Today, November 5th, we celebrate the 85th birthday of legendary singer Art Garfunkel! Best known as one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, Garfunkel has given the world…
Ryan Shuttleworth
Published Nov 5, 2026 12:00 AM EST
Today, November 5th, we celebrate the 85th birthday of legendary singer Art Garfunkel! Best known as one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, Garfunkel has given the world some of the most memorable vocals in music history. From “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to “The Sound of Silence,” his unmistakable voice has been part of the soundtrack of generations.
To celebrate his birthday, we’re opening up the WMMR archives and revisiting a conversation Pierre Robert had with Garfunkel on March 1st, 1994. The interview took place while Garfunkel was promoting his compilation album Up Till Now and preparing for a performance at the Valley Forge Music Fair on March 6th.
One of the first surprises Pierre discovered was that Garfunkel was a Phillies fan. Despite growing up on Long Island, New York, Garfunkel told Pierre he had been rooting for Philadelphia ever since the days of Phillies pitcher Robin Roberts. He even admitted that he liked the team’s red pinstripe uniforms. That’s certainly a connection Philly fans can appreciate!
Art Garfunkel on the Power of Performing
Pierre brought up Garfunkel’s recent appearance on David Letterman’s television show, where he delivered a particularly powerful performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Garfunkel explained that while he might come across as a sensitive performer, there’s a reserve of strength he draws upon when the song reaches its emotional conclusion.
He also revealed that even after years in the business, performing on television still gives him butterflies. He described the nervous energy as something that keeps the experience exciting and makes every performance feel alive.
Rather than relying on tricks or shortcuts to manage those nerves, Garfunkel credited preparation, a good night’s sleep, and knowing his material. He referenced something he remembered from Charlie Chaplin’s autobiography, explaining that performers need clarity, precision, and control to do their best work.
That philosophy extended to his singing. Garfunkel described himself as an “accuracy freak,” explaining how important pitch and delivering every syllable exactly as intended were to his personal style.
Fatherhood Changed His Perspective
One of the more personal moments came when Pierre asked about the photograph on the cover of Up Till Now. Garfunkel explained that the young gentleman pictured with him was his three-year-old son, James.
James was Garfunkel’s first child, and becoming a father had clearly made a tremendous impact on his life.
After discussing his tendency to be particular and want things done a certain way professionally, Garfunkel admitted that having a three-year-old at home had completely changed his perspective.
“He’s undone me,” Garfunkel told Pierre.
He went on to describe how happy he was with his wife and son, saying he had essentially let go of his need for neatness and order at home. He was simply too busy being happy.
Pierre asked whether New York City was a good place to raise a child. Garfunkel offered a thoughtful answer, explaining that he believed love and a strong marriage were the most important ingredients. The surroundings, whether trees outside or a concrete playground, were secondary.
It was a sweet glimpse into a side of Garfunkel that fans don’t always get to hear about.
The Story Behind His Collaboration With James Taylor
Pierre also dug into the music on Up Till Now, specifically Garfunkel’s collaboration with James Taylor on “Crying in the Rain.”
The two originally connected while appearing on a Prince’s Trust concert in London. Garfunkel reached out to Taylor to see if they could perform something together. His first suggestion was “What a Wonderful World,” a song they had previously recorded together in the 1970s.
Taylor initially passed on the idea, but called Garfunkel back about an hour later with another suggestion: an Everly Brothers song he had been working on.
They got together, worked through the tune, and Taylor made a cassette recording so Garfunkel could learn the harmony and become familiar with his phrasing.
The two agreed they would eventually record it together. It took several years, but they finally reunited in the studio and recorded “Crying in the Rain,” along with a couple of other songs.
Pierre also mentioned that James Taylor had recently appeared on The Simpsons, where he even worked Garfunkel’s name into a joke involving ants invading a space shuttle. Garfunkel hadn’t heard about it, but he certainly appreciated the mention.
Why Art Garfunkel Wanted to Record a Dire Straits Song
Another interesting track on Up Till Now was Garfunkel’s interpretation of Mark Knopfler’s “Why Worry,” originally featured on Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms album.
When Pierre asked what attracted him to the song, Garfunkel explained that he loved music that was easy and smooth to sing. He even credited Bing Crosby as an influence on his approach to effortless vocal delivery.
Garfunkel felt the melody of “Why Worry” was particularly natural for his voice. While he acknowledged that he couldn’t top Knopfler’s beautiful guitar playing, he wanted to give the song a different vocal treatment and bring more attention to the lyrics.
A Look Inside Art Garfunkel’s Touring Band
With a show coming up at the Valley Forge Music Fair, Pierre asked what audiences could expect from a live Art Garfunkel performance.
Garfunkel described a full band featuring keyboardist Craig Derry, guitarist Eric Weisberg, drummer Richie Garcia, bassist Bobby Glaub, and synthesizer player Kim Bullard.
There was also a family connection. His wife, Kim, provided backing vocals, and Garfunkel joked that they sometimes even brought little James onstage.
Pierre immediately recognized that it was quite the family affair!
Art Garfunkel Opens Up About Paul Simon
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the interview came when Pierre asked about Garfunkel’s relationship with Paul Simon.
With years of headlines and stories about disagreements between the two, Pierre wondered how they managed to maintain such a long and complicated musical partnership.
Garfunkel compared their relationship to that of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, acknowledging that spending so much time together over the years couldn’t always have been easy.
He recalled the intensity of working with Simon throughout the 1960s. They spent countless hours in the recording studio fighting for what each believed was the best possible version of a song, then headed out on the road together on weekends.
But despite everything, his feelings toward Simon remained deeply rooted in their shared history.
“Paul’s my lifelong oldest friend, he’s the person who knows me the most,” Garfunkel explained.
He added that turning against Simon would mean turning against his own life and history. Regardless of their differences, he would always cherish their relationship.
Pierre also brought up their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, recalling how Garfunkel had said some wonderful things about Simon during the ceremony, while Simon’s remarks seemed to include a few playful jabs. Garfunkel politely steered away from getting into that territory, keeping the conversation from turning into another headline about their relationship.
A Little Acting on the Side
Before wrapping up, Pierre asked whether Garfunkel had any acting projects on the horizon.
Garfunkel said he continued receiving scripts and had enjoyed the acting work he had done over the years. He even mentioned that he had nearly landed a role in Ron Howard’s upcoming film The Paper, starring Michael Keaton.
Although acting wasn’t something he was actively pursuing, he remained open to opportunities that came his way.
More than 32 years later, this conversation offers a wonderful snapshot of Art Garfunkel. We hear about the precision and dedication behind one of music’s most recognizable voices, his happiness as a new father, his creative collaborations, and the lifelong bond he shares with Paul Simon.
Happy 85th birthday, Art Garfunkel!
Art GarfunkelMMaRchivesPierre RobertSimon & Garfunkel
Ryan ShuttleworthWriter
