Art Garfunkel
Voice of generations
Artie Garr – The Early Years of Art Garfunkel
Before his voice became world-famous, there was Artie Garr: a young musician with big dreams and a deep passion for sound and poetry. These formative years laid the foundation for the life and career that would follow. On this page, you’ll find insights into his beginnings, early musical experiences, and defining moments that shaped the path of one of the most extraordinary voices of our time.
Background
Even before Simon & Garfunkel became one of the most important duos in music history, Art Garfunkel first attempted a solo career – under the stage name Artie Garr.
While studying at Columbia University, he released two singles with his own compositions. The style ranged between pop and doo-wop – entirely in the spirit of the late 1950s.
The name Artie Garr was a catchy variation of his real name and was intended to facilitate his transition to radio and record stores.
Releases as Artie Garr
1959 · Warwick Records Single: Dream Alone / Beat Love
1961 · Octavia Records Single: Forgive Me / Private World
End of the Phase
The recordings under the name Artie Garr went largely unnoticed. Garfunkel ended this phase in 1961 and initially concentrated on his studies again.
In 1962, he reunited musically with Paul Simon.
From 1964 onwards, the two performed under their real names as Simon & Garfunkel – the beginning of a global career.
Significance
The brief period as Artie Garr reveals a rarely discussed, yet artistically valuable, period in Art Garfunkel's life.
This was the time when his first solo compositions were created, his first recording studio experiences were made, and he clearly determined to forge his own musical path.
Although the singles achieved little recognition, they document his transition from a youthful pop experiment to a mature musician with a unique voice.