Art Garfunkel: The Iconic Voice Behind Simon & Garfunkel

How Much Is Art Garfunkel Worth Today?

Art Garfunkel, the legendary American singer and songwriter, boasts a net worth of $95 million. Known primarily for his work with the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His partnership with Paul Simon began in the 1950s, when they were just kids performing as "Tom & Jerry" in high school. It was during the 1960s that they skyrocketed to fame with timeless hits like "The Sound of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Mrs. Robinson." Their music continues to resonate with generations, making them legends in their own right.

When Simon & Garfunkel parted ways in 1970, Art embarked on a successful solo career. He released albums such as "Angel Clare" and "Breakaway," which included chart-topping tracks like "All I Know" and "I Only Have Eyes For You." Beyond music, Garfunkel ventured into acting, starring in movies like "Catch-22" and "Carnal Knowledge." An avid reader and long-distance walker, he even completed walks across Japan and the United States. Despite vocal challenges later in life, Art remains a beloved figure in American music, earning eight Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Art Garfunkel's Early Days: From Forest Hills to Fame

Growing Up in Queens

Arthur Ira Garfunkel was born on November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City. Raised in a close-knit Romanian Jewish family with two brothers, Art's musical journey began at a young age. Singing in his local synagogue gave him his first taste of performing. Interestingly, his cousin was none other than the late Lou Pearlman, the mastermind behind boy bands Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Even as a child, Art had a knack for music. By first grade, he was already mesmerizing audiences with songs like "Unchained Melody" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." His father's gift of a wire recorder allowed him to record his singing, analyze his performances, and strive for perfection.

Read also:

Discover The Most Stunning Celebrity Couples Of All Time

The Making of a Cantor

Art's bar mitzvah was a defining moment in his life. He took on the role of a cantor, singing for an impressive four hours during the ceremony. However, life threw him a curveball when a lung infection forced him to stop singing for an entire summer. Instead of sulking, he used the time to hone his basketball skills—a passion he still enjoys today. During this time, he crossed paths with Paul Simon in sixth grade, and the two performed together in a school production of "Alice in Wonderland." According to Art, his singing at a talent show inspired Paul to pursue music as well.

The Tom & Jerry Era

Inspired by The Everly Brothers, Art and Paul formed Tom & Jerry in the mid-1950s. They sang in two-part vocal harmony and performed at school dances, captivating their peers. Their big break came in 1957 with the release of "Hey Schoolgirl," which reached #49 on the charts. However, their first major disagreement arose when Paul was offered a solo contract by record label exec Sid Posen and didn't inform Art. Feeling betrayed, the duo parted ways temporarily. After high school, Art attended Columbia University, where he majored in architecture while balancing sports and music. He graduated with a B.A. in art history in 1965 and later earned an M.A. in mathematics education in 1967.

Simon & Garfunkel: The Duo That Changed Music History

A Second Chance

After a brief hiatus, Art and Paul reunited in 1963. Despite initial hesitations, they reformed their duo, this time under the name Simon & Garfunkel. Though they joked that it sounded like a law firm, the name stuck. In 1964, they released their debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.," but it failed to gain traction. Disheartened, they parted ways again. However, fate intervened when producer Tom Wilson re-released "The Sound of Silence" as a single in 1965. The song became a massive hit, resonating especially with university students. Paul returned from his solo career in the UK, and the duo reunited to create some of the most iconic albums in music history.

The Golden Era

Over the next few years, Simon & Garfunkel released four successful albums: "Sounds of Silence," "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme," "Bookends," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The latter became their crowning achievement, selling over 25 million copies and winning two Grammy Awards. Their contribution to the soundtrack of the 1967 film "The Graduate" introduced "Mrs. Robinson," one of their most beloved songs. The duo's harmonies and storytelling lyrics left an everlasting impact on the music world.

Art Garfunkel's Solo Journey: Triumphs and Trials

Life After Simon & Garfunkel

By 1970, personal differences between Art and Paul led to the duo's breakup. Art pursued acting, landing roles in films like "Catch-22" and "Carnal Knowledge," while Paul focused on his solo career. In 1973, Art released his debut solo album, "Angel Clare," which reached #5 on the charts despite mixed reviews. His next album, "Breakaway," featured hits like "My Little Town" (co-written by Paul Simon) and "I Only Have Eyes For You." However, Art faced numerous challenges, including the tragic loss of his girlfriend Laurie Bird in 1974, which left him uninspired for years. After the underwhelming response to "Scissors Cut," he fell into a deep depression and retreated from public life, especially after the passing of his father.

A Comeback and New Beginnings

By the late '90s, Art returned to the spotlight, writing his own songs for the first time. In 2009, he and Paul briefly reunited for a series of concerts. However, their collaboration ended abruptly when Art had to withdraw from a tour due to vocal cord paresis. Paul publicly criticized Art for not being "honest" and letting the team down. Despite these setbacks, Art remains a respected figure in the music industry, inspiring fans with his resilience and passion.

Read also:

How Much Do Our Favorite Tv Stars Earn

Art Garfunkel's Personal Life: Love and Legacy

Art Garfunkel has been married twice and has two children. His first marriage was to architect Linda Marie Grossman from 1972 to 1975. In 1988, he married former model Kim Cermak, and the couple has remained together ever since. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Art's personal life reflects his commitment to family and creativity. Today, he continues to inspire fans with his artistry and enduring spirit.