Art Garfunkel, born on November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, New York, is one of the most recognizable voices in the history of American music. Best known as one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel’s career has spanned several decades, marked by significant achievements in both music and acting. This article delves into the life and career of Art Garfunkel, exploring his journey to fame, his contributions to music, and the enduring legacy he has created.
Early Life and Formation of Simon & Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel was born to a Jewish family in Forest Hills, a suburban neighborhood of New York City. His early life was characterized by a love of music, particularly vocal performance, which would later become the cornerstone of his career. Garfunkel met Paul Simon, his future musical partner, while attending elementary school. The two young boys bonded over their shared interest in music and soon began performing together.
By the time they were in high school, Garfunkel and Simon were performing as a duo under the name “Tom & Jerry,” a playful nod to the popular cartoon characters. Their early music was heavily influenced by the Everly Brothers, and they achieved modest success with their first single, “Hey, Schoolgirl,” released in 1957. Although their initial attempts at fame were not overwhelmingly successful, they laid the groundwork for what was to come.
The Rise to Fame with Simon & Garfunkel
The early 1960s saw Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon continuing to hone their craft, both attending college while intermittently performing and recording music. In 1964, they released their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., which included the original acoustic version of “The Sound of Silence.” Initially, the album did not garner much attention, leading the duo to temporarily part ways.
However, the unexpected success of a remixed version of “The Sound of Silence” in 1965 catapulted Simon & Garfunkel to national fame. The song topped the Billboard charts, and the duo quickly reformed, realizing the potential of their musical partnership. This success marked the beginning of what would be a prolific period for the pair.
Over the next few years, Simon & Garfunkel released a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including Sounds of Silence (1966), Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), and Bookends (1968). Their music, characterized by harmonious vocals and introspective lyrics, resonated deeply with the countercultural movement of the 1960s.
Iconic Moments and the Peak of Success
One of the defining moments of Simon & Garfunkel’s career came with the release of the soundtrack for the 1967 film The Graduate. The inclusion of their song “Mrs. Robinson” in the movie not only contributed to the film’s success but also solidified the duo’s place in popular culture. “Mrs. Robinson” became one of their most famous songs, earning them a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969.
The pinnacle of their success came with the release of their final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, in 1970. The album was a massive commercial success, topping the charts worldwide and earning multiple Grammy Awards. The title track, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” became one of the best-selling singles of all time and is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Despite their immense success, tensions between Simon and Garfunkel began to rise, exacerbated by Garfunkel’s interest in pursuing an acting career. The duo officially split in 1970, each pursuing solo careers, though they would reunite occasionally for special performances.
Art Garfunkel’s Solo Career and Acting Pursuits
Following the breakup of Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel embarked on a solo career, though his success as a solo artist never quite matched the heights achieved with Paul Simon. His first solo album, Angel Clare (1973), was well-received and featured the hit single “All I Know.” Garfunkel continued to release solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with varying degrees of commercial success.
In addition to his music career, Garfunkel explored acting, appearing in films such as Catch-22 (1970) and Carnal Knowledge (1971). His acting career, while noteworthy, did not achieve the same level of acclaim as his music. Nevertheless, Garfunkel’s foray into acting showcased his versatility as an artist.
Reunions and Later Years
Despite their tumultuous relationship, Simon & Garfunkel reunited several times over the years for special performances and tours. One of the most notable reunions took place in 1981 when the duo performed a free concert in Central Park, New York City, which attracted over 500,000 people. The live album of the concert, The Concert in Central Park, became one of the best-selling live albums of all time.
In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and they embarked on a successful reunion tour, “Old Friends,” which ran from 2003 to 2004. Despite these reunions, the tension between the two remained, and they never fully reconciled their differences.
Legacy and Influence
Art Garfunkel’s contributions to music, both as part of Simon & Garfunkel and as a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His voice, often described as angelic and pure, became a defining feature of the duo’s sound. Songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “Scarborough Fair” continue to be celebrated as timeless classics.
Garfunkel’s influence extends beyond music; his work has been a significant part of the cultural landscape of the 1960s and 1970s. The themes of their songs, which often touched on social issues, personal introspection, and the human condition, resonated with a generation and continue to be relevant today.
Personal Life and Challenges
Art Garfunkel’s personal life has seen its share of challenges. He married Kim Cermack (Kathryn Cermack) in 1988, and they have a son, James, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a singer. In 2010, Garfunkel faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with vocal cord paresis, a condition that temporarily left him unable to sing. After several years of rehabilitation, Garfunkel made a return to performing, although his voice never fully recovered its former strength.
Despite these challenges, Garfunkel has remained active in the music industry, continuing to tour and perform. His resilience and dedication to his craft have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
The Enduring Appeal of Art Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel’s journey through the music world is a testament to the power of artistry, collaboration, and perseverance. While his partnership with Paul Simon may have been fraught with difficulties, it produced some of the most beautiful and enduring music of the 20th century. Garfunkel’s ability to convey emotion through his voice has touched the hearts of millions, and his music continues to inspire new generations of listeners.
In reflecting on Art Garfunkel’s life and career, it becomes clear that his legacy is one of timeless artistry. Whether as part of Simon & Garfunkel or as a solo artist, Garfunkel has contributed significantly to the soundtrack of our lives. His work is a reminder of the beauty that can be created when talent and passion come together, and it ensures that Art Garfunkel’s name will be remembered for generations to come.
