12/09/2024
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, famously known as the duo Simon & Garfunkel, shared a unique bond that began in their boyhood. Here's a glimpse into their early years:
Childhood and Early Friendship
Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, and Art Garfunkel on November 5, 1941. They both grew up in Kew Gardens Hills, a neighborhood in Queens, New York.
They met when they were 11 years old in the sixth grade at P.S. 164, their elementary school.
They discovered they both shared a love for music, particularly rock 'n' roll and harmonizing, which drew them closer as friends.
Their first major collaboration came during their teenage years when they performed at a talent show at their high school, Forest Hills High School. The duo sang "Sh-Boom", a popular doo-wop song.
They were heavily influenced by the close harmonies of groups like The Everly Brothers, which shaped their musical style.
They started performing under the name "Tom & Jerry" during their high school years. In 1957, they recorded their first single, "Hey Schoolgirl," which became a minor hit, reaching No. 49 on the Billboard chart. Simon went by the name Jerry Landis, and Garfunkel was Tom Graph.
Simon was more focused on songwriting and would later become known for his introspective lyrics, while Garfunkel excelled in harmony and arrangement.
Their early music was greatly influenced by doo-wop and rock 'n' roll, but as they matured, they leaned more towards folk music, which defined their later work.
Despite their early success as "Tom & Jerry," they parted ways for a while to attend college. Simon attended Queens College, and Garfunkel went to Columbia University. However, they reunited in the early 1960s to form Simon & Garfunkel, and the rest is history!
Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, created some of the most timeless and influential music of the 1960s and 1970s. Their songs combined thoughtful lyrics, beautiful harmonies, and a mix of folk, rock, and pop elements.
Here’s a list of some of their most famous duo songs:
1. "The Sound of Silence" (1964)
One of their signature songs, it became a massive hit after being re-released with electric instrumentation. It explores themes of alienation and societal disconnection.
2. "Mrs. Robinson" (1968)
Written for the film The Graduate, this song became one of their most well-known hits and captured the spirit of the late 1960s.
3. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970)
A moving ballad sung primarily by Garfunkel, it became a classic and won multiple Grammy Awards. It’s one of their most successful and enduring songs.
4. "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" (1966)
A reworking of a traditional English folk ballad, it was paired with a counterpoint melody written by Simon. It became one of their standout tracks on the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme album.
5. "The Boxer" (1969)
A deeply emotional song about struggle and perseverance, this song features one of Simon's most famous lyrics and memorable instrumentation.
6. "Cecilia" (1970)
An upbeat, rhythmic track that contrasts with some of their more introspective songs. Its infectious chorus helped it become a hit.
7. "Homeward Bound" (1966)
Written by Simon while feeling homesick during a tour in England, this song captures the longing for home and comfort.
8. "I Am a Rock" (1965)
This song focuses on themes of isolation and self-protection, reflecting Simon’s introspective songwriting style.
9. "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" (1970)
A Peruvian folk song that Simon adapted with English lyrics, it offers a mix of folk and world music sounds.
10. "America" (1968)
A beautifully crafted song about searching for meaning and identity, it captures a sense of youthful longing and exploration.
11. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" (1966)
A fast-paced, somewhat darker song that uses seasonal imagery to reflect changes in life.
12. "Bookends" (1968)
A short but poignant song, it reflects on the passage of time and growing old. It’s the title track of their album Bookends.
13. "Baby Driver" (1970)
A fun, upbeat rock track with lively instrumentation that contrasts with some of their more folk-oriented songs.
14. "Fakin’ It" (1967)
A complex song with shifting moods and sounds, reflecting Simon’s experimentation with different musical forms.
15. "Kathy’s Song" (1965)
A deeply personal love song written by Simon about his then-girlfriend Kathy Chitty. It’s a tender, acoustic track with beautiful lyrics.
16. "April Come She Will" (1966)
A short and gentle song with seasonal imagery, sung by Garfunkel. It remains one of their quieter but beloved tracks.
17. "Old Friends/Bookends Theme" (1968)
A reflective and nostalgic piece about aging and friendship, it combines with the "Bookends Theme" for a haunting conclusion.
18. "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" (1966)
A tender love song with Garfunkel’s soaring vocals, it’s considered one of the duo’s most beautiful ballads.
These songs showcase Simon & Garfunkel’s range, from their folk roots to their later more experimental and polished works, and they remain a vital part of music history.
THESE FOLKS WILL REMAIN A DREAM OF OUR MEMORIZED BALLADS THAT ACCOMPLISH LOVE, CHERISHMENT & WORLD APPRECIATION!!!
