Simon & Garfunkel

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel first met as schoolboys in Queens, New York, in the early 1950s. Bonded by a shared love of Everly Brothers harmonies and doo‑wop, they began performing together under the playful moniker Tom & Jerry. Their teenage hit “Hey, Schoolgirl” earned them an early taste of success, but studies soon took precedence. In the early 1960s, they reunited, embraced the folk revival, and adopted their own names as Simon & Garfunkel, making a quiet debut with Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. only to find later acclaim after it was remixed with electric backing and reissued as “The Sound of Silence.” Over time, their music evolved from basic folk‑rock into richly textured arrangements that wove in gospel, Latin rhythms, classical touches and heartfelt introspection. From the rustic, reflective charm of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme to the cinematic soul of The Graduate soundtrack tracks (including “Mrs. Robinson”), they demonstrated remarkable range and refinement. Their 1970 masterpiece Bridge over Troubled Water stands among the most beloved albums in pop history—with soaring balladry, six Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, and more than 25 million copies sold. Songs like the title track and “The Boxer” remain staples that move listeners with their emotional power and virtuosity. Though they parted ways soon after that album, both embarked on fruitful solo careers—Simon noted for his eclectic, narrative‑rich songwriting, Garfunkel for his angelic tenor and acting ventures. Their legacy endures, having influenced generations of singer‑songwriters, and their music remains a gateway to the golden era of folk‑pop for new fans discovering vinyl, CDs or cassettes today.