This in-depth biography traces the lives and careers of the iconic duo, from their childhood in New York and their early records as Tom and Jerry, to their stupendous popularity and defining role in the 60s pop scene. Paul Simon’s brilliant compositions and Art Garfunkel’s flawless voice combined to produce the awe-inspiring harmony that thrilled a generation.
Victoria Kingston traces Paul Simon’s famous and pivotal “tour of one-night stands” in the north of England, interviewing people who hired him for £10 a night and revealing fresh insights into this important period of his career. With the release of an electric version of The Sound of Silence, the duo shot to fame, and for the next few years produced such well-loved classics as The Boxer, Mrs Robinson and Bridge over Troubled Water. Though initially the two men complemented each other, there was growing tension between them – and after the release of the bestselling album, the pair split up.
The book features interviews with Art Garfunkel and some of the musicians who worked with the duo, including: Alexis Korner, Mike Batt, Martin Carthy, Graham Lyle and Davi Graham. Art’s acting career is also examined in detail, with interviews with actors Daniel Massey and Denholm Elliott.
First published in hardback by Sidgwick & Jackson, then in Pan paperback, the book then enjoyed success in the USA, published by Fromm International. It is the definitive account of the close friendship of these two fascinating men, who clashed and quarrelled, who parted and reunited, but who remain perhaps the greatest musical duo of our time.
“A work of painstaking attention to detail and accuracy. Candid, comprehensive, insightful and poignant, a must-read for all fans.” The Bookwatch (USA)
“Few biographies go into their histories with such integrity.” Fine Time
“Kingston is excellent at analysing Simon as a songwriter. She offers an intriguing slant on S&G’s Jewishness.” Jewish Chronicle
“Kingston addresses key topics with passionate understanding and brevity.” Billboard Magazine (USA)
Victoria Kingston traces Paul Simon’s famous and pivotal “tour of one-night stands” in the north of England, interviewing people who hired him for £10 a night and revealing fresh insights into this important period of his career. With the release of an electric version of The Sound of Silence, the duo shot to fame, and for the next few years produced such well-loved classics as The Boxer, Mrs Robinson and Bridge over Troubled Water. Though initially the two men complemented each other, there was growing tension between them – and after the release of the bestselling album, the pair split up.
The book features interviews with Art Garfunkel and some of the musicians who worked with the duo, including: Alexis Korner, Mike Batt, Martin Carthy, Graham Lyle and Davi Graham. Art’s acting career is also examined in detail, with interviews with actors Daniel Massey and Denholm Elliott.
First published in hardback by Sidgwick & Jackson, then in Pan paperback, the book then enjoyed success in the USA, published by Fromm International. It is the definitive account of the close friendship of these two fascinating men, who clashed and quarrelled, who parted and reunited, but who remain perhaps the greatest musical duo of our time.
“A work of painstaking attention to detail and accuracy. Candid, comprehensive, insightful and poignant, a must-read for all fans.” The Bookwatch (USA)
“Few biographies go into their histories with such integrity.” Fine Time
“Kingston is excellent at analysing Simon as a songwriter. She offers an intriguing slant on S&G’s Jewishness.” Jewish Chronicle
“Kingston addresses key topics with passionate understanding and brevity.” Billboard Magazine (USA)
