idea was to synthesize their original songs and sound with the more popular rock embellishments. Drums, bass, and electric guitars were all added to select music in order to make it more upbeat. At first Simon was not keen on the idea of someone messing with his music; however, the number one hit that he wanted so badly was within his reach because of the change. You can find the more popular tracks available as MP3 downloads.

Simon and Garfunkel decided to make one last attempt at a serious recording career. In 1966 Simon returned to the U.S. in order to record and tour. By 1967 the duo was always at the top of the pop charts. Songs like “Homeward Bound”, ”A Hazy Shade of Winter”, and “I Am a Rock” were the most popular from that time.

Such A Short Time

There are some important dates to remember for the duo. They were together so briefly, and recorded so many hits in the few years that they were together that it makes a person wonder why they would go separate ways.

In 1964 the first recorded together as Simon and Garfunkel. In 1966 they regrouped to record many songs, as well as many hits. Their 1966 album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is said to be one of the first albums that was consistently great. There was another album released in 1968. From there it was a short ride downhill as the duo realized that they had different aspirations. They had one last effort in 1970. Their final album together that was recorded in studio was Bridge Over Troubled Waters. On its own this album had four hits and stayed on top of the charts for ten weeks. You may be able to find the whole album as a free music download.

The group ended up staying split for personal reasons. Simon wanted Art to take the group seriously, while Art wanted to expand on his acting career and work on the recordings in between.

The End Is The Beginning

The original break that was supposed to be a temporary respite in recording together turned into a break that would last. The two made several attempts to do small showings together, they also managed to tour together in the 1980’s. After the tour there was talk of a new album to be recorded, but that fell though due to irreconcilable differences between the artists.

This end of Simon and Garfunkel as a recording duo was a beginning for them on their own. Both went on to record music and be part of film.

Did you know that...

...the Graduate gave Simon and Garfunkel the worldwide success that they were looking for. Many different versions of already popular songs were recorded for the film.
...Art would go on to Act, leaving the group for a passion that he had since childhood.
...Paul Simon pursued a solo career after the final split in the 1970’s
...Simon was not only a singer/ songwriter, but also a writer and producer.
...Art took time off to walk the length of the U.S. in the 1980’s and 90’s.

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