No, Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon generally had a fractious relationship rather than getting on well, particularly throughout much of their long partnership.
A Strained Dynamic
Their difficult dynamic began early in their collaboration. A significant turning point was a solo single Paul Simon recorded under a pseudonym, which deeply impacted Garfunkel. He later expressed the lasting emotional damage this caused in his memoir, stating that "The friendship was shattered for life … I never forget, and I never really forgive." This incident highlights the deep-seated issues that characterized their professional and personal interactions.
Despite their immense musical success as Simon & Garfunkel, their relationship was often marked by tension and unresolved conflicts. This underlying friction frequently resurfaced, preventing a harmonious working or personal bond for extended periods.
Key Aspects of Their Relationship
- Early Strain: The recording of a solo single by Simon under a pseudonym early in their career created a lasting rift.
- Garfunkel's Perspective: Art Garfunkel vividly described the impact of this event, indicating a profound and enduring sense of betrayal.
- Persistent Conflict: Their partnership, while musically celebrated, was consistently underscored by personal disagreements and a lack of true camaraderie.
