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Simon and Garfunkel take the stage after years of contention between them
The performance will be remembered for a very long time.
Ma Fatima Garcia
02.15.21

Who doesn’t know Simon & Garfunkel?

Their names, especially in the music industry, are one of the best-selling music duos in the 1960s. If you love them, then you sure know some of their most popular hits, such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Bridge over troubled water,” and “Mrs. Robinsons”.

Humble beginnings

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freestocks/pexels

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in their elementary school in 1953. There, Simon and Garfunkel started to learn how to enhance their music, and they also started writing their own songs.

After a few years, they decided to go by the name ‘Tom and Jerry’, gaining their first taste of success with their song ‘Hey, School Girl.’

They later parted ways to focus on their studies.

wikipedia
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wikipedia

They got back together after a few years and re-launched their careers as Simon and Garfunkel under Columbia Records. They released their first official album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

The album didn’t do well and was later considered as a failure – again, they split up.

Their rise to fame

Unexpectedly, one of their songs was included in the featured remix from their producer. The song was remixed with drums and electric guitars, prompting it to be a top chart hit!

Jason Cumbo/Pinterest
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Jason Cumbo/Pinterest

The song was none other than “The Sound of Silence.”

In the hopes of success and their love for music, Simon & Garfunkel again reunited to write another album – “Sounds of Silence” which was released last January of 1966.

Their music was loved, and they were doing very well in the music industry!

Parting ways

In 1970, Simon and Garfunkel ended their partnership.

A documentary was released that finally explained what really happened between the two successful musicians. According to producer Charlie Grodin of the documentary Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America, most of the duo’s issues began with Mike Nichols.

Mofromusic/YouTube
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Mofromusic/YouTube

Who exactly is Mike Nichols?

Mike Nichols was a well-known Broadway director. He was the man behind The Graduate, the movie that earned him an Academy Award for Best Director! So, how did this man played a part in the break-up?

According to the interview, Nichols decided to cast Simon and Garfunkel for his 1970s film Catch-22. Then, unexpectedly, before the start of the filming, he decided to cut Simon’s role out!

“That was the beginning of their split-up,” Grodin shared.

Mofromusic/YouTube
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Mofromusic/YouTube

“I just think this is outrageous— you don’t take Simon & Garfunkel and ask them to be in a movie and then drop one of their roles on them. You just don’t do that.”

Anybody in Simon’s position would feel betrayed and hurt.

Reuniting for the sake of music

After the said movie, Simon and Garfunkel were never the same again.

The amazing duo decided to finally part ways for good. However, despite their feud and differences, there are times where they decide to reunite for the sake of music.

Just like their 1981 concert in Central Park that attracted half a million people, thus being the 7th most attended concert of all time!

Mofromusic/YouTube
Source:
Mofromusic/YouTube

Take a look at this wonderful moment, where Simon and Garfunkel reunited to perform their song, “The Sound of Silence.” We love the way they look at each other, how their voice and music blends so well despite many years apart.

There may have been a feud between them, but the music that they both love will also be the reason why they would meet each other again. Watch and enjoy this beautiful performance.

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