Simon & Garfunkel Biography

Simon and Garfunkel came together as childhood friends in the 1950's, and even recorded some early singles together. But it would be as a folk duo, discovered by producer Tom Wilson, that Simon and Garfunkel would create a style that perfectly matched the rising popularity of folk-rock in the era.

Wilson took the strongest track Simon and Garfunkel had available, "Sound of Silence," and added bass, drums, and electric guitar. The new sound brought it to number one in 1966, and in the following years Simon and Garfunkel gave audiences some of the most iconic folk music of the era, including "I Am a Rock," "Hazy Shade of Winter," and "Homeward Bound."

1966's Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme and 1968's Bookends were highly successful, the latter spawning "Mrs. Robinson," which would go on to be one of Simon and Garfunkel's greatest hits, bolstered in part by its inclusion in The Graduate.

Simon and Garfunkel's relationship began to strain after this point, and each individual went on to pursue solo careers, in music and acting. But not before their final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, was released to become one of their greatest achievements.

Simon and Garfunkel reunited in 1975 for a Top Ten single, "My Little Town" and performed for a New York City Central Park concert in 1981. A live album from the performance followed.

In the new millennium, Simon and Garfunkel have reunited periodically for performances, including singing "The Sound of Silence" at the 2003 Grammies. Later that year, they launched a reunion tour of the United States and Canada, and an encore tour in 2004, this time including Europe. In 2009, Simon and his band re-opened The Beacon Theater in New York, and for the encore, Garfunkel joined them for "The Boxer," "Old Friends," and – of course – "Sound of Silence."