Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were childhood friends whose intricate vocal harmonies defined the 1960s folk-rock sound. Their breakthrough came with 'The Sound of Silence' in 1964. Originally an acoustic failure, the song was remixed with electric instruments without the duo's knowledge and became a number-one hit. Simon was the group's songwriter, exploring themes of loneliness, urban life, and social change, while Garfunkel's angelic tenor provided the perfect counterpoint. Their 1970 album 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' was a global success but also marked their final collaboration as a duo due to creative tensions. They famously reunited for the Concert in Central Park in 1981, which drew over 500,000 people. Simon & Garfunkel’s music remains a symbol of the intellectual and emotional depth of the folk era.