Art Garfunkel recently reflected on an emotional reunion with his long-time collaborator, Paul Simon, which took place more than ten years after their last performance together as the iconic duo Simon and Garfunkel. This heartfelt meeting is a moment that Garfunkel will always hold dear and “cherish.” He described the experience as deeply moving, revealing, “I met with Paul Simon for the first time in years just recently. We had a lunch,” he shared with The Sun. “It was very, very warm and wonderful. There were tears. I was crying at a certain point because I felt I had hurt him – but there were hugs,” illustrating the complexity of their relationship through the years.

The last studio album released by Simon and Garfunkel, titled Bridge Over Troubled Water, came out in 1970 and is still celebrated for its timeless tracks. Over the years, they have reunited for memorable performances, including the celebrated 1982 concert event The Concert in Central Park. However, the duo has not performed together on stage since their appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival back in 2010, marking a significant pause in their collaborative efforts.

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Since then, Simon has made the decision to retire from touring, focusing instead on his personal projects. Meanwhile, Garfunkel has faced his own struggles with vocal cord paresis but has made a remarkable recovery. He is currently working on a new album with his son, titled Father and Son, which is set to be released on November 8. This upcoming album showcases their unique musical collaboration and highlights the enduring bond between father and son in the world of music.

The album Father and Son features a modern take on the beloved Simon and Garfunkel classic “Old Friends,” yet Garfunkel noted that their conversation during their recent lunch did not dwell on their past successes from the ’60s. “No, we didn’t,” he admits, emphasizing that their shared history is already well-documented. Nevertheless, it was evident that a long-awaited reconciliation has occurred, bringing warmth and understanding back into their relationship.

Expressing his outlook on relationships, Garfunkel stated, “I like to think I’m a man who has a lot of love. There are no relationships of mine that don’t have love at the bottom,” conveying a profound philosophy of love and forgiveness. He remarked, “I love everyone. I can’t imagine holding a position of dislike and clinging to it. It’s all meant to be resolved so we can die easy,” showcasing his desire for harmony and resolution in his life and connections.

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Art Garfunkel Highlights the Everly Brothers’ Lasting Musical Influence

Along with the original compositions, Father and Son also includes covers of timeless classics from influential artists such as the Beatles with “Blackbird,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” and Cat Stevens’ title track. Furthermore, they pay homage to the Everly Brothers with “Let It Be Me,” and also include hits like “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics and American Songbook favorites like “Blue Moon.” These selections not only celebrate the music that shaped their careers but also highlight the profound impact of these legendary artists on contemporary music.

The choice of “Let It Be Me” carries significant meaning, as the Everly Brothers have been acknowledged as a foundational influence on Simon and Garfunkel’s musical style. They previously covered the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love” on their acclaimed album Bridge Over Troubled Water. Garfunkel passionately stated, “Anybody with ears knows that Don and Phil are not surpassed for harmony,” emphasizing the exceptional blend of their voices. “Nobody is as good – not even Simon and Garfunkel. The blend of those two voices is supreme,” he asserts, recognizing the unparalleled talent of the Everly Brothers.

In a lighthearted moment, Garfunkel’s son, Art Jr., interjects with a playful disagreement, saying, “I disagree. I think Simon and Garfunkel are equally as good or better.” To which Art Sr. laughs and responds, “I’ll take a pass at this point!” This exchange illustrates the playful dynamic between the two and their shared love for music, highlighting the influence of their family legacy.

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