The whole music-loving world knows that Simon was a great singer-songwriter, but not many know that he was bitter about the work he did with Garfunkel. As the split increased in length, both musicians spoke about it – remember, they were both still in their twenties when it happened.
Garfunkel said the biggest reason was that it put pressure on their friendship: “We were forced to travel together for business; it began to tell on our friendship.” Having to keep a friendship going even when you’re at odds in writing, touring, and projects seem like a painful toll.
Saying Goodbye
Since Simon had solo songs to perform in most shows, Garfunkel thought it was unfair that he didn't have a song that was just him on his own. Fair point! When Garfunkel learned about Simon's concerns and feelings, he didn't respect them enough, and so the stage was set for a breakup for good.
The two continued performing until July of 1970 – after a concert at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, the two shook hands in the parking lot and called it quits for good.
Or Not
The hiatus lasted mere months until the two reunited for a brief set as part of a fundraiser for presidential nominee George McGovern. They performed together, but it was clear the energy was gone. They hardly seemed to be on the same page, and the music suffered.
"Rolling Stone" described them as looking like they hadn't spoken in 12 years. It seemed like this once-legendary duo had really done it after all this time, and gone their separate ways. At the very least, their artistic partnership was over – but of course, you know that's not the truth either.
The Single Double Credit
With a duo like Simon & Garfunkel, you'd expect lots of songs to be a mixture of two types of genius, but you'd be wrong. In fact, only one song in their entire history was the product of both minds. And even stranger, it was their very first success, “Hey Schoolgirl.”
Past that point, Simon becomes annoyed if you insinuate any of the songs were a collaborative effort. Simon says of Garfunkel: “He didn't write any of the songs. I wrote all the Simon and Garfunkel songs.” It turns out Simon can be pretty touchy, and about more than just his songs.
The Little Guy
The late, great Carrie Fisher, the second of Paul Simon's three wives, was only one inch shorter than her husband, who stood at five-foot-two. Never one to hold her tongue, Fisher had this to say about the issue: “I used to say to him, 'Don't stand next to me at the party, people will think we're salt and pepper shakers.'”
It's thought that Simon had a Napoleon complex, and when the musician turned 76, he shared his insecurities about his height compared to Garfunkel's which was eight more inches. One photo session in particular was painfully memorable.