Art Garfunkel update

Posted on September 29th, 2005 by TKls2myhrt
Art Garfunkel’s son, James, and wife, Kim Cermak Garfunkel

One of my favorite singers, Art Garfunkel, was in the news again recently for another marijuana possession charge back in August 2005. Here’s what happened:

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Singer Art Garfunkel, who pleaded guilty to marijuana possession last year, has been arrested again on the same charge. Garfunkel, 63, half of the legendary ’60s duo Simon and Garfunkel, was pulled over on Sunday by a New York state trooper near Woodstock after running a stop sign, The Daily Freeman newspaper reported on Tuesday. The trooper’s report of the incident said a strong marijuana odor was coming from the car and a marijuana cigarette was found in the ashtray. Garfunkel, who lives in New York City, was given a ticket and is due to appear in Woodstock Town Court on September 22. In January 2004, Garfunkel was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after state police from the same barracks stopped his car for speeding. He subsequently pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine and a $100 state surcharge. Garfunkel’s hits with Paul Simon include “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence” and “Scarborough Fair.”

So he was just drivin’ along down the highway, tokin’ away and gets caught. This after getting busted doing the same thing eight months earlier. I think he should be the poster child for pot smokers - an incredibly talented man who still cannot shake his marijuana addiction at the age of 63. Embarrassing, to say the least; dangerous at best.

I had the opportunity to look at his own website today while looking for the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (the version sung by Art). I bought the soundtrack to As Good As it Gets in order to listen to Art’s version of that song, but the entire soundtrack ended up being wonderful.

From Art’s website, I learned that:

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed together at Madison Square Garden on September 20th in “From The Big Apple to The Big Easy,” a concert for long term relief and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The duo sang Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and Mrs. Robinson. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to hear them sing those songs live? Here are two reviews of their appearance at the fundraiser:

Rolling Stone Magazine:


“Simon and Garfunkel, one of the final acts at the Garden, were introduced by actor Paul Newman. “As tonight proves, music has a power all its own,” he said. “In our most trying times, music has a healing power like a bridge over troubled water.” Minutes later, Garfunkel and Aaron Neville traded verses on the aforementioned tune. “As many times as I’ve sung that song, I don’t think it’s ever meant as much to me as it does tonight,” said Garfunkel. “

New York Post:


“Even with all the Big Easy talent at Madison Square Garden singing to rebuild their homes and lives in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina, it was two Queens boys, grown old, who best captured the spirit of the night. Last night, emotions ran high and a spirit of giving flooded the Garden when New York treasures Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reprised their incredibly apropos classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.


My one thought is what Art’s teenage son, James, thinks about his dad’s arrests. Even in the most progressive family, this would have to take a toll on a teenager.

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4 Responses to “Art Garfunkel update”

  1. Mutti Beck // Sep 29, 2005 at 2:40 pm

    Bummer, man. That really blows my mind…;) I’m a big Simon and Garfunkel fan…my kids wail and moan and gnash their teeth when I pop in a S&G CD….I LOVE IT!

  2. Maria // Sep 30, 2005 at 11:38 am

    I love Simon & Garfunkle. I really have to find some CDs though…the old cassete tape that we’ve been listening to since I was little is getting worn out, unfortunately.

  3. Polly // Sep 30, 2005 at 1:13 pm

    Funny how this type of music can take you back to a certain moment in your life. My personal tastes run to John Denver, the Carpenters and the Bee Gees. This horrifies my family.
    I’m confused by the photo — that’s Art’s son and Art’s wife? She also looks like a teenager!

  4. Scottius Maximus // Oct 5, 2005 at 12:40 pm

    I’m doubly confused about the photo. At first I thought that was a young Andrea McArdle in her “Annie” outfit.

    Then I thought you were saying that chick was married to the kid in the picture.

    But, despite my confusion, believe it or not, I’m not guilty of what Art is. I’ll be fine.

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