I would start seeing, in just the sense I was saying now, the kind of record it was going to be and what the arrangement demands, and what my vocal part should be in the record. This was all emerging as the song was emerging.

Between 1956 and 1962 the two had performed together as "Tom & Jerry" occasionally performing at school dances. Garfunkel has an interest in the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau having at least three times read his book Confessions (according to website the book was the 1st 252nd and 1000th book he read). The 1981 album Scissors Cut (US #113 UK #51) (dedicated to Bird) contained three singles "A Heart in New York" (B-Side: "Is This Love") (US #66 US AC #10) "Scissors Cut" and "Hang On In" with the latter two failing to chart.

In 1990 he and former musical partner Paul Simon were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights of his solo music career include a top 10 hit three top 20 hits six top 40 hits 14 Adult Contemporary top 30 singles five Adult Contemporary number ones two UK number ones and a People's Choice Award.