Origins & Early Life

Simon & Garfunkel was an American musical duo comprising the singer-songwriter Paul Simon and the singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling musical acts of the 1960s. Their recordings include three U.S. number-one singles—"The Sound of Silence" and the two Record of the Year Grammy winners "Mrs.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Robinson" and "Bridge over Troubled Water"—as well as "Homeward Bound", "I Am a Rock", "Scarborough Fair/Canticle", "A Hazy Shade of Winter", "America", "The Boxer" and "Cecilia". Simon and Garfunkel met in school in Queens, New York City, in 1953, where they learned to harmonize and Simon began writing songs. As teenagers, under the name Tom & Jerry, they had minor success with "Hey Schoolgirl" (1957), a song imitating their idols, the Everly Brothers. In 1963, they regrouped and signed to Columbia Records as Simon & Garfunkel. Their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

(1964), sold poorly; Simon returned to a solo career, this time in England, while Garfunkel resumed his studies at Columbia University. In 1965, a remixed version of "The Sound of Silence" became a US AM radio hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Simon & Garfunkel released their second album, Sounds...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmad Shah Massoud — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
• Alex Gibney — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Acclaimed American documentary filmmaker known for investigative works on power and belief.
• Achille Mbembe — Historical peer (Born in 1957) (1957): Cameroonian historian and political theorist known for critiques of colonialism.
• Aga Khan III — Historical peer (Died in 1957) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Abd el-Krim — Historical peer (Died in 1963) (1963): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke — Historical peer (Died in 1963) (1963): British Field Marshal and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during WWII.
• Abedi Pele — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Albert Schweitzer — Historical peer (Died in 1965) (1965): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'