Who's behind the notes? Discover Simon & Garfunkel: The Legendary Folk Rock Duo
Simon & Garfunkel's song "The Sound of Silence" is one of their most iconic and enduring hits. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the duo:
Origin of the Song: "The Sound of Silence" was written by Paul Simon in 1963 when he was just 21 years old. It was inspired by the Kennedy assassination and the turbulent social and political climate of the 1960s. Simon wrote the song in his bathroom in the dark.
Acoustic Folk Sound: The original version of the song, as heard on their debut album "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." in 1964, featured just an acoustic guitar and vocals. This stripped-down folk sound is what initially characterized Simon & Garfunkel's music.
Initial Commercial Flop: When "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." was first released, it didn't gain much commercial success. However, the song's destiny changed when a producer named Tom Wilson overdubbed electric instruments onto the track without Simon & Garfunkel's knowledge.
Revival and Chart Success: The overdubbed version of "The Sound of Silence" was released as a single in 1965, and it quickly became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1966. This prompted the duo to reunite and record more music.
Grammy Awards: Simon & Garfunkel won two Grammy Awards for "The Sound of Silence" in 1968. The song won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Role in "The Graduate": The song gained further popularity when it was featured on the soundtrack of the 1967 film "The Graduate," starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. The film helped solidify the song's association with the 1960s counterculture.
Timeless Lyrics: The lyrics of "The Sound of Silence" are known for their introspective and thought-provoking nature. Lines like "Hello darkness, my old friend / I've come to talk with you again" continue to resonate with listeners.
Evolution of Simon & Garfunkel: "The Sound of Silence" marked the beginning of Simon & Garfunkel's evolution into a folk-rock sound. They went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" and "Bookends."
Reunion Performances: Simon & Garfunkel had a series of reunion concerts and tours throughout their career. One of the most notable reunions was their 1981 concert in New York City's Central Park, which drew over 500,000 fans.
Cultural Impact: "The Sound of Silence" continues to be a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists over the years and featured in various forms of media. It remains a symbol of the folk music revival and the social and political upheaval of the 1960s.
These facts highlight the enduring significance of "The Sound of Silence" and its role in shaping the career of Simon & Garfunkel.