This video is taken from one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most famous performances in Central Park back in September 19, 1981. During the concert, there was one scary incident. When Simon’s introduction of a new song entitled ‘The Late Great Johnny Ace. ‘ A man ran into the stage during the lyrics concerning the death of former Beatle John Lennon. He was hustled off by park security personnel.
When thinking of famous musical duos, there is one that springs to mind, and that is of course the infamous Simon and Garfunkel. The folk-rock duo sprung to success in the ’60s, becoming musical icons who have to date sold over 100 million records. In the video below, watch their surprise 2009 live performance of ‘The Sound of Silence’, where the pair appear to be the best of friends, smiling and singing to the very happy crowd. A year later Simon and Garfunkel performed what became their last public performance.
With hits like ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, there is perhaps only one other thing that the pair are notoriously known for, and that of course is their turbulent relationship that saw many public fallouts throughout their careers.
At just eleven years old, Simon and Garfunkel met at Parsons High School in Queens, New York. Realising their shared passion and talents, they joined forces and began to make music.
In 1957 they got their first taste of success, releasing Everly Brothers inspired song ‘Hey Schoolgirl’ under the name ‘Tom and Jerry’ (coincidentally under no influence from the famous cat and mouse). The single hit number 49 on Billboard’s chart and caught the attention of Big Records label owner Sid Prosen; it was from here that things appeared to turn pear-shaped. Despite being a duo, Prosen approached Simon with the opportunity to produce solo music. Simon agreed and thus commenced the first public feud between the pair.