Rock Trezor: ART GARFUNKEL

ART GARFUNKEL - STORY

Art Garfunkel is born 5 November 1941, New York City, USA. The possessor of one of the most pitch-perfect voices in popular music has had a sparse recording career since the demise of Simon & Garfunkel. The break-up of one of the most successful post-war singing duos was due in part to Garfunkel's desire to go into acting, and Paul Simon's understandable resentment that Art took the glory on his compositions like "Bridge Over Troubled Water." While Simon had the songs, Garfunkel possessed the voice. The split would be revisited in "The Breakup," included on Garfunkel's 1993 set, UP 'TIL NOW, though by this time the two parties had made their peace. In terms of personal history, Garfunkel can lay claim to a masters degree in mathematics, and the fact that he has embarked upon a mission to walk all the way across the US, in 100-mile increments.

Garfunkel's acting career landed him substantial parts in Catch 22, Carnal Knowledge, Bad Timing and Good To Go. During this time his recording output, although sporadic, was of a consistently high quality. His debut ANGEL CLARE

contained the beautiful "All I Know," which was a Top 10 US hit. In the UK two of his records made the top spot, a luscious "I Only Have Eyes For You" and the Mike Batt theme for Watership Down, "Bright Eyes." In 1978 "(What A) Wonderful World" featured the additional voices of James Taylor and Paul Simon, fuelling rumours of a reunion.

They appeared together occasionally both on television and on record, but it was not until October 1981 that the historic Central Park concert occurred.

The duo struggled through a world tour, opening up old wounds — until once again they parted company. Since then Garfunkel has released three further albums, the best moments of which are largely attributable to the songwriting of Jim Webb.