Art Garfunkel is a legendary singer-songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. He first rose to fame as one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, performing hits such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence.” Garfunkel’s angelic voice and poetic lyrics have made him an icon of American music, and his influence can still be felt today.
The Early Years
Arthur Ira Garfunkel was born on November 5, 1941, in Queens, New York. He met his future musical partner, Paul Simon, while they were both attending elementary school in Queens. The two became fast friends and began performing together as teenagers, calling themselves Tom & Jerry. In 1957, they recorded their first single, “Hey, Schoolgirl,” which became a minor hit.
The Rise to Fame
Simon & Garfunkel’s breakthrough came in 1965 with the release of their album “Sounds of Silence.” The title track became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The duo went on to release several more successful albums, including “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1971.
Solo Career
After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Garfunkel embarked on a solo career. His first solo album, “Angel Clare,” was released in 1973 and featured the hit single “All I Know.” Garfunkel went on to release several more solo albums, including “Breakaway” and “Watermark.” He also continued to act, appearing in films such as “Carnal Knowledge” and “Bad Timing.”
Legacy and Influence
Garfunkel’s influence on American music cannot be overstated. His unique voice and poetic lyrics have inspired countless artists over the years, from singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Paul McCartney to indie rockers like The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes. Garfunkel’s music continues to resonate with audiences today, and he remains a beloved figure in American culture.
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What makes Art Garfunkel such an enduring figure in American music? Perhaps it’s his angelic voice, which has been described as “ethereal” and “otherworldly.” Or maybe it’s his poetic lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and the human experience. Whatever the reason, Garfunkel’s music continues to resonate with audiences today, more than six decades after he first burst onto the scene.
Garfunkel’s influence on American music cannot be overstated. He and Paul Simon paved the way for the singer-songwriter genre, which would go on to dominate American music in the 1970s. Garfunkel’s solo career, while not as commercially successful as his work with Simon, has been critically acclaimed, with albums like “Breakaway” and “Watermark” showcasing his unique talents as a songwriter and performer.
But it’s perhaps as one half of Simon & Garfunkel that Art Garfunkel will always be remembered. The duo’s music captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s, with songs like “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson” becoming anthems for a generation. Their music was both timeless and timely, capturing the mood of a country in flux.
Today, Art Garfunkel remains a beloved figure in American culture. His music continues to inspire new generations of artists, and his influence can be heard in everything from indie rock to hip-hop. Garfunkel’s voice may be ethereal, but his impact on American music is very real.
What is your favorite Art Garfunkel song?