40 Facts About Art Garfunkel

Early Life and Education

Art Garfunkel's journey began in New York, where his early experiences shaped his future career. Let's dive into his formative years.

1. Art Garfunkel was born to Rose (née Pearlman) and Jacob 'Jack' Garfunkel, a traveling salesman. He was the middle child with two brothers, elder Jules and the younger Jerome.

2. His paternal grandparents had immigrated to the United States at the turn of the century, settling in Manhattan. Jacob had previously worked as an actor in Ohio.

3. Art Garfunkel is of Romanian Jewish descent, with his paternal grandparents hailing from the city of Iași. This heritage played a role in his cultural upbringing.

4. Garfunkel became acquainted with Paul Simon through an elementary school play, a production of Alice in Wonderland. This meeting would spark a lifelong partnership.

5. The combined presence of Garfunkel and Simon in music began in the 1950s, initially performing as "Tom & Jerry" with minor pop hits. Their early collaboration laid the groundwork for future success.

Rise to Fame with Simon & Garfunkel

The duo Simon & Garfunkel became a household name, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

6. By the time they were fifteen, they had scored a minor pop hit. This early success hinted at their future potential.

7. During the years 1964 to 1967, Garfunkel attended Columbia University, where he completed his B.A. in History and his Master's in Mathematics Education. He balanced academics with his burgeoning music career.

8. Garfunkel’s academic prowess was evident in his completion of both undergraduate and graduate degrees while actively pursuing a music career. His dedication to education never wavered.

9. The duo rediscovered their mutual admiration for folk music in the early 1960s, which influenced their subsequent performances and recordings. This genre became their signature sound.

10. A Columbia Records executive heard them play at a folk club in New York City’s Greenwich Village and signed them. This was a pivotal moment in their career.

11. Their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 am, was released in 1964, although it failed to gain much attention. It was a humble beginning for the duo.

12. The title song from their next album, Sounds of Silence (1965), became a hit after producer Tom Wilson added electric guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards to the mix of their original recording. This song catapulted them to fame.

13. Simon & Garfunkel achieved great chart success with tracks such as "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "Scarborough Fair," "The Boxer," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". These songs became timeless classics.

Personal and Professional Challenges

Despite their success, Garfunkel and Simon faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional.

14. At the height of their popularity, the duo’s personal relationship began to unravel, in part because of Garfunkel’s desire to pursue an acting career. This tension led to their eventual split.

15. Garfunkel made his mark as both an actor and a solo recording artist after the duo’s breakup. He sought new avenues to express his creativity.

16. His association with director Mike Nichols on the soundtrack of The Graduate led to roles in subsequent Nichols films such as Catch-22 (1970) and Carnal Knowledge (1971). These roles showcased his acting talent.

17. In Catch-22, Garfunkel played a supporting role as the 19-year-old naive Lieutenant Nately. This role was a significant departure from his music career.

18. In Carnal Knowledge, he played the idealistic character Sandy, which secured him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 1972 Golden Globe Awards. This recognition highlighted his versatility.

19. Later, he appeared in Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing – A Sensual Obsession (1980) as Alex Linden, an American psychoanalyst and professor at the University of Vienna. This role further cemented his acting credentials.

20. In 1986, Garfunkel starred as a hard-drinking Washington, D.C., journalist who struggles to clear his name after being framed for rape and murder in Blaine Novak’s film Good to Go. This film added another dimension to his acting career.

21. He then appeared in Jennifer Lynch’s medical crime drama Boxing Helena (1993) as Lawrence Augustine. This role showcased his ability to tackle diverse characters.

Solo Music Career

After parting ways with Simon, Garfunkel embarked on a successful solo music career.

22. After his split with Simon, Garfunkel did not record again until 1973. His debut solo album, Angel Clare (1973), included the hit single “All I Know” by Jimmy Webb and earned Garfunkel a gold record.

23. His second album, Breakaway (1975), did even better, going platinum. The album featured “I Only Have Eyes for You,” a much-recorded composition by Al Dubin and Harry Warren that had been a hit for the doo-wop group the Flamingos in 1959 and charted at number 18 for Garfunkel.

24. In 1975, Garfunkel reunited with Simon for “My Little Town,” which also appeared on Simon’s 1975 album Still Crazy After All These Years. This reunion was a treat for fans.

25. In 1978, Garfunkel released Watermark, a collection of songs written by Webb with the exception of a cover version of Sam Cooke’s “(What a) Wonderful World,” with which Garfunkel, teaming with Simon and James Taylor, scored a hit. This album showcased his continued musical prowess.

Awards and Recognition

Garfunkel's contributions to music and acting have earned him numerous accolades.

26. Through his solo and collaborative work, Garfunkel has earned eight Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards recognize his immense talent.

27. In 1990, he and Simon were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria in the Grand Ballroom, where they sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence”.

28. In 2008, Garfunkel was ranked 86th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. This ranking solidified his place in music history.

Later Years and Personal Life

Garfunkel's later years have been marked by both triumphs and challenges.

29. In 1984, Garfunkel reunited with Simon for The Concert in Central Park and a world tour. However, they had significant disagreements during the tour.

30. In 2010, Garfunkel started developing vocal problems after damage to his vocal cords due to an incident in which he had choked on a piece of lobster. This led to difficulties in singing during their reunion tour.

31. In November 2010, Garfunkel said that he had quit smoking and was recovering from vocal paresis. Much of his 2012 tour was cancelled due to his vocal problems.

32. By 2014, Garfunkel’s voice had restored, and he was touring as recently as early 2020. His resilience and dedication to music remained strong.

33. From 2016 to 2019, Art Garfunkel was on international tours in various countries, including England, the Netherlands, and Germany, captivating over 200,000 fans. His global appeal continued to thrive.

34. In 2017, his autobiography “What Is It All but Luminous – Notes from an Underground Man” was released. This book offered insights into his life and career.

35. In 2006, Art Garfunkel and Brian Dennehy appeared at Columbia University on April 29th for the 112th annual Varsity Show. Garfunkel received the IAL Diamond award, presented annually to a Columbia alumnus who has excelled in the performing arts.

36. In 2000, Art Garfunkel was interviewed in the January 15-21 issue of TV Guide. The article, entitled “It’s Only Rock and Roll – But We Like It,” includes comments by Art and other musicians about VH1’s list of greatest rock songs.

37. In May 1996, Art Garfunkel attended the Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, France. He was also featured on “Inside Edition,” an entertainment television program, promoting the upcoming Disney broadcast as well as the live CD.

38. In January 1990, Simon & Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria in the Grand Ballroom.

39. Garfunkel appeared in several films, including Catch-22, Carnal Knowledge, Bad Timing – A Sensual Obsession, Good to Go, and Boxing Helena. His acting career was diverse and impactful.

40. Art Garfunkel first married architect Linda Marie Grossman in 1972, and they divorced in 1975. He has since claimed that the marriage was turbulent, and he has not spoken to her since the divorce.

Art Garfunkel's Lasting Legacy

Art Garfunkel's impact on music, acting, and poetry is undeniable. From his early days with Paul Simon in Simon & Garfunkel to his successful solo career, Garfunkel has consistently delivered memorable performances. His voice, often described as angelic, has earned him numerous accolades, including eight Grammy Awards and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Beyond music, Garfunkel's acting roles in films like Catch-22 and Carnal Knowledge showcased his versatility. Despite facing vocal challenges later in life, he continued to perform and connect with fans worldwide. His autobiography, "What Is It All but Luminous," offers a deeper look into his life and career.

With a net worth of around $95 million, Garfunkel's contributions to the arts have left an indelible mark. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain generations, proving that his talents are truly timeless.