Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are one of the most iconic musical duos in history, known for timeless classics like *The Sound of Silence*, *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, and *Scarborough Fair*.

Their harmonies defined a generation and their songs continue to resonate decades later.

Yet behind the scenes, their partnership was fraught with tension, resentment, and creative clashes that ultimately led to their breakup in 1970.

Now, at 83, Paul Simon has finally opened up about the real reasons their collaboration unraveled—truths that have remained hidden for decades.

 

Simon and Garfunkel’s story began in Queens, New York, where they met as children in 1953.

At just 11 years old, they discovered their voices blended perfectly during a school production of *Alice in Wonderland*.

What started as a childhood friendship blossomed into a musical partnership that would change the landscape of American folk rock.

 

By the mid-1960s, the duo had transformed from teenage performers known as Tom and Jerry into international superstars.

Their breakthrough came with the 1966 album *Sounds of Silence*, which propelled them to fame with haunting, poetic songs.

Subsequent albums like *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* and *Bookends* solidified their place in music history.

Their crowning achievement was the 1970 album *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, which spent ten weeks at number one and won six Grammy Awards.

Together, Simon and Garfunkel sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Their music became the soundtrack of a generation, yet their personal relationship was far from harmonious.

 

Despite their commercial success, tensions between Simon and Garfunkel were mounting by the late 1960s.

The first signs of trouble appeared during the recording of *Bookends* in 1968.

Paul Simon, the primary songwriter and creative force behind the duo’s music, began to feel frustrated with what he perceived as Art Garfunkel’s lack of commitment.

 

While Simon poured his heart into writing, arranging, and producing their songs, Garfunkel was increasingly distracted by acting opportunities, most notably his role in Mike Nichols’s film *Catch-22*.

Simon later revealed that he felt he was doing all the heavy lifting musically while Garfunkel enjoyed the spotlight without equal effort.

 

This imbalance bred resentment. Simon described how he wrote and arranged their music, only for Garfunkel to “come in and sing his part.”

The growing divide was not just professional but deeply personal, fueled by contrasting personalities and ambitions.

 

The tensions peaked during the recording sessions for *Bridge Over Troubled Water*.

Simon had written the title track specifically for Garfunkel’s soaring tenor voice, believing it would showcase his partner’s strengths.

Yet, Simon admitted feeling conflicted about giving away what he knew would be their biggest hit.

The song’s massive success amplified Simon’s feelings of being overshadowed, as critics and audiences praised Garfunkel’s emotional delivery while often overlooking Simon’s songwriting genius.

 

At the heart of their conflict were fundamental differences in how they viewed their partnership.

Simon, a perfectionist and control freak, desired complete creative authority.

He spent countless hours crafting intricate arrangements and meaningful lyrics, seeing their songs as his artistic vision realized through Garfunkel’s voice.

Conversely, Garfunkel considered himself an equal partner who deserved input on creative decisions.

This clash came to a head when Garfunkel suggested changes to Simon’s arrangements during *Bridge Over Troubled Water* sessions.

Simon found these moments deeply frustrating, feeling his vision was compromised by someone who did not contribute to songwriting.

 

Complicating matters further was Garfunkel’s growing focus on acting.

His extended absence while filming *Catch-22* left Simon feeling abandoned, forcing delays in recording and promotion.

Simon viewed these pursuits as vanity projects that threatened their momentum.

 

The final straw came in 1970 when Garfunkel committed to another film project, *Carnal Knowledge*, without consulting Simon.

This decision, requiring months away from music, convinced Simon that Garfunkel was no longer serious about their partnership.

Feeling betrayed and overwhelmed by resentment, Simon made the unilateral decision to end the duo.

 

Simon later admitted he delivered the breakup news coldly, reflecting years of pent-up frustration and the belief that he had carried the partnership alone.

The breakup devastated both men. Garfunkel felt blindsided and deeply hurt, having believed they were equal partners.

The split triggered a prolonged depression for Garfunkel, impacting both his music and acting careers.

 

Simon, meanwhile, channeled his energy into a solo career, determined to prove his independence.

His early solo albums, including *Paul Simon* and *There Goes Rhymin’ Simon*, showcased his artistic growth but also highlighted the void left by Garfunkel’s harmonies.

 

Over the decades, Simon and Garfunkel made several attempts to reunite, but old wounds and unresolved issues repeatedly resurfaced.

Their 1975 *Saturday Night Live* reunion was tense and awkward, revealing lingering discomfort between them.

 

The most successful reunion came in 1981 with their Central Park concert, which drew over 500,000 people and became one of the most-watched concerts in television history.

The event sparked hopes for a new album and tour, but creative differences soon reemerged.

 

During the recording of what became Simon’s *Hearts and Bones* album, Garfunkel initially recorded vocals for several tracks.

However, as conflicts arose, Simon removed Garfunkel’s parts and released the album as a solo project.

This betrayal cut deeper than the original breakup, showing Simon’s continued inability to share creative control.

 

Their 2003–2004 reunion tour, despite commercial success, was marred by backstage tensions.

Simon’s tight control over setlists and arrangements frustrated Garfunkel, who felt reduced to a backing vocalist on songs he helped make famous.

 

Now, in the twilight of his career, Paul Simon has spoken openly about the true reasons behind their fractured relationship.

At 83, he admits that the breakup was not just about creative differences or career priorities—it was about his own insecurities and need for control.

 

Simon confessed, “The truth is, I was threatened by Art’s talent. His voice was the instrument that made our songs soar, but I couldn’t handle not being the only essential element. I needed to be irreplaceable, and Art’s voice made me feel replaceable.”

 

He also acknowledged his treatment of Garfunkel was often cruel and calculated, deliberately excluding him from key creative decisions to maintain power.

“I was protecting my ego at the expense of something beautiful,” Simon said.

Perhaps most poignantly, Simon expressed regret over his actions. Though his solo career was successful, he admitted it never quite recaptured the magic of their partnership.

“I proved I could do it alone, but I never proved it was better. Some partnerships are greater than the sum of their parts, and ours was one of them.”

 

Today, both Simon and Garfunkel are in their 80s, and their story remains one of music’s most heartbreaking what-ifs.

While Simon’s candid reflections show personal growth and a willingness to confront past mistakes, the possibility of a final reconciliation remains uncertain.

 

Art Garfunkel, now 82, has remained more reserved publicly, though friends suggest he finds some peace in Simon’s admissions.

Regardless of their personal relationship, the enduring beauty of their music stands as a testament to their extraordinary collaboration.

 

Songs like *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, *The Sound of Silence*, and *Scarborough Fair* continue to inspire new generations, proving that their artistic partnership transcended personal conflicts.

Yet, their story also serves as a cautionary tale about how fragile such creative magic can be when ego and insecurity take hold.

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