Paul Simon Explains Why Simon & Garfunkel Broke Up (2023)

Paul Simon reveals the reason he split from Art Garfunkel and pursued a solo career.

[@johnblackburn544]

The real losers in their break up, was all of us…

[@martydav9475]

Probably true but Graceland was a superb album.

[@WilfriedWunderlich]

I really loved Paul’s music after the breakup.

[@bodomalo]

not for me, would give you all the S&G hits and trade them for Paul Simon albums

[@TPOrchestra]

I agree. "My Little Town" gave us a clue to what we lost.

[@Da_Publick]

Losing Art opened up Paul Simon's songwriting.

[@mikeanderson4795]

The time they were together was great music.

[@frostyfrost4094]

so very true

[@danarzechula3769]

Relationships evolve and change that's not a reason to denigrate anyone. It's a natural progression. Especially artists are so independent

[@mjm5081]

Pure magic!

[@billrobbins5874]

Their music was magical. ♥️

[@darksalmon]

Saw them in one of their last reunion tours. It was perfect. Incredible.

[@frankfitzgerald4536]

Maybe Paul was the creative center but Bridge would not have been as good without Art's vocal. It was absolutely beautiful.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Paul wrote it for Art so without Art there would be no Bridge.

[@Bombabingbong66]

That central park show ❤

[@magneto7930]

I've heard Paul sing it and it doesn't sound good at all. Yes, he certainly wrote a great song, but it has to be sung by Art, in order to do the song justice.

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@Bombabingbong66 I love the Central Park concert. They were both in brilliant form and clearly getting along well. I have it on DVD and have watched it several times.

[@Skier10]

@@CB-xr1eg the 1969 Carnegie Hall performance outdoes even the Central Park one

[@gardenlover9663]

I am grateful for every song they created together. Their harmonies are so beautiful.

[@mikeoglen6848]

They used to Harmonise till dawn...

[@emm352]

Paul went solo and made exceptional music. If you haven't listened to Graceland you are missing out on one of the greatest albums of all time

[@-jobrocodwawz-6226]

**THE greatest album of all time (so far)

[@adriennecrosby4105]

Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes... Amazing song!

[@ashduwitt9899]

Graceland and his self titled album are both 10s in my eyes. Paul simon has creativity flowing through every part of his body😂

[@Snoops510]

@@-jobrocodwawz-6226 - Agree! Just today I replied as such in a survey of favorite songs by decade.

[@kevinroberts2191]

100 % correct. i concur...

[@paulmurphy8993]

I saw Paul two years ago on his farewell tour and it was amazing. He performed for over three hours! Every song was spot on and his canon of hits is truly unmatched in today's world.

[@supermantra3437]

5 years ago. 5. 2018.

[@timmckeown1313]

I think McCartney’s canon of hits is where Simon met his match.

[@keithp8521]

I saw him at the ny worlds fair in queens that last tour i was speechless

[@stevescontriano860]

I’m proud of you

[@BeatlesFan1975]

​@@timmckeown1313Paul is many times better than Paul ...

[@paymedouble]

What a great interview this was. Hard to believe how many hits Paul Simon wrote

[@defauluse5524]

And Paul's a greedy, you know what.

[@leticiam8804]

Yes❤❤❤

[@rabarebra]

@@defauluse5524 Explain the greedy part.

[@pawelpap9]

⁠​⁠@@defauluse5524I don’t recall Art claiming he wrote any of the songs. Maybe you wrote some of them. If so, you should sue Paul.

[@jonnyfish76]

​@defauluse5524 with more talent than your entire family.

[@josepharmand6117]

Howard Stern is really leading Paul Simon on with his loaded questions... 'And he's your security blanket' 'And he's keeping YOU waiting'

[@jamesomahoney2181]

That's his job.. Paul would not say anything he didn't want/or already said.

[@anon20000]

I noticed that too lol

[@nolongerblocked6210]

That's been Howard's tactic when interviewing stars for a few decades. He always tries to push on the sore spots in someone's life to get spicy, news worthy answers

[@jesuslucifer-ug4os]

covnersation had built up to it,stern is good.

[@carolynluckas1219]

Garfunkel has a totally different story about how difficult and patronizing Simon is. He would degrade Garfunkel because he wasn’t a musician, “just a singer”. So…….😢

[@00inwiththenew00]

Two sides...

[@lindadee2053]

If it is true that Paul actually denigrated Art for his lack of musicianship, Art should have simply left the duo sooner rather than keep on clinging to Paul's coattails. I don't think I really believe this story although I do believe that Art always knew and possibly resented that Paul was the real musical genius of the two.

[@danarzechula3769]

​@@lindadee2053well many people have found Simon very independent. He knows his art and what he wants. He really needed to be on his own. Nobody's fault

[@ichbin5200]

Also, Simon wanted to go more ....

[@castleanthrax1833]

I think Art wanted to change some of Pauls songs, which did not go over well, and understandably so. I don't know if demanding that your songs be performed as written is being "difficult and patronising." I guess there was more to it as well, and I'd think they were probably both behaving "difficultly" towards each other.

[@bruceblackburn9423]

Paul's had an amazing career..breaking up didn't hinder that

[@dirkbogarde44]

Great.......but not as good as S & G. He had a few turkeys.

[@sarge420]

Phenomenal musician

[@GK1976A]

It’s amazing they got on so well together for as long as they did. They’re both strong minded individuals.

[@markyboy4777]

Knowing eachother as kids probably helped

[@Bjowolf2]

But the amazing and very beautiful song Bridge Over Troubled Water did become even better with the addition of the extra 3rd verse on Art's and Roy Hallee's ( the producer ) insisting suggestion.

[@eticocr]

My respect for Paul Simon one of the best

[@Errol.C-nz]

yep.. & where'd Art Garfunkel go.. nowhere !

[@Show_CharlesDawson]

@@Errol.C-nznot very fair, he wasn't always as passionate about music. He became a math teacher for a year, and did movies. If he wanted success he could have had it.

[@tashathayer4069]

They were Perfect as a Team & both great alone but Ego's tend to clash esp in music but they were GREAT. Sad they couldn't put ego aside,such a loss. ✌ ❤

[@jeffreyfarmer8030]

Art needed Paul far more than Paul needed him. Their solo careers proved it.

[@toowiseforyou]

I disagree completely, but see no point in explaining.

[@TheMikkster]

@@toowiseforyou Hello Art

[@phillippereira6468]

​@@toowiseforyou What you should have said was "I disagree completely, but have no way to back up my statement"

[@sambell385]

@@phillippereira6468 that’s why he said he sees no point in trying to explain his statement because he knows he’s full of shit

[@djdarq6311]

@@toowiseforyouyou’d be wrong anyway. Graceland is better than anything they did

[@shane505]

Garfunkel’s voice though 🥰

[@mrbillradio]

I really wish they could have worked things out and stayed together. One of my favorite all time groups

[@daved7231]

One of the best musicians of all time.

[@petesmalls08]

Arguably THEE best musician of all time.

[@summerboy1976]

@@petesmalls08I don’t think so Pete

[@bsnf-5]

Dylan

[@lynnemiller3633]

Paul. Whoa. Beautiful.singwriter You needed each other. Period. Your song(s) wouldn't have soared without Art Garfunkels input and vocal mastery.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I'd be willing to bet that they both would've had successful careers without the other. The big difference was that Paul could do it on his own. Art always required a songwriter. Paul CAN sing..

[@donarthiazi2443]

​@@castleanthrax1833 Preeeecisely 👍👍👍👍

[@joepatbob]

though I feel "Graceland" wouldn't had been the masterpiece if it wasn't just Paul.

[@johnswanson3741]

Just so amazing that the Rolling Stones have been able to stay together all these years

[@michaelmcguinness4108]

Some of the greatest songs of all time

[@nctpti2073]

Garfunkel could sing, but what worthwhile has he done solo? Paul Simon's solo career is just as solid as Simon and Garfunkel were.

[@DrKennyWang]

“I just heard it from Chuck Grodin” 😆

[@colacurciolaw7745]

That's the origin of "I heard it through the grapevine!"

[@cevinwillson9113]

Catch 22

[@margo3367]

I just saw an interview with the Stones about their new album. It takes real love and understanding to stay together for that long and not many have it. Simon & Garfunkel were really great, but their egos got in the way. Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone and now I’m channeling Joni Mitchell!😅

[@castleanthrax1833]

Hop on the bus, Gus... Or a big yellow taxi, Maxi. 😂

[@candydale8380]

I was about to make the Joni connection then read the rest of your post! Musical minds rule the world hahaha

[@stiffyupperlip1851]

I have to say that,it takes real love and understanding to listen Stones last 20 albums.

[@HOPEat]

🍻🍻🍻 to Paul!!! So many times S&G Greatest Hits got me through troubled times. ☮️☮️☮️

[@Alrukitaf]

I guess Art was struggling in Paul’s shadow. That’s probably what the underlying problem was - he didn’t get much of a look in with Paul writing, singing lead and playing guitar, Art was just an add-on. But Art had the voice of an angel. Truly great.

[@JohnRobertsonwithme]

You've got it spot on

[@JohnRobertsonwithme]

I saw them at Central Park and it was mine blowing. Beautiful

[@jamescarter3196]

That's another way of saying 'Paul was really full of himself and wanted all the spotlight when he didn't deserve it because he couldn't get famous by himself'. Paul was struggling with the fact that he didn't do it all himself. He couldn't.

[@pappyroxx1841]

Get on the bus Gus. Make a new plan Stan...and set yourself free!!!!😅

[@candydale8380]

"You don't need to be coy, Roy, ya just listen to me"🎵🎶🎤

[@Nonconformistwilderbeastman]

​@@zefallafez😉😆🤧

[@leafswerver492]

Huff this fart, Art

[@DarrellPoe]

Just watched them on SNL - I think it was the second episode of the first season in 1975. They had already split up, but they played a couple songs together and Art sang one solo - amazing talent for sure. Paul gives Art a little good-natured ribbing about his movie career and you could tell there was still love between them. National treasures to be sure.

[@BufordPusser582]

Every time I see Paul Simon, he always seems to have such a nice smile!

[@rustyking8783]

Not 100% true. Paul didn't want to sing lead on Bridge Over Troubled Water so he put it on Art. After it became a huge hit Paul resented it and Art too.

[@stephensmith7887]

At Paul's show in Florida a few years ago he introduced the song as a long-lost child he had given away too soon.

[@nelson1953]

It's really a pitty their separation because the blend of those 2 voices is really something.❤

[@gormusic3197]

He is a true genius🎸🍾

[@m5760l]

Other way around

[@johncorrall1739]

​@@m5760l Two geniuses

[@janjones4959]

@@m5760l Please did Garfunkel write any of the songs…. No!

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@janjones4959 And could Simon sing as beautifully as Garfunkel? No!

[@castleanthrax1833]

​@@m5760lArt certainly sang beautifully, but Paul is a true genius... Art isn't. Songwriting can be described as genius. Singing cannot.

[@keithp8521]

Great American songwriter

[@patcola7335]

Just a great songwriter.

[@royalemeraldbuilder5058]

​@@patcola7335Who's American...

[@patcola7335]

@@royalemeraldbuilder5058 Yes we have quite a few of those . Glory to God!

[@jamesmcinnis208]

I've had one encounter with each of them. My enduring impression when I see Paul is "what a talent," and when I see Art is "what a jerk."

[@nadagabri5783]

Bridge over Troubled Water is timeless master piece and could not have been done with out both

[@cherylvisconti]

What? 🤣🤣🤣🤣ok Boomer!

[@daddyagogo]

This was fantastic radio - Paul was so engaging and forthcoming, didn’t know he had it in him but he obviously came to talk. Howard the fan, always a great interview.

[@martinwhite418]

It's hard to believe how many hits Art sang.

[@kcdurkin8498]

All Witten by others

[@martinwhite418]

@@kcdurkin8498 Would you rather read a song or hear it?

[@danarzechula3769]

​@@kcdurkin8498and?? Could say the same for most famous singers and all opera singers.

[@danarzechula3769]

​@@kcdurkin8498it's wonderful these 2 very different and talented people came together for a time and made such amazing music

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Security blanket? No. Paul could handle it on his own!

[@FUNKEYGAINS]

Not at the time, duos were the thing and art had the looks and the voice, while Paul had the musical genius. Think Wham!, then George Michael afterwards.

[@jimmywoods7879]

How many of you commenting on here.. can listen to Paul Simon talked about his life in music all night long

[@javiermorales4228]

I heard a David gilmour interview on the radio many years ago where David said Paul Simon is his favorite acoustic guitar player.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Okay, and?

[@debs_boho_jungle]

Don’t get it twisted; Mr. Simon has a huge ego and was just as much a part of the problem I’m sure. Both incredibly talented musicians. I’m grateful we were blessed with their timeless music!

[@ahm7944]

Paul made Art and art

[@ChuckWortman]

But if Paul and Arty had stayed together would we have gotten Late in the Evening? Graceland? Diamonds? Maybe, maybe not

[@rjciccone]

Paul Simon needed to go solo if indeed Art Garfunkel was more interested in making movies than records. S&G did reunite over the years but what they did from 1964-1970 was magical

[@monkusbee]

Simon was the genius of this duo.

[@monkusbee]

@@timetowakeup6302 what’s with the tude?

[@danarzechula3769]

Garfunk was the voice

[@martydav9475]

​@@danarzechula3769Yes, Simon was the great writer/composer but Garf had that great voice.

[@LorenzoNW]

But Simon & Garfunkel was the magic. And magic transcends mere genius.

[@DUANEYAISER]

Yes, but I've also heard that Art G. is just a lovely, pleasant person, and of course there's that voice. He also had great creative input. For example, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" has the third verse and huge orchestral ending because Art felt the song was setting up for it. I sense his contributions are easily diminished simply by being partners with one of the greatest songwriters of the century.

[@HootDadChannel]

My thought watching this is the same I usually have listening to Simon - "what a DB"

[@jmcreek7936]

Best when they were together though...it takes 2 to tango..they were both the problem!😊

[@papasmurf5598]

He lives in Wimberley Texas now. Said he doesn’t want the Cold Weather anymore.

[@IamRichardWolfe]

Where does he say this?

[@waveman8923]

Great little town!

[@georgecarini345]

The two of them did so many wonderful songs. I guess nothing can last forever. I remember buying Sounds of Silence at 16. It blew me away. Their music was really a part of life.

[@Lamouettekamikaze]

There is always two version of a story involving two persons.

[@lilise3965]

Art had a celestial voice.

[@Larrymarx]

*Paul Simon!* The voice for a generation, mine♪♫♪ btw: I've always felt; *Simon & McCartney* were cut from the same cloth, different in styles but *Devine in Nature♪♫♪*

[@paulsontag9233]

The thing is Art’s “movie career” was less than middling. His subsequent solo albums were also underwhelming.

[@mirammckay4827]

Art made exquisite album,I have them.Each song is beautiful. Jimmy Webb wrote most of the songs Garfunkel sang.

[@marcuspi999]

Simon and Garfunkel are legends because of Paul. Art always thought of himself as 50% of the success. The only reason his name is listed is because they were friends as young kids. Great singer, but not a contributor to the songwriting except criticizing what Paul came up with.

[@kbv3263]

Reminds me of Levon Helm of the Band. Without Robbie Robertson’s artistic magnificence he was just a rootsy singer and drummer.

[@Hessulo]

Reminds me of John Fogerty and his "mates" in CCR😮

[@jetnut89]

Everyone thinks they’re an expert on Simon and Garfunkel. If you weren’t in the studio with them, you probably don’t know what the real story is.

[@marcuspi999]

@@jetnut89 true about all bands.

[@luquarius127]

Garfunkel was holding him back. Simon is a musical genius.

[@johnbarroll1120]

thank God they didn't break up any sooner. They made music from heaven.

[@paktype]

The Concert in Central Park in 1981 drew 500,000 people. I have that album and they were great together. People always wanted them to get back together.

[@c3dmf4s]

Simon has the biggest case of short man's complex.. him and Billy joel.

[@johnneal539]

S and G magic music! ❤️

[@user-dm3yx3hp5j]

Exceptional creative talent!!!!!!! His explanation is really interesting!!!!!!! ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@steffibaker6121]

Dishonesty is a dealbreaker.

[@fdfac]

Paul Simon is the greatest composer of his generation.

[@heroicjourney2508]

No

[@Reality_check10]

Definitely not 😂

[@dominicg3316]

@@heroicjourney2508yes he is

[@onkelmarvin8360]

Paul Simon sings beautifully too.......and he wrote most of their hits.......

[@carolynm9638]

Exactly

[@Isoco-rq5wi]

Thank you very much! I study English harder than before!

[@petercino6972]

Thanks for talking to Paul Simon, Howard/Robin!

[@jeffpope7811]

Love them since they were Tom & Jerry ❤

[@pocahon8460]

What?

[@frostyfrost4094]

hey school girl in the second row

[@emirsabic7908]

​@@pocahon8460That's how they used to call themselves in the early days

[@escaton74]

hows that possible, you look 50 max

[@bradsanders407]

I thought they were Laurel and Hardy

[@anitaholst7671]

I sang some of S&G's most beautiful songs to my grandkids, 3 and 5, in the car today. I couldnt remember all of the words, so i brought the songs up on KZbin. They listened quietly. Then agreed that they were awesome. This duo created some of the most precious music of my life. Theyll be played at my wake.

[@philcornish2187]

I remember when Paul Simon released his album Graceland. I'm not sure if it's actually true, but supposedly, it made the guinness book of records for the quickest sales of one million copies. Great album.

[@-jobrocodwawz-6226]

It is the best album of all time

[@user-ti2bd9yr6l]

❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 ขอบคุณรายการดีที่สุดเช่นนี้ คุณทำให้เราได้ย้อนรอย ความทรงจำดีงาม ในโลกที่อบอวลไปด้วย เสียงเพลงของทั้งคู่ ที่สอดประสานกันอย่างลงตัว โลกที่สุขสงบและสันติสุข เป็นเช่นนี้เอง หลับตาลงแล้วฟังเสียงเพลงที่ เรียบเรื่อยดุจสายน้ำ อันฉ่ำเย็นที่ไหลผ่านโขดหินเนินทราย แล้วผ่านหมู่ไม้น้อยใหญ่ที่แสงแดด ลอดผ่านมา รักจากประเทศไทย รักทั้งสองตลอดกาล เราฟังเพลงของคุณทั้งสอง เพื่อเสริมพลังใจให้ชีวิต อันร้อนแรงและดูร้าย ให้อ่อนโยนลง แม้ชั่วขณะ ที่ฟังเพลงของคุณทั้งสอง ฉันรำลึกถึง วัยเยาว์อันแสนสุข กับเพื่อนมัธยม 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇹🇭🇹🇭🥳🤩😍

[@andrewskratt9552]

GREAT TO C JACKIE ON THE SHOW

[@user-ql8pm4gu6o]

Both are phenomenal

[@whiltoecardhonian3054]

lol poor art. He was probably told by his agent “arty, movies are the newest thing! If you do this you’ll be a big star!” *art Garfunkel voice “you really think so?!”

[@susanh3602]

New subscriber here and wow this song takes me back. This is the first time I’ve stopped and listened closely.. wow! Chills and some tears-Thanks for sharing this one. 😊

[@JohnBarrylizard]

Paul Simon is a brilliant song writer. There's endless great singers but few great songwriters.

[@catherineeffa8517]

Bridge over trouble water oh yes my favorite when I was young. God bless you and this song Thank you ❤💐🍀💋

[@bradsanders407]

Bridge over troubled water indeed

[@kchappelle]

Without Paul, Art would just be a lounge singer in a cheesy hotel at best. Art was very ungrateful towards Paul.

[@m5760l]

Not true

[@richarddelgado2723]

@@m5760lwhich part did he say was wrong ? 😮….

[@patcola7335]

​​@MyStonefishWhat instruments did Art play and what songs did he write ?

[@m5760l]

@@richarddelgado2723 Garfunkel had talent Simon was very insecure

[@Nerkin610]

@MyStonefishI love Art, but let’s not kid ourselves here. The world is full of angelic voices, but only a handful songwriters can even begin to try competing with Paul Simon. Lyrically AND melodically.

[@hut42199]

ik i love art but paul is the brains behind the music listen to his solo stuff it’s amazing

[@stevefirst1512]

I love Rae Stern interviews and what a treat to have Robins Mom sit in for her!

[@mrandersson2009]

I you are in a room being interviewed by Howard Stern, you should have the same thought "I gotta get out of here!"

[@RichardHansbury]

Security BLANKET?! How-hard stern is not fit to carry Paul Simon's guitar for him. 😂

[@leskobrandon691]

Their musical inclinations are markedly different. Garfunkel sang harmony & that's it. Paul Simon was a musical genius. He wrote every song they ever recorded, played guitar & piano, and was the brains behind the duo. Garfunkel is a weirdo in person.

[@danarzechula3769]

When did you meet him and under what circumstances. How many artists are not weird😂. They are both very talented. It is so nice that they came together for a time to make such great recordings

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Paul is the talent 🔴

[@shedjammer87]

I think it was inevitable that Paul would go his own musical direction.

[@randomsk8r91]

It broke my heart when they split up-their music together was so hauntingly beautiful. It was my ‘welcome to adulting’ music. It was a long time before I understood the why of their breakup. I loved Paul Simon’s music as well

[@Mamasan742]

This broke my heart to pieces. Simon and Garfunkel was a household name growing up. Their music will always be timeless classics. ❤❤❤

[@gailg2327]

Love the honesty! Love them too!

[@chrisbullen219]

Call me Al was a masterpiece I saw him in concert and the crowd was so euphoric and participating during that song he played it twice lol it was awesome

[@cherylvisconti]

Poor souls.

[@RockSleeper]

didn't even know garf was in a movie

[@kcdurkin8498]

Paul Simon didn't need Garfunkel...

[@TomO-nx1bd]

Listening to how perfectly their talents complimented each other it's hard to believe there was also such extreme discord as well.

[@guitarman704]

Paul is up there with the best of the best. Respect!

[@ursafan40]

Considering Simon wrote the songs, I'd defer to his vision.

[@raygunn1083]

Paul Simon is a very unlikable character.

[@user-jp9cn9gv1g]

I love that song because it brings back happy memories, and I love you can call me al, because it’s a great dance song.

[@samlewis-fx7qu]

People don’t always recognize how amazing an interview journalist Howard is.

[@jordanmartinez2432]

Nothing amazing about Howard Stern.....🤦‍♂️

[@keithferris9574]

​@@jordanmartinez2432says a person who's accomplished nothing.

[@LadyFairChildVideo]

he's okay but some instigator principles abound in how he handles them.

[@patcola7335]

​@@keithferris9574What did you accomplish and what is it going to matter when you're in the grave?

[@donniemoder1466]

So Howard has someone do a bunch of research for him and Howard picks and chooses parts of the research to ask about. A lot of it is just prior interviews, Wiki pages and biographies. Throw in some over the top flattery that doesn't even sound sincere.

[@gladisantonelli3146]

Nunca existirá uma dupla musical tão maravilhosa quanto eles!!!

[@louskuntz819]

Garfunkel fails

[@solangehogue4179]

I love hearing them sing. We lose....💔