Discover Art Garfunkel, the legendary American singer, songwriter, and actor, celebrated globally for his ethereal tenor voice. At 84, he remains an iconic figure, most famous for his work with Simon & Garfunkel and solo hits like 'Bright Eyes'. Explore his enduring musical legacy, film roles, and continued artistic endeavors, keeping fans updated on his latest appearances and projects. Uncover the story of a true music icon.
Related CelebsWho is Art Garfunkel?
Art Garfunkel is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. His distinctive, ethereal tenor voice became a signature sound of the 1960s, contributing to timeless hits and critically acclaimed albums. He also pursued a successful solo career and appeared in several notable films.
What is Art Garfunkel famous for?
Art Garfunkel is most famous for his work with Paul Simon in Simon & Garfunkel, producing legendary songs like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'The Sound of Silence', and 'Mrs. Robinson'. His solo career also yielded significant hits such as 'Bright Eyes' and 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. He is also recognized for his acting roles in films like 'Catch-22' and 'Carnal Knowledge'.
How old is Art Garfunkel?
Born on November 5, 1941, Art Garfunkel is currently 84 years old as of July 2026. Despite his age, he continues to maintain an active, albeit selective, presence in the music world, occasionally performing and engaging in artistic endeavors.
What are Art Garfunkel's biggest solo hits?
Art Garfunkel's most significant solo hits include 'Bright Eyes', which was a massive international success especially in the UK, and 'All I Know' from his debut solo album 'Angel Clare'. Other notable tracks that showcased his unique vocal style include 'I Only Have Eyes For You' and 'Breakaway'.
Does Art Garfunkel still sing or tour?
Yes, Art Garfunkel does still sing, though his touring schedule is now much less frequent and more selective. After overcoming vocal paresis in the early 2010s, he has returned to performing, often choosing smaller venues for intimate concerts, allowing fans to experience his enduring vocal talent.
What led to the split of Simon & Garfunkel?
The original split of Simon & Garfunkel in 1970 was primarily due to creative differences and individual artistic aspirations. Paul Simon desired more control over songwriting and production, while Art Garfunkel wished to explore acting and solo musical projects. Their divergent career paths and personal tensions ultimately led to their separation after immense success.
Who is Art Garfunkel's family?
Art Garfunkel is married to Kim Cermak, whom he wed in 1988. Together, they have two sons: James Garfunkel, born in 1990, and Beau Garfunkel, born in 2000. His family life remains relatively private, supporting his artistic pursuits and his introspective nature.
This comprehensive article on Art Garfunkel is structured to be highly scannable and user-friendly for a U.S. audience. It directly addresses core search intents by organizing information into distinct sections: a detailed biography for 'who' and 'when', a 'latest updates' section for 'what's new', and dedicated 'People Also Ask' and 'FAQ' sections to tackle common 'why', 'is', 'where', and 'how' questions. Key points are highlighted using bold text and bullet points to ensure easy comprehension and quick access to essential facts about his life, career, and current activities.
1. Full Biography
Arthur Ira Garfunkel, known universally as Art Garfunkel, was born on November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, to Rose and Jack Garfunkel. Growing up in a Jewish household, Art's early life was steeped in the vibrant cultural melting pot of New York City, where he developed a profound love for music. His melodic journey began at a young age, particularly during elementary school where he formed a friendship with classmate Paul Simon. Their shared passion for music would, unbeknownst to them, shape the landscape of popular music for decades to come. Art's distinctive clear tenor voice quickly became his signature.
Garfunkel pursued higher education, initially studying architecture at Columbia University, then shifting to mathematics, eventually earning a bachelor's degree. He even commenced a master's degree in mathematics education at Teachers College, Columbia University. During these formative years, he and Simon began performing together, first as 'Tom & Jerry' in the late fifties, gaining minor success with the single 'Hey Schoolgirl'. However, it was their reformation as Simon & Garfunkel in the mid-sixties that catapulted them to international stardom.
The duo’s breakthrough arrived with the re-release of 'The Sound of Silence' in an electric folk-rock arrangement, soaring to number one on the charts. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary string of albums and hits that defined the folk-rock genre. Their albums, including *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme*, *Bookends*, and the monumental *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, showcased Garfunkel's angelic harmonies complementing Simon's profound songwriting. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' alone earned them multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year, solidifying their place in music history. Their unique blend of poetic lyrics and intricate melodies resonated deeply with a generation grappling with social change and introspection.
Despite their immense success, creative differences led to the duo's split in 1970. Garfunkel then embarked on a solo career, demonstrating his versatility and vocal prowess. His solo albums like *Angel Clare* (1973), featuring the hit 'All I Know', and *Breakaway* (1975), which included the chart-topping 'I Only Have Eyes For You', proved his ability to captivate audiences independently. He also found significant success with the theme song 'Bright Eyes' from the film *Watership Down*, which became a number one hit in the UK. Other notable solo works include *Watermark* and *Lefty*. Beyond music, Art explored acting, notably in Mike Nichols' *Catch-22* (1970) and *Carnal Knowledge* (1971), earning critical acclaim for his natural screen presence, and also in Nicolas Roeg's *Bad Timing* (1980).
In his personal life, Art Garfunkel has navigated relationships with grace. He was briefly married to Linda Grossman. In 1988, he found enduring companionship with Kim Cermak, with whom he shares two children: James Garfunkel, born in 1990, and Beau Garfunkel, born in 2000. Art is known for his introspective nature, his love for long walks across continents, and his passion for poetry, having published a collection titled *Still Water* in 1989. While not widely publicized, he has engaged in philanthropic activities, often supporting educational and artistic endeavors, reflecting his deep appreciation for learning and creative expression.
Garfunkel's career has not been without its challenges. In the early 2010s, he faced significant vocal paresis, a condition that severely impacted his ability to sing. This health setback led to cancellations and a hiatus from touring, a particularly difficult period for a performer renowned for his voice. Through diligent vocal therapy and perseverance, he gradually recovered, allowing him to return to the stage. While his relationship with Paul Simon has been complex and at times fraught, they have reunited for several successful tours over the decades, reaffirming their timeless musical connection. Their 1981 reunion concert in Central Park drew an estimated half a million people, a testament to their enduring appeal.
As of 2026, Art Garfunkel continues to hold a revered place in music. His golden tenor voice, synonymous with introspection and beauty, remains a defining sound of the 20th century. While his touring schedule is more selective, he occasionally performs, captivating audiences with his classic repertoire and profound stage presence. His legacy is etched in the fabric of American music, celebrated for his artistic integrity, his contribution to legendary albums, and an unmistakable voice that transcends generations. He is an artist who meticulously crafted his sound, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and resonate globally, cementing his status as a true musical icon.
2. Latest Update Information (as of July 2026)
As of mid-2026, Art Garfunkel maintains a more selective public profile, prioritizing intimate performances and personal projects. Here's a look at his recent activities:
- Spring 2026 Mini-Tour: Garfunkel completed a series of special engagements across select U.S. cities, titled
Iconic tenor vocalist, one half of Simon & Garfunkel, solo career success, actor, Grammy Award winner, distinctive vocal harmonies, enduring musical legacy, poet.