Art Garfunkel couldn't be prouder of his latest collaborator — his son Art Garfunkel Jr.
Vivian Rashotte | CBC Arts | Posted: January 6, 2025 2:15 PM | Last Updated: January 6
In a Q interview, the father-son duo talk about making their first album together
It's not uncommon for a person to follow in their parent's footsteps, and in the Garfunkel household, the family business is music. Dubbing themselves Garfunkel & Garfunkel, the legendary singer Art Garfunkel and his son, Art Garfunkel Jr., recently released their first album together, Father and Son.
But the younger Garfunkel is already an artist in his own right, having established himself as a successful singer in Germany, where he has two top 10 albums. In an interview with Q's Tom Power, Garfunkel Sr. says he could tell his son was a great singer from an early age, as they often performed together on stages around the world.
"His pitch was perfect," Garfunkel Sr. recalls. "His range was going way up to the high notes. He goes as high as I go and he goes beyond what I go. He's actually a better singer than me."
WATCH | Official trailer for Garfunkel & Garfunkel's Father and Son:
"Well, of course, me and my father, you know, we are best friends," Garfunkel Jr. adds. "We're fans of each other. I'm a huge fan of my dad's voice and music, so may that be said."
Garfunkel Jr. still remembers the exact moment he realized his dad was part of Simon & Garfunkel, one of the most celebrated folk duos of all time. It was in 2004 at the Colosseum in Rome, where Simon & Garfunkel were wrapping up a massive reunion tour.
"I was standing next to the stage, watching from behind the scenes," Garfunkel Jr. recalls. "I just looked at this ocean of humanity … and I said to my dad, 'Dad, does the whole world know you?' And my father here answered, 'About half the world, my son.' Very earnestly! And it really sunk in at that young age what a contribution Simon & Garfunkel have made, and my dad has made, to the world of music."
Garfunkel & Garfunkel's new album features reinterpretations of their favourite songs, including '80s hits like Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time, as well as songs by Simon & Garfunkel, the Beatles and Cat Stevens.
WATCH | Official video for Garfunkel & Garfunkel's Time After Time:
From the way he speaks about his son, it's obvious that Garfunkel Sr. is extremely proud of him.
"I watched him define himself," he tells Power. "I believe when a father and a mother give birth to a child, it's a gift of life, and the life belongs to the son. The son makes up what he will be. So I just applauded and watched him emerge as a great singer."
"I've gotten tremendous encouragement from my father," Garfunkel Jr. says. "I'd say that's the biggest gift he's given me: constant emotional encouragement. I got my dad in my court and I'm so lucky."
The full interview with Garfunkel & Garfunkel is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Art Garfunkel Sr. also opens up about his recent reconciliation with Paul Simon. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview with Garfunkel & Garfunkel produced by Mitch Pollock.