Simon & Garfunkel: DYK?
Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel, the legendary folk rock duo known for their iconic songs like "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," have left an indelible mark on music history. Their harmonies and poetic lyrics captured the spirit of the 1960s, but there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known facts and stories about the duo that fans might find fascinating. Let’s take a deeper look at the quirky, unexpected, and sometimes surprising side of Simon & Garfunkel.
1. They Started Out as “Tom & Jerry”
Before Simon & Garfunkel became household names, they performed under the pseudonyms Tom & Jerry. The duo formed while still in high school, and in 1957, they had a modest hit with the song Hey, Schoolgirl, which was heavily inspired by the Everly Brothers. Paul Simon took the name Jerry Landis, and Art Garfunkel was Tom Graph, the latter nickname reflecting Garfunkel’s love of mathematics and graphing his musical charts. Who knew that the iconic folk duo had their roots in 1950s teen pop?
2. "The Sound of Silence" Was Almost a Flop
Today, The Sound of Silence is considered one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most important songs, but it almost disappeared into obscurity. The song was originally released as an acoustic track on their 1964 debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., which failed to gain much traction. The duo briefly disbanded, with Simon heading to London and Garfunkel returning to school. However, in 1965, producer Tom Wilson took the liberty of overdubbing electric instruments on the track without telling Simon or Garfunkel. The remixed version became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts in early 1966 and essentially reviving their careers.
3. Paul Simon’s Time in England Shaped Their Sound
After the initial failure of their debut album, Paul Simon moved to England to pursue a solo career. While there, he performed in the local folk scene and recorded The Paul Simon Songbook. His time in England introduced him to European folk traditions and influenced his songwriting style, giving songs like Scarborough Fair a distinct feel. Many of the songs that would later appear on Simon & Garfunkel albums were crafted during this period, and his experiences in England contributed to their unique blend of American folk with a more international flavor.
4. Art Garfunkel Almost Quit Music to Become a Math Teacher
Art Garfunkel wasn’t just a talented musician—he was also highly academic. He earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Columbia University and briefly considered leaving music to pursue a career as a math teacher. Garfunkel has always had a deep love of math, even working as a tutor while the duo was still building their career. His intellectual side provided a counterbalance to Simon’s introspective and literary songwriting, giving the duo a dynamic creative tension.
5. "Mrs. Robinson" Wasn't Originally About Mrs. Robinson
One of Simon & Garfunkel’s most famous songs, Mrs. Robinson, became synonymous with the 1967 film The Graduate, but the song didn’t start out that way. In fact, Paul Simon originally wrote the tune as Mrs. Roosevelt, with no connection to the movie. It wasn’t until director Mike Nichols approached Simon to provide music for The Graduate that the song evolved into the Mrs. Robinson we know today. Nichols was such a fan of their music that he had been using Simon & Garfunkel songs as temporary placeholders while editing the film. The rest, as they say, is history.
6. The Tension Behind "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Bridge Over Troubled Water is often considered Simon & Garfunkel’s crowning achievement, but it was also a source of tension between the two. While Art Garfunkel's soaring vocals became the signature of the song, Paul Simon later admitted that he regretted not singing it himself, as he had written the song. The tension didn’t stop there—Garfunkel was off filming the movie Catch-22 during much of the album’s recording, leading to feelings of resentment and distance between the two. Despite the strain, the song became a monumental success, winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
7. Paul Simon’s Secret Fear of Heights
A lesser-known fact about Paul Simon is his deep fear of heights. This phobia became a problem during their famous 1981 Central Park concert, where Simon had to be convinced to stand on a raised platform in front of the enormous crowd of over 500,000 people. Despite his anxiety, the concert was a huge success and remains one of the most famous live performances in music history.
8. Art Garfunkel’s Love of Long Walks
Garfunkel has an unusual hobby—he loves to walk long distances. After Simon & Garfunkel split in the early 1970s, Garfunkel began trekking across the United States, walking from the East Coast to the West Coast over the course of several years. His long-distance walking has taken him through several countries, including Japan and Europe. These walks were part of Garfunkel’s way of reflecting and finding peace after the turbulent breakup of the duo.
9. "Cecilia" Was Recorded at a Party
The infectious track Cecilia was born during a party at Paul Simon’s house. Simon, Garfunkel, and their friends began tapping on household objects, including glasses and ashtrays, creating the rhythmic foundation of the song. Simon then added lyrics, and what started as a fun jam session turned into one of the duo’s most beloved hits. The playful, spontaneous nature of the recording process can still be felt in the song's carefree rhythm and joyful energy.
10. Reunion Performances Were Full of Drama
Despite their legendary status as a duo, Simon & Garfunkel’s relationship has always been marked by tension and disagreement. Over the years, they’ve reunited for several performances, but the backstage drama often overshadowed the music. Their famous 1981 Central Park concert was a huge success, but behind the scenes, they barely spoke. The same tensions resurfaced during their 2003–2004 reunion tour, with both musicians admitting that their relationship was complicated and strained. Even with the personal issues, their musical chemistry remained undeniable.
Simon & Garfunkel’s music may be timeless, but their journey is filled with unexpected twists, creative tension, and fascinating stories. From their teenage pop beginnings as Tom & Jerry to becoming the voices of a generation, their legacy continues to resonate with fans old and new. Whether you’re drawn to their poetic lyrics, haunting harmonies, or the stories behind the songs, Simon & Garfunkel’s music offers something timeless and unforgettable.
One of the most meaningful lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel comes from their song "The Sound of Silence":
"Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again."
This line is deeply introspective and resonates with many listeners as it captures the feeling of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in silence. Paul Simon wrote it during a period of personal reflection, and it speaks to the human condition of grappling with inner thoughts and emotions in the quiet moments of life. Its simplicity and depth have made it one of the most iconic and haunting lyrics in music history.