Behind the Melodies: A Poetic Journey Through Legends and Sound Worlds

Background on Art Garfunkel in Simon & Garfunkel

The duo Simon & Garfunkel became world-famous thanks to Art Garfunkel’s distinctive Countertenor voice and the songs of Paul Simon. From his beginnings as a young musician in New York to his contribution to the duo’s global success, Garfunkel’s artistic presence can be heard in every song.

This page provides an authentic look at Garfunkel’s role in the duo: the development of their shared music, the personal stories behind the songs, and the cultural influences that shaped their art. It paints a comprehensive picture of Art Garfunkel’s crucial contribution to a duo whose music continues to move generations today.

A Musical Legend – Art Garfunkel and the Iconic Duo Simon & Garfunkel

In the late 1950s, a musical partnership began in Kew Gardens Hills, in the Queens borough of New York, destined to make history: Art Garfunkel, whose unmistakable voice defined the duo, and Paul Simon, childhood friends from Queens, became Simon & Garfunkel, one of the most influential and sensitive duos in music history.

What began as a shared passion for harmony singing and poetry evolved in the 1960s into a cultural phenomenon. With his clear, expressive voice, Art Garfunkel gave the duo’s songs a distinctive identity and helped move millions of people – quietly, melancholically, poetically – giving an entire generation a voice.

The Rise: Art Garfunkel from the Schoolyard to the Charts

At the age of eleven, Art Garfunkel met Paul Simon. Raised on the sounds of Doo-Wop and Rock ’n’ Roll, Art Garfunkel was already performing on stage with Simon as a teenager – initially under the name Tom & Jerry. With his clear, crystalline voice, he shaped their first hit, “Hey, Schoolgirl” (1957), which unexpectedly entered the US charts.

Under the later name Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel’s vocals became the cornerstone of the duo. His expressive, distinctive voice gave the songs depth and emotion, while Paul Simon’s lyrics added the intellectual and poetic dimension. This created a unique musical synergy, with Art Garfunkel’s voice at the heart of the music, laying the foundation for the duo’s later successes.

The Sound of Silence – Art Garfunkel in Simon & Garfunkel, the Voice of a Generation

In 1965, Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon became famous by chance: the acoustic version of “The Sound of Silence,” electrified by a producer, stormed the charts. From a quiet song, it became an anthem of silent protest – and Art Garfunkel’s clear, expressive voice defined its iconic sound. It was the beginning of an era.

Masterpieces followed, with Art Garfunkel’s singing shaping the soul of the songs:

“Scarborough Fair” – an elegiac folk song full of mystical beauty
“Mrs. Robinson” – made a pop icon through The Graduate
“The Boxer” – an epic song about vulnerability and inner strength
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – a musical prayer, unforgettable sung by Art Garfunkel

Art Garfunkel’s voice combined poetry with politics, longing with the spirit of the times. Through his singing, the music of Simon & Garfunkel became the emotional compass of an entire generation in transition.

Separation – and Eternal Connection: Art Garfunkel, the Voice of Simon & Garfunkel

In 1970, at the height of Simon & Garfunkel’s success, their final album was released: Bridge Over Troubled Water. With his unmistakable voice, Art Garfunkel made these recordings unforgettable. The album won five Grammys and marked the end of the duo’s regular collaboration.

Despite the duo’s separation, Art Garfunkel remained closely connected with his school friend and longtime collaborator Paul Simon. They reunited musically again and again:

1981: A legendary concert in Central Park before over 500,000 people, with Art Garfunkel’s singing captivating the audience
Further reunion performances in the 1990s and 2000s, where Art Garfunkel’s voice once more revealed the duo’s unique magic

Through his singing, Art Garfunkel remained the heart of Simon & Garfunkel, whose distinctive voice defined the duo and made their music timeless.

Milestones of Simon & Garfunkel – Art Garfunkel at the Center of Legendary Performances and Global Impact

Art Garfunkel, the unmistakable voice of Simon & Garfunkel, defined their era not only through music but above all through iconic live performances. As early as the 1960s he appeared with Paul Simon on the Ed Sullivan Show several times, which greatly boosted their fame after the success of “The Sound of Silence”.

On June 16, 1967, Art Garfunkel stood with Paul Simon on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival, one of the most influential folk‑rock festivals in the USA. In 1969 their European tours took them to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin, where Art Garfunkel’s voice moved an enthusiastic international audience.

In 1970 they played at the Forest Hill Tennis Stadium in Queens – one of their last concerts before the duo’s separation – where Art Garfunkel’s singing formed the heart of the performance.

After decades of solo work, Art Garfunkel returned as the voice of Simon & Garfunkel for the “Old Friends Tour” (2003–2004) with Paul Simon – their first major world tour in two decades. Over 30 cities in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan experienced Art Garfunkel’s commanding voice live. The highlight was the final concert in the Roman Colosseum in August 2004, attended by around 600,000 fans.

In 2009 Art Garfunkel, with Paul Simon, performed several of the duo’s classics at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in New York, rekindling their musical magic.

These performances demonstrate that Art Garfunkel, as the heart and voice of Simon & Garfunkel, did not merely interpret songs, but created global cultural milestones that connected music, audience and spirit of the times worldwide.

Simon & Garfunkel’s Last Performance Together – Spotlight on Art Garfunkel

On April 24, 2010, Art Garfunkel, the unmistakable voice of Simon & Garfunkel, took the stage with Paul Simon at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for the last time together.

It was an evening full of classics and musical highlights, each shaped by Art Garfunkel’s voice:

A Hazy Shade of Winter – vibrant, energetic, a sound of the changing seasons
America – a journey through longing, hope, and unforgettable moments
Mrs. Robinson – a live revival of a pop culture echo
Scarborough Fair – elegiac, mystical, timeless
Bridge Over Troubled Water – a musical prayer, carried by Art Garfunkel’s unmistakable voice

This performance was not only the duo’s last full concert but also showcased Art Garfunkel as the heart and voice of Simon & Garfunkel, creating an unforgettable evening for all present.

A Legacy That Lives – Art Garfunkel as the Voice of Simon & Garfunkel

Art Garfunkel, the defining voice of Simon & Garfunkel, created not only songs with Paul Simon – he set emotions to music. The duo’s works are timeless, their influence felt across generations of songwriters and musical groups.

For Art Garfunkel, the music of those years was never the past. Today, it lives on in his concerts – with dignity, with feeling, and with that bright, unmistakable voice that has touched millions and made Simon & Garfunkel unforgettable.