# Art Garfunkel

> American singer (born 1941)

**Wikidata**: [Q4039](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4039)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Garfunkel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/art-garfunkel

## Summary
Art Garfunkel is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and poet, best known as one half of the iconic folk music duo Simon & Garfunkel. Born in 1941, he gained global fame for his distinctive vocals and contributions to timeless hits like "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," cementing his legacy in rock and folk music.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 5, 1941 (New York City, New York, USA)
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - Columbia University (attended)
  - Teachers College, Columbia University (attended)
  - Harvard University (attended)
- **Known for**: Co-founding the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, with a career spanning singing, songwriting, acting, and poetry.
- **Employer(s)**: Columbia Records, Atco Records
- **Field(s)**: Music (folk, rock), acting, poetry, education

## Contributions
- **Music Career**: Co-founded Simon & Garfunkel in 1957, producing influential albums like *Bridge Over Troubled Water* (1970) and *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* (1966).
- **Solo Work**: Released solo albums such as *Angel Clare* (1973) and *Breakaway* (1975), showcasing his vocal range and songwriting.
- **Acting**: Starred in films like *Catch-22* (1970) and *Carnal Knowledge* (1971), expanding his artistic repertoire.
- **Poetry**: Published poetry collections, blending literary and musical influences.
- **Teaching**: Worked as a mathematics teacher, reflecting his academic background.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the John Jay Award (1979) from Columbia College for distinguished alumni contributions.

## FAQs
**What is Art Garfunkel best known for?**
Art Garfunkel is best known as half of the legendary folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, renowned for hits like "The Sound of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson."

**Where did Art Garfunkel study?**
He attended Columbia University, Teachers College (Columbia University), and Harvard University, showcasing his academic and artistic versatility.

**What other careers has Art Garfunkel pursued?**
Beyond music, Garfunkel has acted in films, written poetry, and worked as a mathematics teacher.

**What record labels has Art Garfunkel been associated with?**
He has been affiliated with Columbia Records and Atco Records, two major labels in the music industry.

**Has Art Garfunkel won any awards?**
Yes, he received the John Jay Award in 1979 from Columbia College for his contributions to the arts and society.

## Why They Matter
Art Garfunkel’s contributions to music, particularly through Simon & Garfunkel, redefined folk and rock genres in the 1960s and 1970s. His ethereal vocals and poetic lyricism influenced generations of musicians, while his solo work and acting career demonstrated his multifaceted talent. His collaborations with Paul Simon produced some of the most enduring songs in American music history, leaving a lasting cultural impact.

## Notable For
- Co-founding Simon & Garfunkel, one of the most influential folk-rock duos of all time.
- Iconic vocals on hits like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Scarborough Fair/Canticle."
- Solo music career with albums like *Angel Clare* and *Breakaway*.
- Acting roles in films such as *Catch-22* and *Carnal Knowledge*.
- Published poet and former mathematics teacher.
- Recipient of the John Jay Award (1979) from Columbia College.
- Affiliation with prestigious record labels Columbia Records and Atco Records.
- An asteroid (91287 Simon-Garfunkel) named in honor of the duo.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Art Garfunkel was born Arthur Ira Garfunkel on November 5, 1941, in New York City. He developed an early interest in music and performance, which led him to attend Columbia University, where he met Paul Simon. He also studied at Teachers College (Columbia University) and Harvard University, balancing academic pursuits with his musical ambitions.

### Music Career with Simon & Garfunkel
In 1957, Garfunkel and Simon formed the duo Simon & Garfunkel, initially under the name "Tom & Jerry." Their breakthrough came in the 1960s with albums like *Sounds of Silence* (1966) and *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* (1966), blending folk and rock. Their 1970 album *Bridge Over Troubled Water* became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring Garfunkel’s soaring vocals on the title track.

### Solo Music and Other Ventures
After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Garfunkel pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as *Angel Clare* (1973) and *Breakaway* (1975). He also explored acting, appearing in films like *Catch-22* (1970) and *Carnal Knowledge* (1971). Additionally, he published poetry and briefly worked as a mathematics teacher, showcasing his intellectual and artistic range.

### Awards and Recognition
Garfunkel received the John Jay Award in 1979 from Columbia College, honoring his contributions to music and culture. His work with Simon & Garfunkel earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

### Legacy and Influence
Art Garfunkel’s legacy extends beyond music. His collaborations with Paul Simon shaped the folk-rock genre, while his solo work and acting career demonstrated his versatility. His poetic sensibilities and academic background further enriched his artistic output, making him a multifaceted cultural figure. The asteroid 91287 Simon-Garfunkel serves as a celestial tribute to the duo’s enduring impact.

### Personal and Professional Affiliations
Garfunkel has been affiliated with Columbia Records and Atco Records, two of the most influential labels in music history. His connections to Columbia University and Harvard University highlight his academic roots, while his work in education and poetry underscores his diverse interests.

### Later Career and Continued Influence
Even after the height of his fame, Garfunkel continued to perform and record music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase. His contributions to film, literature, and education further cement his status as a Renaissance man in the arts. His influence persists in contemporary music, with artists citing Simon & Garfunkel as a key inspiration.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. LIBRIS. 2018
4. [Source](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-art-garfunkel-70965/)
5. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/24/art-garfunkel-paul-simon-jack-nicholson-bridge-over-troubled-water-interview)
6. [Source](http://c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/art_garfunkel.html)
7. [Source](https://www.artgarfunkel.com/articles/dayton.html)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. IMDb
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Munzinger Personen
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Art Garfunkel | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL1001787A/Art_Garfunkel)
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. IdRef
17. CONOR.SI
18. BBC Things
19. ISWC Network
20. Google Knowledge Graph
21. The Guardian
22. Quora
23. The Fine Art Archive
24. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
25. The Movie Database