Rumors about the personal lives and sexual orientations of legendary musicians often surface decades after their peak popularity. Among classic rock and folk fans, questions regarding whether Simon and Garfunkel members were gay occasionally pop up on search engines and forums. The short answer is no; neither Paul Simon nor Art Garfunkel is gay. Both musicians have extensive, well-documented histories of marriages and long-term romantic relationships with women.
Public fascination with the private lives of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel stems from the intense emotional depth of their friendship, their collaborative intensity, and the frequent tabloid scrutiny directed at 1960s icons. To set the record straight, let's examine the actual marital histories, relationships, and personal lives behind the famous folk duo.
Paul Simon's Marriages and Relationships
Paul Simon has been married three times, each union receiving significant public and media attention. His romantic life includes high-profile marriages to women in the entertainment industry as well as long-term creative partnerships.
- Peggy Harper: Simon married his first wife, Peggy Harper, in 1969. They had a son named Harper Simon in 1972 before divorcing in 1975. Simon's song "Train in the Distance" reflects aspects of this period.
- Carrie Fisher: In August 1983, Simon married celebrated actress and writer Carrie Fisher (Star Wars). Their marriage lasted less than a year, ending in divorce in 1984, though they maintained an on-and-off romantic relationship for several years afterward.
- Edie Brickell: Simon married folk singer Edie Brickell in May 1992. The couple remains married today and shares three children: Adrian, Lulu, and Gabriel.
Before his marriages, Simon's early life in England during the mid-1960s featured a prominent relationship with Kathy Chitty, who inspired notable compositions like "Kathy's Song" and "America."
Art Garfunkel's Marriages and Relationships
Art Garfunkel's personal life has similarly involved high-profile marriages and significant relationships with women, alongside periods of profound personal loss.
- Linda Marie Grossman: Garfunkel married architect Linda Marie Grossman in October 1972. The marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1975.
- Laurie Bird: Following his first divorce, Garfunkel entered a serious relationship with actress and photographer Laurie Bird in 1974. Tragically, Bird died by suicide in 1979, an event that plunged Garfunkel into a deep, prolonged depression reflected in his later artistic pursuits and poetry.
- Kathryn "Kim" Cermak: In late 1985, Garfunkel met former model and actress Kathryn Cermak while filming Good to Go. They married on September 18, 1988, and have two sons together, including James (Art Garfunkel Jr.), who pursued a career in music.
Garfunkel also had notable romantic involvements with actress Penny Marshall during the 1970s and 1980s, maintaining a lifelong friendship with her following their brief romance.
Where Did the Rumors Come From?
Speculation about the sexual orientation of classic rock stars frequently arises from several cultural misunderstandings. First, the intense, emotionally charged creative partnership between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel—who met as schoolboys in Forest Hills, Queens, and spent over a decade harmonizing about love, loss, and alienation—led casual listeners to project romantic dynamics onto their stage presence.
Second, modern internet search algorithms often generate automated queries based on generalized curiosity about celebrity private lives. Because neither artist fit the hyper-masculine, swagger-driven mold of 1970s hard-rock frontmen, modern online spaces occasionally produce baseless speculation regarding classic folk acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel ever date?
No. Their relationship was strictly a childhood friendship and a professional musical partnership. Despite well-documented creative tensions, frequent feuds, and long periods of estrangement, their bond was platonic and artistic.
How long were Simon and Garfunkel active together?
The duo formed in the mid-1950s under the moniker Tom & Jerry, achieving major success as Simon & Garfunkel from 1964 until their official breakup in 1970, though they reunited periodically for massive concert events, including their famous 1981 Central Park concert documented by Rolling Stone.
Do Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel still perform together?
No. Following various turbulent reunion tours—most notably in 1982, 1993, and 2003–2004—Art Garfunkel announced in interviews that their working relationship has permanently concluded. Paul Simon announced his retirement from touring in 2018 due to hearing loss and physical health considerations, as detailed by the BBC.
What are the biggest hits by Simon and Garfunkel?
The duo recorded numerous timeless tracks, including "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "The Boxer," and "Cecilia," earning multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
