Paul Simon Reflects on the Humble Beginnings of ‘The Sound of Silence’ in New Documentary

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, legendary folk-rock duo, are revisiting the origins of their iconic hit ‘The Sound of Silence‘ in a new two-part documentary. Simon shared how the inspiration for the song came from the sound of running water, igniting a wave of creativity.

Reflecting back on his early days in Flushing, Queens, Simon recounted how the bathroom in his parents’ home became an unlikely sanctuary for his songwriting process. The echoing tiles and the white noise of water flowing sparked a creative flow that led to the emotional depth of ‘The Sound of Silence’.

The duo’s first demo of the song, recorded in 1964, solely featured Simon’s vocals. It wasn’t until later, after an audition with Columbia Records producer Tom Wilson, that Art Garfunkel’s harmonious voice was added to the mix, transforming the track into a masterpiece.

Simon revealed that there was a debate around what to call the duo initially, with suggestions ranging from the mundane to the outlandish. However, the president of Columbia Records, Goddard Lieberson, made the pivotal decision to name them ‘Simon & Garfunkel’, marking a significant moment in the duo’s history.