Current Status of Simon and Garfunkel
As of the early 2020s, Simon and Garfunkel remain alive but are not an active performing duo. Paul Simon continues to write, record, and perform solo, while Art Garfunkel lives largely out of the public eye and has also pursued solo music and spoken-word projects. The pair have not regularly toured together since their final high-profile reunions in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and they do not currently share a permanent stage or recording schedule. Below is a verified timeline and status summary based on public reports and authoritative music sources.
Origins and Early Partnership
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel grew up in Queens, New York, and began performing as a duo in the late 1950s under names such as Tom and Jerry before re-forming as Simon & Garfunkel in the mid-1960s. Their breakthrough came with the album Sounds of Silence and the hit The Sound of Silence, but it was the 1964 release Wednesday Morning, 3 AM and the 1968 soundtrack The Graduate that cemented their mainstream success. Their complex vocal harmonies and Simon’s songwriting defined the folk-rock era and influenced generations of artists.
Peak Albums and Key Singles
During their active partnership, Simon and Garfunkel released several landmark albums and singles that remain staples of the canon. Their blend of folk, rock, and pop ballads produced enduring songs such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, Homeward Bound, and The Boxer.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Duo Members | Paul Simon; Art Garfunkel | Biography |
| Main Studio Albums | Wednesday Morning, 3 AM (1964); Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966); Bookends (1968); Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) | Discography |
| Key Singles | The Sound of Silence (1965); Mrs. Robinson (1968); Homeward Bound (1965); Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) | Chart data |
| Peak Chart Period | 1965–1970 | Billboard/Official Charts |
| Documented Break | 1970 onward; formal duo activity minimal after Bridge Over Troubled Water | Interviews; official statements |
Paul Simon: Current Work and Public Presence
Paul Simon has maintained a visible, though reduced, public presence through solo music, curated performances, and special appearances. He has released several solo works, participated in legacy reissues, and curated concert series that revisit his catalog. In interviews, Simon has discussed his enduring appreciation for the catalog while acknowledging the personal and artistic evolution that led him to pursue projects independent of Garfunkel. He remains engaged with music through recordings, select touring, and reflective public commentary.
Paul Simon Solo Highlights (2000s–2020s)
- Solo albums and curated projects that revisit and recontextualize his songwriting.
- Occasional live performances, often tied to retrospectives or benefit events.
- Public reflections on the duo’s legacy in documentaries and interviews.
Art Garfunkel: Current Work and Public Presence
Art Garfunkel has largely withdrawn from the spotlight relative to Paul Simon, focusing on personal interests and limited solo endeavors. He has pursued spoken-word projects, released solo music sporadically, and stepped back from intensive touring. Public statements suggest a private lifestyle, and he has not been part of high-profile joint appearances with Simon in recent years. Garfunkel has also navigated documented health events that have further reduced his visibility.
Art Garfunkel Solo and Personal Highlights
- Solo albums and spoken-word recordings released on an infrequent basis.
- Limited public interviews and rare performances after the early 2000s.
- Personal projects and interests outside of music, including poetry and photography.
Reunions and Last Joint Activities
Simon and Garfunkel have reunited for select high-profile events, most notably the 1981 Central Park concert and periodic anniversary performances. These reunions were exceptions rather than a return to sustained collaboration. Since the early 2000s, there have been no regular joint touring or recording activity, and both artists have emphasized the importance of moving forward as solo individuals while honoring their shared history.
Documented Reunions and Performances
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–1970 | Primary duo recording and touring period | Defined their classic catalog |
| 1981 | Central Park concert (attendance ~500,000) | Landmark public reunion performance |
| 1990s–2003 | Occasional retrospectives and awards appearances | Limited joint activity; mostly ceremonial |
| ~2003–present | No regular joint touring or recording | Partnership effectively dormant as a performing entity |
Are Simon and Garfunkel Still Touring Together?
No. There are no current or announced plans for Simon and Garfunkel to tour together. Both artists have pursued independent paths, and their schedules, health considerations, and artistic preferences have not aligned for a joint tour in decades. Industry insiders and biographical reporting indicate no active joint project in production as of the early 2020s.
Net Worth and Earnings Context
While neither artist relies on the partnership for current income, the catalog continues to generate revenue through streaming, synch licenses, and retrospective sales. Paul Simon has built a substantial net worth through solo work and publishing, while Art Garfunkel has maintained modest earnings from solo projects and occasional appearances. The enduring value of their joint recordings supports ongoing passive income, but it does not require active collaboration.
Approximate Net Worth Overview (Indicative)
| Artist | Net Worth (Indicative Range) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Simon | $600 million – $1 billion | Forbes/media estimates |
| Art Garfunkel | $100 million – $200 million | Biographical estimates |
Conclusion: Where Are They Now?
Simon and Garfunkel exist today as revered figures whose partnership peaked in the 1960s and early 1970s. Paul Simon remains active in music and public life; Art Garfunkel lives more privately with limited public engagements. They are not currently performing together, nor is there evidence of an imminent joint project. Their legacy is preserved through catalog streams, reissues, and historical documentation, making their story a lasting pillar of popular music history.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Aspect | Paul Simon | Art Garfunkel |
|---|---|---|
| Current Activity | Solo music, curated performances, selected interviews | Solo music, spoken-word projects, largely private |
| Joint Activity | No regular touring or recording; last notable reunions in the 1980s–1990s | |
| Visibility | Moderate; occasional appearances and media | Low; infrequent public appearances |
| Primary Focus | Songwriting, performing, curatorial work | Personal interests, limited solo output |
Tags
Simon and Garfunkel status, Paul Simon current activity, Art Garfunkel now, music duo legacy