Did Paul Simon or Art Garfunkel Do More of the Songwriting in Simon and Garfunkel?
The collaborative journey of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel was a significant chapter in the music industry, known for hits like "The Sound of Silence," "Scarborough Fair," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." However, the question arises as to who was the primary force behind their songwriting collaboration.
Paul Simon as the Main Talent
From my personal opinion and what I’ve gathered from past statements by Paul Simon, it’s clear that he was the primary contributor to their musical partnership. Simon wrote the music and lyrics for most, if not all, of the songs during their career as a duo. This assertion is further supported by the fact that Simon's solo career took off with a higher trajectory compared to Garfunkel's solo career, which struggled to gain traction.
No Original Songs from Art Garfunkel
Regarding Art Garfunkel's involvement in songwriting, there are no records of him contributing any original songs. The duo did cover several songs written by other artists, and Garfunkel contributed to the composition of “Scarborough Fair,” but there is no verifiable evidence to suggest that he wrote any original material for their joint projects.
Early Solo Albums and Song Repertoire
Moreover, if one delves into Paul Simon's early solo albums, such as The Paul Simon Songbook, a notable trend emerges. Simon re-recorded many of the songs that he had written for the duo with Garfunkel in their larger albums. This further emphasizes his role as the primary songwriter in Simon and Garfunkel's musical partnership.
Solo Career Success and Influence
Furthermore, the success of Paul Simon's solo career provides another compelling argument for his predominance in songwriting. The singles and albums released under Simon's solo name, including hits like "Mrs. Robinson," "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," and "Still Crazy After All These Years," showcase his continued ability to craft hits. In contrast, Art Garfunkel's solo career, though it had a few notable hits like "April Come She Will" and "A Horse With No Name," ultimately struggled to achieve the same level of success and recognition.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence strongly supports the notion that Paul Simon was the primary songwriter in Simon and Garfunkel. His contribution to the duo's music cannot be overstated, and his solo career further highlights his songwriting prowess. Garfunkel's importance was more in his role as the back-up singer and harmonizer, contributing significantly to the acoustic and harmonious nature of their music.
While the question of who wrote more often arises, the data and historical context point overwhelmingly towards Paul Simon as the main force behind the songwriting in Simon and Garfunkel.