Art Garfunkel is an American singer, songwriter, poet, and actor who rose to fame as one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. With partner Paul Simon, Garfunkel released a series of acclaimed albums that sold millions of copies and won numerous awards. His solo career has also been successful, with hits such as “All I Know” and “Bright Eyes” becoming international hits. Garfunkel is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in a number of films and television shows.
Early Life
Arthur Ira Garfunkel was born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York on November 5, 1941. He developed an interest in music and singing at an early age, and began singing in the church choir at the age of four. He also sang in the school chorus and was a member of several local choirs. He was educated at Forest Hills High School, where he met Paul Simon. The two became fast friends and began performing together in high school.
Garfunkel attended Columbia University, where he studied mathematics and architecture. He also sang in the school chorus and formed a folk duo with Simon. With Simon, Garfunkel released their first single, “Hey Schoolgirl”, in 1957.
Musical Career
Garfunkel and Simon released their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., in 1964. The album was a commercial failure, but it caught the attention of Columbia Records, who signed the duo to a recording contract. The duo released their second album, Sounds of Silence, in 1966. The album was a huge success, spawning the hit single “The Sound of Silence”.
The duo released two more albums, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) and Bookends (1968), which were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The duo disbanded in 1970, but reunited in the early 1980s for a series of concerts.
Garfunkel embarked on a solo career in 1973, releasing his debut album, Angel Clare. The album was a commercial success, spawning the hit single “All I Know”. He went on to release several more albums, including Breakaway (1975), Watermark (1977), and Fate for Breakfast (1979). His most successful solo album was Scissors Cut (1981), which featured the hit single “Bright Eyes”.
Later Life
Garfunkel continued to tour and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He released several more albums, including Some Enchanted Evening (1988), Up ‘Til Now (1993), and Everything Waits to Be Noticed (2002). Garfunkel also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966), Catch-22 (1970), and The Simpsons (1990).
Garfunkel reunited with Simon for a world tour in 2003. The tour was a success, and the duo released a live album, Old Friends: Live on Stage (2004). Garfunkel continues to tour and perform, and in 2015 he released a new solo album, The Singer.
Art Garfunkel is one of the most acclaimed singers and songwriters of the 20th century. His work with Simon & Garfunkel has earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his solo career has been just as successful. Garfunkel has also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in a number of films and television shows. He continues to tour and perform, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.
