Over their long career, the duo played with plenty of different musical styles, moving from a basic folk-rock sound to add elements of Latin music, gospel music, rock, and even R&B. According to “Rolling Stone”, this diverse music struck a chord among lonely, alienated young adults near the end of the decade.
Their clean sound and muted lyricism lost them cool-points during the psychedelic music periods of the sixties and seventies. Still, their music has lasted much longer. They were also much more conservative musically, which made them the perfect gateway act to the weirder aspects of the genre.
Time Rolls On
The two aged. Some might say they mellowed a little. Many asked if they would ever reunite again. After an experience at the Grammys, Simon revealed that a tour might be in the works.
In October of 2003 they set off on the Old Friends in Concert tour, and to everyone's surprise, they seemed to have genuine warmth together. Both men were now solidly in their sixties. Perhaps the saying is true — time heals all wounds. Or, maybe, tragedy + time = comedy. Who knows why, but one way or another, the tour was a big success.
A Partnership Once Again
Somehow, someway, their relationship took a turn for the better. Maybe they realized petty differences weren't worth losing a friendship almost as old as they were, or maybe they found ways to work past them. They seemed like old pals again, and for some shows, they even invited their musical inspiration from all the way back, the Everly Brothers.
Rumors fly that it took long talks to smooth out some of the problems that plagued their relationship, but were able to come together for a long 2009 tour that took them around the world to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Into the Hall
The legendary duo got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. During the induction, Garfunkel thanked Simon, calling him “the person who most enriched my life by putting those songs through me.” Simon responded with: “Arthur and I agree about almost nothing. But it's true, I have enriched his life quite a bit.”
The duo performed three songs at the Hall and then left without speaking to each other. Thankfully, not long after this, their relationship thawed before a long, sold-out tour including a 21-date sold-out run.
Simon's Solo Inclusion
Simon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 as a solo artist. It was during the time his friendship with Garfunkel was at a low point following an acrimonious decade.
Yet, Simon had kind words during his speech at the Hall: “I regret the ending of our friendship. I hope that someday before we die we will make peace with each other.” He paused for a moment. And then: “No rush.”