Indie folk

Simon and Garfunkel stand as two of the most legendary figures in the annals of music history. Their exquisite harmonies, lyrical poetry, and enduring tracks such as “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” continue to captivate audiences in the present day. Nevertheless, in spite of their significant achievements, the duo’s career was notably brief. In the early 1970s, Simon and Garfunkel went their separate ways, leaving fans wondering: Why did Simon and Garfunkel split up?

Early Days of Simon and Garfunkel

To fully comprehend the reasons behind their separation, it is essential to explore the beginnings of Simon and Garfunkel. The duo first crossed paths in elementary school in Queens, New York, where they quickly bonded over their mutual passion for music. As teenagers, they began performing together under the moniker Tom and Jerry, releasing several singles in the late 1950s. However, it was not until they reunited as Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-1960s that their careers truly flourished.

Their significant breakthrough occurred in 1964 when “The Sound of Silence” gained popularity after being re-released with an added electric guitar riff. This achievement paved the way for subsequent albums, including Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) and Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), which solidified their status as one of the most iconic duos in music history. Nevertheless, even amidst this period of great success, tensions began to emerge between them.

The Growing Tensions Between Simon and Garfunkel

The complexities of Simon and Garfunkel’s relationship are well-documented. Despite their profound musical connection, their differing personalities and artistic perspectives frequently clashed. Paul Simon, the principal songwriter, was characterized by his meticulous nature and a strong inclination to oversee the creative direction. In contrast, Art Garfunkel was the more laid-back member of the partnership, possessing a background in mathematics and a fervent love for singing, especially in harmony.

As Simon delved deeper into the processes of songwriting and arrangement, he began to assert a more prominent influence in their collaborative efforts. He took the lead in composing the majority of their songs, and as their fame escalated, Simon increasingly sought greater authority over their musical output. This shift led to tension with Garfunkel, who felt marginalized in the creative journey.

Although Garfunkel played an essential role in defining the duo’s sound, his contributions often remained secondary to Simon’s artistic vision. This disparity ultimately fostered feelings of resentment and frustration on both sides. While Simon concentrated more on the music and lyrics, Garfunkel pursued other artistic endeavors, such as acting, which further widened the rift between them.

The Turning Point: Bridge Over Troubled Water

One of the primary factors contributing to the division was the creation of Bridge Over Troubled Water, their final collaborative album. While the album achieved remarkable commercial success, underlying tensions reached unprecedented levels.

Simon, recognized for his meticulous approach, dedicated himself tirelessly to the album’s production. In contrast, Garfunkel was preoccupied with a film project titled Catch-22, which kept him away from the recording studio. This increasing physical and emotional separation exacerbated the discord between them. Simon grew increasingly exasperated with Garfunkel’s absence during the recording sessions, feeling that the album’s triumph was being overshadowed by Garfunkel’s perceived lack of dedication.

Additionally, the title track, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” showcased an impressive solo by Garfunkel, yet Simon reportedly believed that the song became too closely linked to Garfunkel’s voice, rather than reflecting their signature harmonies as a duo. This choice to highlight Garfunkel further intensified the strain in their collaboration.

Simultaneously, Garfunkel, who had always been the more easygoing member of the partnership, began to experience a rising sense of discontent with Simon’s authoritative approach. He grew increasingly dissatisfied with Simon’s control over their musical direction, feeling that there was little opportunity for him to engage in the creative process. In subsequent interviews, Garfunkel would express feelings of frustration and alienation, lamenting his inability to contribute as he had envisioned.

Creative Differences and Personal Conflicts

One of the primary factors contributing to the dissolution of their partnership was the increasing creative divergence between the two artists. Simon’s pursuit of perfection, coupled with his burgeoning sense of individuality, stood in stark contrast to Garfunkel’s more laid-back approach to music creation. Simon sought to explore new sonic territories, experiment with various genres, and grow as an artist. Conversely, Garfunkel was satisfied with their past achievements and preferred to relish the rewards of their success rather than continue to innovate artistically.

This disparity extended beyond their musical endeavors. Their personalities were inherently different; Paul Simon was a reserved and contemplative individual, while Art Garfunkel was more extroverted and enjoyed being in the spotlight. Simon began to feel overwhelmed by the public’s fascination with their personal relationship, while Garfunkel frequently felt frustrated by Simon’s dominance in their professional journey. These personal disagreements intensified the divide between them, ultimately making it evident that their collaboration could no longer endure.

The Final Split: 1970

Upon completing the recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water in 1970, the duo was nearing the end of their partnership. Simon had made the choice to embark on a solo career, while Garfunkel had already initiated his acting journey with a role in Catch-22. Observers of their relationship had noted the escalating tensions over the years, making their decision to separate unsurprising.

In March 1970, following the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon and Garfunkel publicly declared their breakup. Although they had their differences, the separation was conducted amicably, with both individuals vowing to maintain their friendship. Nevertheless, the nature of their friendship was altered significantly after the split.

Life After the Split

Following their separation, both Simon and Garfunkel embarked on successful solo careers. Paul Simon’s individual projects, particularly albums such as Graceland (1986) and The Rhythm of the Saints (1990), garnered significant acclaim and solidified his status as one of the foremost songwriters of his era. In contrast, Garfunkel produced several solo albums, yet they did not attain the same level of recognition as Simon’s endeavors.

In the subsequent years, Simon and Garfunkel occasionally came together for special performances, with the most notable being a concert in Central Park in 1981 that attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees. This event was a remarkable success, suggesting that the duo had temporarily set aside their differences. Nevertheless, their relationship continued to be strained, and they did not engage in collaboration to the extent they had previously.

Expert Editorial Comment

The question Why did Simon and Garfunkel split up? can be traced to a mixture of creative tensions, personal conflicts, and differing ambitions. Their time together may have been short, but their music remains timeless. Their journey as a duo represents the delicate balance between artistic collaboration and personal growth, a balance that, for Simon and Garfunkel, ultimately became too difficult to maintain. Though they may no longer perform together, their work continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, proving that sometimes, even the most iconic partnerships must come to an end.