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Art Garfunkel vs. Paul Simon — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on February 1, 2024
Art Garfunkel is known for his angelic tenor voice, while Paul Simon is recognized for his songwriting and guitar skills.
Art Garfunkel vs. Paul Simon — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon

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Key Differences

Art Garfunkel, with his distinctive tenor voice, contributed significantly to the duo's sound, providing the harmonies that elevated many of their songs. Paul Simon, on the other hand, was the primary songwriter and guitarist, crafting the melodies and lyrics that defined their work. Their collaboration brought together Garfunkel's vocal prowess and Simon's musical and lyrical depth, creating a unique blend that resonated with audiences.
While Art Garfunkel focused more on his singing career and acting, participating in films and releasing solo albums, Paul Simon explored a wider range of musical styles in his solo career, incorporating diverse influences from around the world. Simon's ability to blend different genres into his music set his solo work apart, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Art Garfunkel's solo music often maintained the soft, melodic quality that characterized his work with Simon & Garfunkel, emphasizing his vocal talent. In contrast, Paul Simon's solo projects, such as "Graceland," were known for their innovation and fusion of global musical styles, which earned critical acclaim and expanded his musical influence.
Throughout their careers, Art Garfunkel's work remained rooted in his vocal performances, with a focus on ballads and soft rock, reflecting his strengths as a singer. Paul Simon, however, demonstrated a broad musical curiosity, experimenting with various musical forms and themes, which contributed to the dynamic nature of his solo endeavors.
Despite their individual successes, the legacy of Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon is most prominently marked by their time together as Simon & Garfunkel. Their collaboration produced timeless hits that continue to be celebrated, highlighting Garfunkel's vocal elegance and Simon's exceptional songwriting.
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Comparison Chart

Primary Role

Vocalist
Songwriter and Musician

Solo Career

Focused on vocal music and acting
Explored diverse musical styles

Vocal Style

Angelic tenor voice
More varied; often blends singing with storytelling

Musical Influence

Soft rock and ballads
World music, folk, rock, and more

Legacy

Best known for his work with Simon & Garfunkel and solo ballads
Renowned for songwriting, musical innovation, and global influences

Compare with Definitions

Art Garfunkel

Member of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel.
Art Garfunkel contributed harmonies that defined the duo's sound.

Paul Simon

Cultural icon with a lasting impact.
Paul Simon's music continues to influence artists across genres.

Art Garfunkel

Actor in films and television.
Art Garfunkel showed his versatility as an actor in Carnal Knowledge.

Paul Simon

Master songwriter and musician.
Paul Simon's songwriting prowess shone on Graceland.

Art Garfunkel

Collaborator with a legacy in folk rock.
Art Garfunkel's collaborations with Paul Simon produced timeless music.

Paul Simon

Innovator of diverse musical styles.
Paul Simon's solo work is known for its eclectic musical fusion.

Art Garfunkel

Renowned tenor voice in music.
Art Garfunkel's voice soared on Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Paul Simon

Half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel.
Paul Simon's lyrics and melodies were central to the duo's success.

Art Garfunkel

Solo artist with a focus on ballads.
Art Garfunkel's solo albums highlight his vocal clarity and emotional depth.

Paul Simon

Grammy Award-winning artist.
Paul Simon has won multiple Grammys for his contributions to music.

Common Curiosities

Who is Art Garfunkel?

Art Garfunkel is a singer, best known as one half of the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel.

Who is Paul Simon?

Paul Simon is a musician and songwriter, known for his work with Art Garfunkel and his successful solo career.

What made Simon & Garfunkel famous?

Simon & Garfunkel were famous for their harmonious music, poignant lyrics, and the blend of Paul Simon's songwriting with Art Garfunkel's vocals.

What is Art Garfunkel's full name?

His full name is Arthur Ira Garfunkel.

What is Art Garfunkel's signature song?

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" is one of Art Garfunkel's signature songs.

How did Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon meet?

Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon met in elementary school in Queens, New York, and began performing together as teenagers.

When was Art Garfunkel born?

Art Garfunkel was born on November 5, 1941.

Have Simon & Garfunkel ever reunited for a full-fledged tour?

Yes, Simon & Garfunkel reunited for a successful tour in 2003-2004.

Has Art Garfunkel released solo albums?

Yes, Art Garfunkel has released several solo albums alongside his work with Paul Simon.

When was Paul Simon born?

Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941.

Has Paul Simon won any awards?

Yes, Paul Simon has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

When did Simon & Garfunkel first start performing together?

Simon & Garfunkel began performing together in the 1950s, but their breakthrough came in the 1960s.

What is the legacy of Simon & Garfunkel in the music industry?

Simon & Garfunkel are celebrated as one of the most influential and enduring musical duos in history, known for their timeless folk-rock songs and harmonious vocals.

What are some of Paul Simon's famous songs?

Some of Paul Simon's famous songs include "Mrs. Robinson," "Graceland," and "The Sound of Silence."

Did Paul Simon pursue a solo career apart from Simon & Garfunkel?

Yes, Paul Simon had a successful solo career after Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970.

What is Simon & Garfunkel's most iconic album?

Their most iconic album is "Bookends," released in 1968, followed closely by "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Why did Simon & Garfunkel break up in 1970?

Creative differences and personal conflicts led to their breakup in 1970, although they later reunited for occasional performances.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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