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.

[@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 ...

[@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

[@bartonone2005]

Paul Simon's compositions are all very well constructed. He is an amazing songwriter.

[@eddiepower3876]

It's good that Paul opens up and tells us all about this. There's nothing worse than the sound of silence

[@MichaelConroy-o4s]

Hey! I saw what you did there.I’m wide awake.🤔🫵🤫

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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

[@johnbarroll1120]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@sarge420]

Phenomenal musician

[@shane505]

Garfunkel’s voice though 🥰

[@Fishies125]

And his passion.

[@misteress3840]

Angelic but attached to a huge pain in the neck

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@mrbillradio]

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

[@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.

[@BufordPusser582]

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

[@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!

[@DrKennyWang]

“I just heard it from Chuck Grodin” 😆

[@colacurciolaw7745]

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

[@cevinwillson9113]

Catch 22

[@johnswanson3741]

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

[@eddiepower3876]

The grass 😅

[@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.

[@michaelmcguinness4108]

Some of the greatest songs of all time

[@nadagabri5783]

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

[@cherylvisconti]

What? 🤣🤣🤣🤣ok Boomer!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Mamasan742]

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

[@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.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

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

[@SayWhatAgainMF]

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.

[@HootDadChannel]

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

[@eddiepower3876]

DB?

[@ChuckWortman]

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

[@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!

[@petercino6972]

Thanks for talking to Paul Simon, Howard/Robin!

[@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.

[@TomO-nx1bd]

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

[@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♪♫♪*

[@jmcreek7936]

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

[@onkelmarvin8360]

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

[@carolynm9638]

Exactly

[@EveGene]

THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC YOU 2 MADE!!! ✨

[@ahm7944]

Paul made Art and art

[@hut42199]

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

[@juliannewelch5854]

They are both legends. The most amazing music. Sound of silence and bridge over troubled waters is truly out of this world music.

[@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

[@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.

[@eddiepower3876]

Compared to Sound of Silence, Bridge, Scarborough, The Boxer, Call Me Al is very very second rate. Very

[@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.

[@eddiepower3876]

I'd say the congregation may prefer the sound of silence

[@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

[@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.

[@douglaslang2218]

They still created some beautiful American songs that are cemented in American pop culture… I mean if you ever need to feel something just listen to the sound of silence…. One of the most famous but it tugs on your heartstrings

[@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

[@lollycopter]

Friends are not for transactional purposes.

[@DawnCapuano]

I listened to the Sounds of Silence for the 1st time since the 60’s I loved it the!! Today It has so much more meaning ❤I find myself listening more to the 60’s/70’s music today❤

[@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?!”

[@steffibaker6121]

Dishonesty is a dealbreaker.

[@guitarman704]

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

[@raygunn1083]

Paul Simon is a very unlikable character.

[@johnneal539]

S and G magic music! ❤️

[@stevefirst1512]

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

[@tcbep4157]

Paul did very well without Art, I don’t remember Art in any film whatsoever

[@ericburns9132]

He was on Arthur

[@serpente300]

A música do PAUL SIMON é... De longe! Muito superior! Olha aí o graceland! Dos meus álbuns favoritos.de sempre ❤❤🎉❤❤❤❤

[@-alas7106]

Nice to see him alive, I am Salvadorean and love their music 🎵🎶 Bridge over trouble Waters. Mrs Robinson.

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Paul is the talent 🔴

[@herrdocjdm]

Art Garfunkel is the Mike Love of Simon and Garfunkel.

[@marcuspi999]

That's an interesting analogy to use. I wouldn't have thought of that one. Good one.

[@Nerkin610]

Not really, Mike Love co-wrote important songs and thought of hooks!

[@marksoquet8626]

Lol😂

[@Skier10]

Except Art has the voice. Mike just thought he did

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

Their 5 studio albums are all impeccable! Sounds Of Silence and BOTW being my two favourites.

[@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."

[@RichardHansbury]

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

[@anitaholst7671]

Simon: so awesome a song writer. I confess i havent much exposure to his solo music but i plan to. Love him.

[@lucax2300]

Musicians are always disagreeing with each other over making music. We all have individual, innate, spiritual connections to sound frequency. It's in all of us, and it can affect mood, chakra, and even lift physical objects.

[@louskuntz819]

Garfunkel fails

[@AidaJof]

I am grateful for the times they came together because that stuff is classic but also grateful for Paul 🎶💖🎶taking his music without Art

[@kelvinsankale]

I can't separate Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel...that's a lifetime team.

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Paul Simon a really great musician, thank you for all the great entertainment.

[@gailg2327]

Love the honesty! Love them too!

[@leoantonio]

Robyn looks baked.

[@solangehogue4179]

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

[@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.

[@lettiegrant9447]

They were the best! No song in the world can top " Bridge Over Troubled Waters." 👍👍

[@LindaJoStruthers]

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

[@daniellem1838]

Their music always puts me in a peaceful mood.

[@ursafan40]

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

[@สมพรอินทรพาเพียร-ว6ศ]

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

[@clydeb7713]

Paul evolved on his own and had great songs.

[@salomelozano-qs6ny]

Debe haber sido una lucha constante entre Paul y Arthur por definir canciones, arreglos, producciones, etc. Siendo que en realidad todas las canciones eran de Paul, letra y música.

[@occamsrazor7939]

I still love Paul Simon.

[@bradsanders407]

Bridge over troubled water indeed

[@RockSleeper]

didn't even know garf was in a movie

[@kingoftheseamusic]

Stern is such a lickspittle

[@MichaelChernik-zf2fy]

Paul Simon is one of the greats in music.

[@misteress3840]

Garfunkel’s voice is gorgeous but he’s a crazy maker. Watch interviews w him.

[@JayWalker-tk2pr]

As good as he is alone, he is nothing compared to him with Art.

[@MaryBethKissel]

Neither one really ever had a good voice. Simon was clearly more talented than art.....which was clear when they broke up !

[@opinionday0079]

If there was no Garfunkel there would be no Simon and Garfunkel

[@alicejones9031]

Cant believe such a wonderful artist would go on slimy Sterns show

[@DavidTimlin-c8e]

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.

[@Met182]

Is the full interview available?

[@kathleen4376]

They made great music . I also think the sound engineers and producers in bridge over troubled water need to be acknowledged in addition to Simon and Farfunkle