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Biography
Born on 5 November 1941 in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, and had a love for singing at a very young age. When he was in sixth grade he was cast in the school play production of “Alice In Wonderland” and met his future singing partner Paul Simon. In 1963 Simon and Garfunkel reformed after taking a break to attend separate colleges, and released their first album entitled “Wednesday Morning, 3A.M” through Columbia records in 1964. Unfortunately the album didn’t fare well resulting in their parting ways once again; that is, until producer Tom Wilson lifted the single “The Sound of Silence” and dubbed an electric backing to it and re-released it, launching to number one on the Billboard Charts.Together again, the duo went on to record four more albums, “Sounds of Silence,” “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” “Bookends” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
During a three-year hiatus starting in 1970 Garfunkel spent time as an actor and as a math teacher. He spent the better part of the 70s on and off working with Simon, releasing a Greatest Hits album in 1972. In 1978 Garfunkel released his album “Watermark” an “Fate for Breakfast” in 1979. Unfortunately his album “Scissor Cuts” didn’t fare well and an unfortunate personal problem, he left the music scene in 1985.
His retirement from music lasted until 1988 when he released “Lefty” and in 1990 Simon and Garfunkel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2003 Garfunkel made his songwriting debut on his “Everything Wants To Be Noticed” album. Then in 2006 he signed with Rhino Records and continued to tour both as a solo artist and along with Simon.
Live reviews
Ithaca, NY Sun May 6, 2018
The show was good, always wonderful to see such a big name performer. Great song choices, however! I have to wonder if Art is having some health issues as he was actually quite bizarre in a couple moments. Saying nonsense things and unprofessionally reaming out someone who took his photo claiming they used a flash (the person he reamed out did not as i was sitting in same row and saw it for myself). He ranted ad nauseam about "stealing his image", how now look what you've done making me lose my concentration! He was really over the top. Mind you this is after he bragged about performing infront of 600,000 in a years time with Simon & Garfunkle. After the show, he signed a few autographs for fans waiting on the sidewalk. He signed a photo for a young man, a S & G album cover that already had Paul Simon's signature on it. The kid was so happy. Then a few moments later he asked the guy where he got the album signed by Paul, the guy said he bought it that way, that the signature was authenticated with a certification. HE PROCEEDS TO TAKE THE MARKER AND CROSSES OUT VIGOROUSLY HIS AUTOGRAPH ON THE ALBUM HE JUST SIGNED FOR THE GUY! So i have to say either he is just an angry bitter man with no filters, or he is headed to some health issue. I wish him the best of luck as he is a wonderful performer and legend nevertheless. But for the ultimate fans at the show and afterwards, he surely had us all walking away feeling rather sadly perplexed.
ctghomes
One half of the world's most esteemed songwriting duos Simon & Garfunkel, Art was always criticised to have not been as creative within the pairing although you cannot discredit his additions to the group when you see the man perform live. Unfortunately there are no signs for permanent reunion of the duo so your best opportunity is to catch them perform solo.
This is still a very enjoyable night of music with a culmination of Art's popular solo albums, a couple of Paul Simon's tracks and the wonderful combining magic that occurred when the two came together. The audience is very enthusiastic throughout the show, these songs do not appear to age and will have affected people's lives in ways that Art seems aware of this evening as he delivers the likes of 'Scarborough Fair' with a huge amount of sincerity. He is not a hugely talkative performer however this does not bother the audience as it means he can fit in an impressive twenty tracks that come to a blissful end with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.
sean-ward
Had a wonderful evening on November 30, 2015 at Kongresshaus Zürich!
I had last seen Art Garfunkel at the last concert he played with Paul Simon in Switzerland in '83, which also was my first ever concert I was allowed to attend :-)
So many years later, Art exceeded my expectations, loved his voice, his choice of songs and was pleasantly surprised to meet his son, Art Junior, who performed some very impressive duets with his very proud dad!
Also loved Art's insightful and witty poems and look very much forward to reading his book due out next year, I am sure to find lots of interesting stories there!
Art just started what I suspect to become an extensive tour of Europe and I can only recommend everyone to treat yourselves to a couple of hours in the company of this very humble yet impressive legend of our generation!!
Bluebat22
A great evening's entertainment which had all the audience on the feet to applaud. A good mix of Simon & Garfunkel oldies plus a few original Art Garfunkel songs and loved his son James aka Art Junior singing too - what an amazing voice! Interspersed with the music was a selection of Art's poetry and lifelong musings - made for an intriguing entertainment. Highly recommended.
karrie-hidderley
I've seen Art many times, with and without Paul. My last time seeing Art was more of a poetry session, disbursed with several songs. Yes, as mentioned here, he couldn't hit many notes of yesteryear. That's one thing; but the Q&A session was quite telling. He was incredibly rude to the crowd if the questions didn't appeal to him. A true [unwarranted] egomaniac.
ilene-ostrov-brody
Very very disappointed. The concert was about 2 hours long with a 20 minutes break. Fine with that. But the problem was that he couldn't hit the notes which I wasn't bothered about considering his age but more than half the concert was him just reading letters. I went to hear him sing not recite poetry. Feel a bit ripped off.
pnedave
Absolutely loved every song .
Such a great night listening to a legend. A great venue and Art was so personable. Loved his poetic stories before each song . Will definitely go to see him next time he is playing.
jaden578
Absolutely excellent show. He still has the voice & modest charisma. He sang with his son Arthur Jnr - they were fabulous together. Tremendous atmosphere & So pleased we went!
Sue S
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