Monday, November 1, 2021

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1990 No. 7

 Simon & Garfunkel

Inducted by James Taylor

(Wikipedia)


Genre considered - Folk rock

Simon & Garfunkel were iconic and defining as a duo in their genre.  Paul Simon on his own continued solo success in folk rock.  Whether the duo sounds familiar to you or you are intrigued by their take on the genre or you are a fan, there is bound to be a song or songs that stands out as a favorite or at least worthwhile to listen to.

With that said, follow the Wikipedia link above for the full background and discography of Simon & Garfunkel.

In this post, consider the duo's most honorable achievements aside from their flawed musical relationship.  Simon and Garfunkel had success together but constantly broke up and reunited over the years, making their history difficult to keep up with and write about.

Best known songs - "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," "Bridge over Troubled Water" ... No. 1 on singles charts worldwide

"Mrs. Robinson" is one of the most well known songs in historic pop culture for being featured in the 1967 film, The Graduate.

Simon & Garfunkel's greatest inspiration were The Everly Brothers, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Bridge over Troubled Water was the last album recorded by Simon & Garfunkel, released in January 1970.  The album became a worldwide hit in sales.

Paul Simon's solo career is best highlighted by his 1986 album, Graceland.

Art Garfunkel's solo career briefly touched on acting.

Simon & Garfunkel won 9 Grammy Awards.

4 Grammy Hall of Fame Awards

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2003)

Brit Award for International Album (Bridge over Troubled Water)

They have sold over 100 million records - one of the best-selling music artists.

No. 40 on Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time (2010)

No. 3 on Rolling Stone's list of greatest duos

As for the earlier word "flawed," Paul Simon reflected on his partnership with Art Garfunkel with the statement "...we don't get along, so it's not like it's fun...but when it's not fun...you're going to be in a tense situation..."  

These words are reminiscent of what Roger Taylor noted about Duran Duran and their performance at Live Aid, when every member was in their own frame of mind and not sounding as one positive band.  They just played their own instruments to songs that once brought them profound fame.  Profound fame could be said for Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

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