Some things were meant to be.
I was walking with a friend the other day and she mentioned that she was thinking about going to the Simon and Garfunkel play that was at the Gallagher Bluedorn in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was a little bummed as the friend she asked to go, wasn’t available. She thought she might go herself but lamented it’s always more fun to go with someone else.
I laughed and said that was funny because I was going to ask Karl to go but he was going to be out of town. Then when he wasn’t available, I decided to just skip it.
I ended up inviting myself to go with her. It was serendipity.
The day of the show I had childcare and asked the parents to pick up by 5 pm or so in an effort to help me get out of the house and to the event in time. It was a no school day here so I had some of the school-aged kids here. I adore those days!!
The kids were busy doing my hair and nails. They were “extra careful” after I told them I was going with someone that they knew. As we were chatting they asked me what I was doing. I told them I was going to play type performance. Then I grabbed my phone and put Youtube on. I typed in Simon and Garfunkel and the first song that came up was…
Sound of Silence. The girls squealed. They knew that song. WHAT?? How do second graders know this song?? They told me that it was part of the music from the movie Trolls. I thought that was so cute. 50 years later, that song was new to young kids. How fun!
When the parents came to pick up, they told me a story. The two parents work together at the same place. On break, they looked up the name of the theater as they were curious to see what show I was going to. It said, Simon and Garfunkel. Neither knew who it was. Isn’t it funny that the 8 years old kids knew a song but the parents didn’t know the group??
The parents ended up looking up Simon and Garfunkel and found they knew several of their songs.
I thought it was a fun story…
The story actually continues. I was driving to the performance and Buck called me. He said, “You’re in the car driving. Where are you going?”
I told him to a Simon and Garfunkel performance. Then I asked if he knew who that was. He said, “Isn’t the performers who one of them got killed by the tiger?”
WHAT??? No. That is not who Simon and Garfunkel are.
Then I told them they sing the songs Sound of Silence and Bridge over Troubled Water. He laughed and said that was his second guess…
HA!
So the performance was fun. It was good to get out and do something. I had fun with my friend and I hope we do more things. The show was a cross between tribute band and history of the duo. I loved learning about what influenced them and how they managed their careers. It was all very interesting. Although I was born in 1965, I remember little to nothing about the 60s…and little of the early 70s. I appreciate learning more about that time.
So…Curiously, how many of you knew who Simon and Garfunkel were? Did you have to google it? Did you immediately know the songs they sang?
I know who Simon and Garfunkel are, along with their songs. (I was born in 1966). It sounds like you had a good night :-)
I was born in 1956 and know and love them. Went to see them in concert with my wife and kids in Paris in 2004. The Everley brothers did the first half. I love all their songs, oddly Sounds of Silence least. I also love Paul Simon’s solo songs enormously.
Peter Brooks, Haguenau, France
I know them well. Love their work. I have a vinyl copy of the album Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel, it was the only L. P. my mother ever bought. I had to keep it after she passed away We played the title song at her funeral. The sentiment in it was our mum. We also played Love is a Many Splendored Thing by Mantovani and his Orchestra and Sailing By ( I don’t know why played that). Perhaps your childcare kiddos may like to listen to some older music. There’s some fab stuff in the past
P. S. Regards from England
I was in high school in the late 60s and graduated in 1970.
My new brother-in-law was fresh out of college and my English teacher. As you might say, Jo- Ugh!
Joe played Simon & Garfunkel songs in class and we discussed the symbolism and meaning of the lyrics. Pretty radical and cool for a small town NW Iowa school.
English was my favorite class. Joe became my favorite BIL too.
I am a lot older than you so I remember it all too well. I would say the good old days but really?
Yes but then I was in my 20’s in the 60’s I really like Bridge over troubled waters. Simon and Garfunkel were very good at the music they did. It’s inevitable that good stuffstays or comes back again and again
I liked Bridge over troubled waters so much back in the 60’s how lovely that someone is playing their music.
Oh yes, I remember Simon and Garfunkel….and I remember when they both went solo. They are both very talented. I was born in 1959, the second oldest of four. The 60s and 70s hold lots of memories for me. Those years spawned a new kind of classic music.
I was born June 1959, also second oldest of four girls. I love Simon and Garfunkel :)
And thanks for the ear worm…..
Ha. Your title caught me. That was from my time! I never watched the trolls but I found through the years my sons would sing a song that they thought was popular and I would come sing it with them. How did I know the words? Well, I learned them the first time they were popular! LOL Thanks for a stroll down memory lane! Glad you had a good time.
Yep, S&G were my of my faves way back when…and I love how Sally wrote thanks for the ear worm – she’s so right! :-D
Love and prayers
I took my daughter to one of their concerts. She did not want to go, she didn’t recognize the name so she thought it would be a dud, boy when they started singing, she was excited. This was probably 15 years ago. We had a great time and boy were they good. Glad you had a good time.
Oh my, yes! I remember them quite well! My senior year of high school, I was a DJ for the school radio station and they were a mainstay. In fact, one of their songs (59th street Bridge song) was my theme song.
I was born in 1949, so yeah I definitely know who Simon and Garfunkel! Your son’s guess is too funny!!!
I was also born in 1965 and I definitely knew who Simon and Garfunkel are. Buck’s answer was hilarious!
Love Simon & Garfunkel, together and separate. Their music is timeless!
One morning when my son was 3 he was in a fever to wear his white pants (they were really blue jeans that had a laundry accident and I just finished the job). He couldn’t tell me why but he had never cared what he wore! When I talked to Paula at daycare we both laughed. Another child, Emily, adored Elvis and for her birthday they had played her favorites and watched Elvis music videos. The kids loved it!
Yes but then I’m old!
Don’t feel bad…me too…born in 1950
Born in 64. I know the duo. I saw a video on YouTube of them performing with the Everly Brothers, who it turns out, influenced the way Simon and Garfunkel sang harmony. Something about singing “perfect sixths”. We are big fans of music from earlier times around here. My kids know so many random songs lol, and my husband would have been excellent on Name That Tune. Blessings
Oh, and yeah, Disrurbed’s version of Sound of Silence is very powerful. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Born in 1956; I think Bridge Over Troubled Water was the first LP that I bought with money earned babysitting
I bought sheet music of The Sound of Silence that I played as a teen in the late 60s. I really enjoyed Simon and Garfunkel’s music. It’s nice to hear that their music is still popular, hopefully influencing people for good.
I can say I know who they are, but I didn’t listen to music way back then. I am familiar with some of the songs, but like my husband, I don’t necessarily know the artists who did them. I am so glad you had a good night out with a friend.
I’m younger than you but I grew up listening to my dad’s old 8-tracks and have a love for the music of the 60s, 70s and beyond.. My favorite song of theirs growing up was The Boxer. In the last few years Disturbed release their cover of the Sound of Silence and I’d have to say I love it as much as the original.
I remember them. The group was on a lot in my house. My mom was a fan. You should look up a cover of The Sound of Silence on utube. Disturbed covered it. The song is a little darker than the original, but the singer’s voice is incredible. Hope you have a great day.
I listen to Disturbed singing it quite often. My kids laugh and tease that they can’t believe I’m listening to Disturbed. It’s an awesome rendition though.
I’m a few years older than you and I knew who Simon and Garfunkel were. I can imagine that was a fun evening. And Lynn, I knew the names that you mentioned in your post. It’s interesting, even across the pond we were listening to the same music.
I was born in the 50’s, we sang S&G songs in High School Choir. Lots of great artists and song writers in the 70s! I will have to ask my 40/42 year old “kids” if they know Simon and Garfunkel – bet they will at least know Paul Simon. Thanks for the throw back to the good old days – ha! HUGS… and stitches
Yep know who Simon and Garfunkel are . I had a similar thing happen with my grandkids sever years ago , we were in the car and a song came on the radio , I started singing , wow grandma how do you know that song , i laughed , well it happened to be in a Disney movie that they watched . Not to long ago one of them that’s grown now and has 2 precious boys , was singing an oldie , his mother ask him where did you learn that song, he said from grandma . Lol ❤️
They have been favorites forever. I was born in 55, and grew up with them. Still listen to their music, via Alexa
I know their songs well. Their songs are burned into my memories of a family tragedy. When I was 10, in 1970, my 28 year old aunt died unexpectedly from a blood clot. For days my uncle played their music nonstop. For years I couldn’t hear Bridge Over Troubled Waters without crying.
I know who they are. I was in high school in the 60’s!
I was born in 1955, and of course I know about Simon and Garfunkel, and The Sound of Silence was the song that popped into my head immediately, how fun
I”m old enough. They had a lot of wonderful songs! The 60’s were great!
I love Simon and Garfunkel. We are going to that show on Sunday evening here in Alabama. So glad you loved it!
When we were at boarding school one day one of the teachers took us into the 6th form common room (I guess years 11 and 12) to play us bridge over troubled water. It was such an unusual experience to be in the senior girls’ room and listening to music at school it made quite the impression.
I have been watching some streamers on Twitch and have been amazed at the eclectic mix that these lads in their twenties listen to. Through Spotify they have access to so much more music than we ever did. One guy was listening to Abba and I asked how on earth and he said when he was little and his grandmother took him places she listened to a radio station that played it.
Some of the other music they have come to know through Avengers and other movies so I’m not surprised really the little ones are being exposed to old music through movies. It brings a smile to my face, though!
My twin sister and I were born in 1960 and we were in college when they had their reunion concert in Central Park, which we attended. Then we saw them at Giants Stadium in New Jersey and again at Madison Square Garden. When we visited Greece in 1992, one of our relatives had th album from Central Park.
When the first Shrek movie came out, Neil Diamond took his teen-aged daughter and a friend to see it. On the way out, he was singing I’m A Believer and the girls were very impressed that he knew the song so quickly. He wrote the song.
YES, i went to one of their comeback concerts in Boston MA! It was fun, I still listen to them!
I was born in 1949. S&G was the first concert I ever went to, in 1968. I still have several of their vinyl albums.
I’m thrilled that you had a great time!
We had their LPs, and we tortured our poor piano, playing from the sheet music and books, especially after hearing one of their tunes on the radio. Mom didn’t mind, as she sometimes sang along to “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Thanks for sharing your fun evening with us.
I’m was in high school in the 60’s. Loved their music and enjoyed singing along.
Yes, I do know who SImon & Garfinkel are. I even have a CD that I had to get to replace my album.
BTW – Buck is thinking of Siegfried & Roy who were magicians and entertainers who had an act with wihite lions and white tigers. Roy Horn was hurt during a show at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
Thank you so much for explaining who Buck meant. I was going to have to look that up to stop my brain from asking “who?” all night!!
Definitely remember who they are! So many favorite songs. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Born in ’51, so I remember S & G very well, going back to “Scarborough Fair” and on through until they split up. Their songs bring back a lot of memories! I have at least one of their albums plus a book of their sheet music… timeless. (Yep, the earworms are crawling around this morning!)
Glad you got to enjoy the concert – isn’t it good to get out with friends? :)
Yes, l know who they are. I still have their greatest hits on 8 track. And yes, l still have my 8 track player that works. Great music. Think l will play it while l quilt today.
I am 60yo. Most certainly know them. I was in band and choir in junior high and high school and their songs were often used in performances.
Great story about how they seem to have skipped a generation. Do your kids know them? (besides Karl who obviously didn’t or was trying to get a rise out of you ;-)
Happy Wednesday Jo!
Bridge Over Troubled Water was the class song when I graduated from high school in 1970. Simon & Garfunkle were one of the groups that I grew up with.
I was born in 1964 and yes, I know who Simon and Garfunkel are and quite a few of their songs, in fact, my first husband chose Bridge Over Troubled Waters as “our song”.
Virginia
Clearbrook MN
Funny story about how music rolls around… My then highschool aged son asked me “Did you know Paul McCartney was one of the Eagles before he went out on his own?” Mmm, dear boy, did you know he was a Beatle before he was an Eagle??
I was in high school, then married in the 60’s. It is funny, that the little children are learning music from the 60’s. It all gets repeated eventually, doesn’t it. It sounds like you had a fun time.
Absolutely! Loved their songs and still listen to them today. Went to see them in ’93 when they played the Bridge School concert at Shoreline Amphitheater. Best Bridge School concert IMHO!
Yep….born in 58 so I know who they are and bought the LP as a teenager. Bridge Over Troubled Water must have been a popular chorus song as I remember singing it there too! When I started planting herbs in my garden, I couldn’t help but smile as I planted parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme…lol I used to play a lot of 70s music when my sons were small and so my 35 yr son knows and likes music from that era. When he started working and worked with older folks they were always amazed that he knew the music from that era.
Let’s all break out into,”Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme” as we season the Thanksgiving turkey this year! Imagine the looks we will get from friends and family. So glad you had a good evening and thanks for the chuckle, Jo, plus the memories from your readers…8-track, yes!
Born in 1940, I remember the 60’s well and loved their music!
I was born in 1948, and I’m still alive!! I remember them well. Some days all I want to listen to, is the sound of silence or the sound of the sewing machine.
I’m older than you and totally know Simon and Garfunkel. Pentatonix does a version of Sound of Silence that is amazing!! That’s a show I would have enjoyed, too.
Glad you had fun!
Definitely know Simon and Garfunkel. My kids have also introduced me to the Disturbed version. I like it but I’m an old fart and I prefer the original. Funny how things go around in circles…
Thanks for sharing:)
My favorite song is El Condor Pasa (If I Could). I wore out my copy.
I’m another oldie but a goodie born in ’46. S&G were the sound track of my late teens and early twenties along with the Beatles, S&G tried to get back together several times,but it didn’t work. Too bad, because their music was great. Paul Simon did some great stuff by himself. I’m glad you enjoyed the concert.
I knew Buck meant Siegfried & Roy, but Roy died of a stroke, not the tiger. Was he just joking with you?
I know them well! I was born in 1965 so Simon and Garfunkel were on the radio singing away.
I am so glad to hear that you got out and enjoyed yourself. It is great to find a friend that you can go places with. God bless you Jo!
Jeri D
I definitely know who they are. I was born in 1949 so lived through the do wop era, the Beatles era, and the crazy late 60’s and early 70’s. It was a very interesting time to grow up. I love all the music from that whole time and I know most of the words to most of the songs.
Test
Love, love, love Simon and Garfunkel… I was born in ’61 and still love folk music. One of the best concerts I ever attended was Simon and Garfunkel at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1983 (?)… I never dance but “Late in the Evening” had all of us on our feet and dancing in the aisles! Funny how we end up connecting with people, out of the blue, like you did with your friend! Thanks for sharing your fun evening.
The Simon and Garfunkel LP was the first record my husband and I bought 50 years ago when we married.
I was born in the early 60’s and know the 1950’s -1970’s music well. Most of the music from the 80’s and 90’s is just noise to me. My children were born in the 80’s and they know all the older music as well as the new stuff too.
Recently, I was listening/watching S & G’s central park concert on YouTube. Art had the voice of an angel when he sang “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”! I really like Pentatonix’ cover of “Sound of Silence”…it’s on YouTube also…where I spend a lot of time listening to music.
Cecilia is my favorite. Some of their songs are a little depressing “Hello, darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk to you again” but relatable.
Thank Buck for the chuckle.
Sure I know them! Graduated high school in 1963. Did you know he was married to Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame? He sure was.
I graduated from high school in 1965 so yes I know the singers and the songs. In fact I gave all my 45’s and albums to my son-in-law 9 years ago…… so tonight I will play the songs in my head.
I loved them as a teen! I have always liked singers who had fun harmony in their songs – the Beach Boys were awesome with the harmony!! Now I need to ask my daughters if they know who they are!! Sounds like you had a great time with your friend! You’re a decade younger than I am, as is my hubby, so I’ll ask him if he knows who they are…somehow I think he’ll know, he’s an amazing fount of useless knowledge (his words, not mine)!
I’m several years older than you. I remember Simon and Garfunkel well. I have the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, as well as one each did on their own. They were my favorite singers at that time.
My late husband was a singer in a band called Sounds of Silence named after the song came on the radio when they were trying to decide on the bands name. This was in Sydney Australia
Hey Jo – we’re about the same age and I definitely remember Simon and Garfunkel. We had the Bridge Over Troubled Waters album!
I took my boyfriend to their concert in the mid-70’s in Lincoln, NE. That relationship didn’t last…just like the duo. Also, my German teacher played Bridge Over Troubled Water over our headset system while we did our workbooks…I now dislike that song because I heard it so much in high school.
I definitely know them! being born in 1948, and in high school in the 1960s, they were the sound of my teens. Such a great memory.
I still listen to them on Spotify, yes, I am “hip” enough to know and enjoy Spotify. I also use the Shazam app to save music to Spotify. Both are great apps if you love music!