Overview

Art Garfunkel (born November 5, 1941) is an American singer best known as one half of the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Celebrated for a clear, high tenor and lyrical phrasing, he rose to international prominence in the 1960s alongside Paul Simon. Their recordings and live performances made a lasting impact on popular music and the singer-songwriter movement.

Early life and formation

Born to a Jewish family in New York, Garfunkel began singing in school choirs and local groups. He and Paul Simon met in childhood and later reunited to form a musical partnership that combined Simon's songwriting with Garfunkel's vocal style. For background on his heritage see related resources.

Simon & Garfunkel era

As a duo they recorded several acclaimed albums and singles that blended folk, pop and rock elements. Their repertoire included reflective lyrics and close vocal harmonies. Notable recordings commonly associated with Garfunkel's voice include:

  • "The Sound of Silence"
  • "Mrs. Robinson"
  • "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
  • "Scarborough Fair/Canticle"

Solo career and film work

After the duo's initial split in the early 1970s, Garfunkel released solo albums that explored folk, pop and soft rock styles. He also appeared in a handful of films, often in supporting roles; for an introduction to his acting work see film credits. His solo recordings produced several well-regarded tracks and showcased his interest in varied arrangements and poetry set to music.

Vocal style, influence and legacy

Garfunkel's voice is frequently noted for its purity, sustained tone and effortless high register. Those qualities helped define the duo's sound and influenced subsequent vocalists in pop and folk. Beyond recordings, his performances—most famously their reunion concert in Central Park—remain cultural touchstones and continue to be referenced in discussions of 20th-century popular music.

Notable facts

  • He has collaborated repeatedly with Paul Simon despite periods of separation.
  • Garfunkel has pursued photography and occasional public speaking alongside music.
  • His career spans decades, with recordings, tours and reunions keeping him active in the public eye.