art in the park

A couple of days ago, I made a video that features a song by Simon and Garfunkel. As a preteen, I loved their music. I used to lie on the carpeted floor of my family room--next to one of the stereo speakers--and listen attentively. As the turntable spun--releasing its wonderful melodies and harmonies, I fell into a trance. Holding the LP jacket, I would follow along, singing the words to the songs on "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Simon and Garfunkel songs are musically and lyrically brilliant. They were the original Morrissey and Marr songwriting duo. But alas, egos and differences of opinion and temperament, led to both these duos parting ways.

Simon and Garfunkel have reunited for a few concerts since their breakup in the early seventies. Who could forget that magical reunion in Central Park on September 19th, 1981. THESE were the songs that saved my life. "The Boxer" remains my favorite to this day.

Album Cover

So anyway, while searching for pictures and information for my video, I stumbled across some interesting facts about S & G. First, Paul Simon is only 5' 1". Now that is short--especially for a man. Second, I learned that Art Garfunkel graduated from Columbia with a B.A. in art history. And... he went on to get his M.A. in mathematics. Also, Art is an avid reader and has documented all of the books he's read since 1968, on his website. Check it out.

Art Garfunkel was always my favorite of the two. That voice of his could warm the coldest of hearts. Simon came off as a bit of an ass--trying to hog the spotlight. An example of this is when he hijacked the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the Central Park concert. He ruined half the song with his pitiful impromptu--I'll show you who's boss, Art--rendition. Ah well. Can't hate him. Without him, there would be no Simon and Garfunkel.

Here is a great video of the duo in Central Park... Or, at least the beginning is great. See Simon's ambush...

Video for "Bridge Over Troubled Water"