Art Garfunkel, the celebrated singer and half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, has recently shared reflections on his musical legacy and current endeavours, as he continues his latest tour, “What a Wonderful World.” In a candid interview, Garfunkel reveals his complicated yet enduring relationship with his former bandmate, Paul Simon, and expresses optimism as he looks toward the future.
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At the age of 84, Garfunkel sat down with PEOPLE to discuss his journey, both as a musician and an individual. He noted that he and Simon, also 84, have come to a point of reconciliation following years marked by both collaboration and conflict. “We had a dinner [last year]. It was very lovely. There were tears, there were hugs,” Garfunkel recounted fondly. While he does not foresee a full reconciliation that leads to further collaboration, he emphasised a positive outlook: “I’m feeling very positive now.”
As Garfunkel embarks on his current tour, he finds joy in his home life alongside his wife, Kathryn Luce Garfunkel, and their two sons, Art Jr., 35, and Beau, 20. These personal connections provide him with a sense of balance as he navigates his professional commitments, which will see him performing until November 19.
The legacy of Simon & Garfunkel is something Garfunkel acknowledges as inextricable from his own journey. The duo, known for their harmonic brilliance and evocative lyrics, sold over 100 million records and received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards. Garfunkel expressed profound pride in this legacy, saying, “I only feel great about it,” highlighting the impact their music has had on generations of listeners.
Their partnership began in their youth, as classmates in Queens, New York. A shared admiration for cultural icons such as James Dean and the Everly Brothers laid the foundation for their musical camaraderie. Garfunkel reflected on their early days, stating, “Before the world knew Simon & Garfunkel, our ears heard it first, and we knew it was special.” Their first single was released in 1957 under the name Tom & Jerry, but it was their 1964 album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” that marked the beginning of their rise to fame, particularly with the breakthrough hit, “The Sound of Silence.”
However, Garfunkel did express feelings of imbalance within their partnership, noting that Simon’s role as the primary songwriter often positioned him at a disadvantage. This perceived disparity deepened when Garfunkel accepted a film role in the 1970 adaptation of “Catch-22,” which Simon believed disrupted their dynamic. Garfunkel explained, “There were too many characters, he thinned it out. And it was just bad luck.” Simon later described this situation as contributing to the rift that led to their split in 1970.
Despite their separation, Garfunkel and Simon reunited for a landmark concert in Central Park in 1981, performing before a crowd of over 500,000 people. This experience, Garfunkel described as the “greatest night of my life,” proved the magnetic pull their partnership still held. They have since shared the stage on various occasions, although a 2010 tour was curtailed due to Garfunkel’s vocal health issues.
Reflecting on his voice, Garfunkel remarked on its fluctuating nature: “It goes in and out. It’s got a summer and a winter.” Fortunately, he reports that his voice has healed, claiming it sounds as fine as ever. As he continues touring, Garfunkel is focused on remaining present and relevant, asserting, “You can’t live on your past. You’ve got to keep going with a meaningful agenda.”
Fans eager to learn more about Garfunkel’s thoughts on his career and the musical landscape can find further insights in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands and via subscription. His journey reminds us of the power of music to forge connections and heal old wounds, and Garfunkel’s story is one of resilience and the enduring spirit of creativity. As he navigates the road ahead, there is much anticipation for what this musical legend will achieve in the years to come.