Simon & Garfunkel are one of the most influential folk rock duos in music history. Composed of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, their harmonies, poetic lyrics, and socially conscious themes defined the sound of the 1960s and 70s. From The Sound of Silence to Bridge Over Troubled Water, their music has left an indelible mark on generations of listeners.
As the years pass and public appearances become rare, fans often ask: Is Simon & Garfunkel still alive? This article explores the current status of both artists, their individual lives and careers, and the enduring legacy of their iconic partnership.
Is Simon & Garfunkel Still Alive?
Simon & Garfunkel is not an individual but a musical duo. Both members—Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel—are still alive as of the most recent verified updates. While they have not performed together in many years, each has continued to pursue personal projects, and their music remains widely celebrated across the globe.
The duo officially disbanded decades ago, but their legacy remains active through recordings, documentaries, tributes, and the enduring relevance of their lyrical messages.
Paul Simon: Life and Career Update
Current Status
Paul Simon is alive and continues to be involved in music and environmental causes. Born on October 13, 1941, he is now in his early 80s. He has slowed down in recent years but remains creatively active.
Simon announced his retirement from touring in 2018 with his Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour, though he has since made select live appearances. In 2023, he surprised fans with a deeply personal album titled Seven Psalms, which explored spiritual themes and marked a return to introspective songwriting.
Despite partial hearing loss in one ear, Simon continues to compose and experiment musically.
Legacy as a Solo Artist
Following the duo’s breakup in 1970, Paul Simon launched an immensely successful solo career. His solo work includes:
- Still Crazy After All These Years
- Graceland
- Rhythm of the Saints
- There Goes Rhymin’ Simon
Graceland (1986), in particular, is considered one of his finest achievements, blending South African music with Western pop to widespread acclaim. Simon’s lyrical sophistication and musical exploration have earned him numerous awards, including multiple Grammy wins and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a solo artist and as part of Simon & Garfunkel.
Art Garfunkel: Life and Career Update
Current Status
Art Garfunkel is also alive and continues to live a relatively quiet life focused on writing, occasional performances, and poetry. Born on November 5, 1941, he is also in his early 80s.
Though he no longer tours extensively, Garfunkel still performs select concerts, often in intimate venues. His voice, once characterized by its angelic clarity, has matured with age, but he remains passionate about music and literature.
He lives primarily in New York and enjoys long walks, writing poetry, and connecting with fans through live appearances and interviews.
Solo Work and Literary Pursuits
Art Garfunkel pursued a solo career following the duo’s split. Some of his solo albums include:
- Angel Clare (1973)
- Breakaway (1975)
- Scissors Cut (1981)
His solo career leaned toward ballads and orchestral arrangements. Though not as commercially dominant as Simon’s solo work, Garfunkel’s voice remained beloved by fans.
He has also published poetry collections and a memoir, What Is It All but Luminous, in which he reflects on his life, musical journey, and complex relationship with Paul Simon.
A Complex Relationship
The artistic and personal relationship between Simon and Garfunkel has been famously complicated. Despite their musical chemistry, they experienced frequent creative disagreements. After their 1970 breakup, they reunited for a few brief periods, including:
- The 1981 Central Park Concert in New York, which drew over 500,000 attendees
- A brief tour in 2003–2004
- Sporadic one-off performances at award shows and benefits
However, tensions often resurfaced, preventing long-term reunions. While many fans hoped for a permanent reunion tour, both artists eventually moved on to individual paths, respecting the legacy of their shared work without trying to force continued collaboration.
Musical Contributions and Cultural Impact
Simon & Garfunkel created some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. Their work often reflected the political, emotional, and philosophical currents of their time. Their most famous tracks include:
- The Sound of Silence
- Mrs. Robinson
- Bridge Over Troubled Water
- Scarborough Fair/Canticle
- America
- I Am a Rock
- Cecilia
Their harmonies, often marked by emotional depth and lyrical clarity, became a defining sound of the folk-rock genre. Their albums—particularly Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, Bookends, and Bridge Over Troubled Water—remain critically acclaimed and commercially successful even today.
Awards and Recognition
Simon & Garfunkel have received numerous accolades for their musical contributions:
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (1990)
- Grammy Hall of Fame entries for key albums and songs
- Multiple Grammy Awards for songwriting and performance
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Their influence is visible in countless artists across genres. They helped bring folk music into the mainstream and demonstrated that commercial success and artistic integrity could coexist.
Their work continues to be studied and covered by musicians, musicologists, and educators alike.
Influence on Modern Music
Simon & Garfunkel paved the way for countless singer-songwriters. Their use of poetic imagery, political nuance, and experimental production techniques helped evolve the folk genre into something richer and more dynamic.
They influenced artists such as:
- James Taylor
- Fleet Foxes
- Bon Iver
- Sufjan Stevens
- The Lumineers
Their legacy also lives on in movie soundtracks, commercials, and educational materials. Songs like Mrs. Robinson and The Sound of Silence have been featured in films, including The Graduate and Watchmen, giving their music renewed relevance with younger audiences.
Personal Lives and Family
Paul Simon has been married to musician Edie Brickell since 1992. The couple shares a love for songwriting and has collaborated musically. They live in Connecticut and New York and have three children.
Art Garfunkel has been married to Kim Garfunkel since 1988, and the couple has two sons. He values privacy and a reflective lifestyle, often discussing family and philosophy in his interviews.
Both artists remain active in their own circles—musical, familial, and creative—continuing to age with grace while reflecting on careers filled with milestones.
Where Are They Now?
Paul Simon
- Resides primarily in New York and Connecticut
- Composes music and writes quietly
- Occasionally appears for benefit concerts or album releases
- In 2023, released Seven Psalms, a meditative acoustic suite
Art Garfunkel
- Lives in Manhattan and enjoys frequent long walks
- Performs selected solo concerts
- Publishes poetry and personal reflections
- Remains active with his fans through events and interviews
Though no longer a performing duo, both men continue to contribute in meaningful ways to music, literature, and cultural life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simon & Garfunkel still alive?
Yes, both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are still alive. Although the duo no longer performs together, each continues to pursue individual creative projects.
When did Simon & Garfunkel split?
They officially disbanded in 1970, shortly after the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water, but have reunited occasionally for special performances.
What are Simon & Garfunkel most known for?
They are best known for hits like The Sound of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mrs. Robinson, and their poetic, socially conscious folk-rock style.
Are Simon & Garfunkel friends today?
Their relationship has had ups and downs over the years. While not actively collaborating, they express mutual respect and gratitude for their shared legacy.
Have they ever considered reuniting permanently?
Though fans hoped for a reunion, both artists have chosen to focus on their solo paths, occasionally collaborating in the past but never committing to a permanent reunion.
Conclusion
Simon & Garfunkel may no longer perform as a duo, but both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are still alive and continue to shape music and culture in their own ways. Their partnership, though often complex, gave the world timeless songs and a sound that remains unmatched.
Their impact extends far beyond their years of collaboration. Through lyrics that spoke to the human condition, harmonies that transcended genres, and a commitment to artistry, Simon & Garfunkel left behind a legacy that continues to comfort, challenge, and inspire.