Art Garfunkel – Biography, Music Legacy, and 2026 Tour

Arthur Ira Garfunkel, born November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, Queens, is an American singer, actor, and poet. He rose to worldwide fame as one half of the legendary folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, alongside Paul Simon. His distinctive tenor voice became the defining sound of an era, shaping hits that remain deeply embedded in popular culture.

Before music brought him international acclaim, Garfunkel was a student at Columbia University, where he earned degrees in mathematics and education. His intellectual curiosity often balanced his artistic pursuits, a pattern that continued throughout his life as he moved between music, film, and literature.

The duo’s journey began in the late 1950s, first under the name Tom & Jerry. By the 1960s, they had evolved into Simon & Garfunkel, creating a catalog of songs that captured the social and emotional currents of the decade. Garfunkel’s legacy is anchored in this partnership, but his solo work and acting career have added significant layers to his artistic identity.

Who Is Art Garfunkel?

• Art Garfunkel’s primary income stems from Simon & Garfunkel royalties and a sustained solo career.
• His 2026 performance at the Royal Albert Hall marks a major event for longtime followers.
• Simon & Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
• He holds eight Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Garfunkel and Simon donated $1 million to the Children’s Health Fund in 2003.
• His son, Art Garfunkel Jr., has followed him into the music industry.

Key Facts at a Glance

What Are Art Garfunkel’s Most Famous Songs?

The discography of Simon & Garfunkel is built on songs that have become cultural touchstones. “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Boxer,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “Bridge over Troubled Water” are among their most recognized works. These songs defined the folk-rock sound of the 1960s and continue to receive extensive radio play and streaming attention.

After the duo disbanded, Garfunkel pursued a solo career that produced several albums. He also took on acting roles, appearing in films such as Catch-22 and Carnal Knowledge. His ability to cross between music and cinema showed a versatility that extended beyond the recording studio.

Who Are Art Garfunkel’s Wife and Children?

Marriages

Garfunkel married his first wife, Linda Grossman, in 1972. The marriage ended in divorce in 1975. He later married Kathryn “Kim” Cermak on September 18, 1988. They have remained together since, and Kim is often seen accompanying him to public events.

Children and Musical Legacy

The couple has two sons. The elder, Art Garfunkel Jr. (also listed in some sources as James or Arthur Garfunkel Jr.), has pursued a career in music. Britannica notes that he has followed his father into singing. The younger son is Beau Daniel Garfunkel.

What Is Art Garfunkel’s Net Worth?

No reliable, source-backed figure for Art Garfunkel’s net worth is available from the provided research materials. Many online estimates exist, but they are speculative and not tied to verified financial disclosures or authoritative profiles. This is a common situation for long-established artists whose wealth is distributed across royalties, real estate, and other investments.

How Tall Is Art Garfunkel?

Garfunkel’s height is generally listed around 5 feet 9 inches (approximately 175 cm). However, this measurement is not officially documented and may vary slightly across different biographical sources. It is not a figure that Garfunkel has publicly verified in recent interviews.

Art Garfunkel: A Timeline of Key Events

1. 1941: Born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City.
2. 1950s: Began collaborating with Paul Simon, first as Tom & Jerry.
3. 1960s: Rose to fame as Simon & Garfunkel, releasing iconic albums and songs.
4. 1970: Duo released Bridge over Troubled Water, their final studio album.
5. 1970s: Garfunkel launched a solo career and acted in films such as Catch-22 and Carnal Knowledge.
6. 1990: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Simon.
7. 2003: Donated $1 million to the Children’s Health Fund with Paul Simon.
8. 2026: Announced performance at Royal Albert Hall in London as part of a “What a Wonderful World” tour.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Art Garfunkel?

What Is the Broader Meaning of Art Garfunkel’s Legacy?

Garfunkel’s legacy is inseparable from the Simon & Garfunkel brand, but his individual achievements in recording, acting, and writing reveal a broader artistic range. His pure tenor voice remains one of the most recognizable in popular music history.

The 2026 Royal Albert Hall performance fits a pattern of legacy artists revisiting classic material for audiences both old and new. At the same time, the emergence of his son, Art Garfunkel Jr., as a singer suggests that the family’s musical influence may continue for another generation.

Sources and Key Quotes

Arthur Ira Garfunkel (born November 5, 1941) is an American singer, actor and poet.

Wikipedia Biography

Art Garfunkel is returning to the Hall in October 2026.

Royal Albert Hall Event Page

Garfunkel’s elder son has followed him into singing.

Britannica

Summary: What Is the Lasting Significance of Art Garfunkel?

Art Garfunkel’s place in music history is secure. Through his work with Simon & Garfunkel, he helped define an era of folk rock that remains influential. His solo efforts, acting roles, and ongoing tours demonstrate a career that has lasted more than six decades. For readers exploring more about musicians who left a lasting mark, see Famous Folk Rock Duos.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art Garfunkel