Ep 188. Art Garfunkel

Art Garfunkel, the legendary singer-songwriter who was once half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, is the guest on Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 188. Garfunkel, who is known for his angelic voice and poetic sensibility, talks to Smiley about his life as a musician, his creative process, and his philosophy of life.

The episode opens with a brief introduction of Garfunkel, who is sitting on a couch next to Smiley. Garfunkel is dressed in a casual shirt and jeans, wearing round glasses and looking relaxed and genial. Smiley welcomes Garfunkel to the show and asks him how he got started in music.

Garfunkel explains that he grew up in Queens, New York, in a family of immigrants from Romania and Poland. He says that his parents loved music and encouraged him and his siblings to sing and play instruments. He remembers listening to folk music on the radio and being drawn to the harmonies of groups like the Weavers and the Kingston Trio. He says that he and his friend Paul Simon began singing together in high school and formed their first group, Tom & Jerry, in 1957.

Smiley asks Garfunkel about his experience of being part of Simon & Garfunkel, one of the most successful and influential musical acts of the 1960s. Garfunkel says that he and Simon had a deep bond that allowed them to create music that was both emotional and intellectual.

He says that their collaboration was a balance of Simon's lyrics and melodies and his own vocal arrangements. He says that he always saw himself as an interpreter of Simon's songs rather than a songwriter himself, but that he brought his own sensibility to the music by adding harmonies and vocalizations that reflected the mood and meaning of the lyrics.

Smiley asks Garfunkel about his solo career, which began in the 1970s after Simon & Garfunkel disbanded. Garfunkel says that he felt liberated by the prospect of making music on his own terms, and that he was able to explore his own interests and emotions in his songs.

He says that his solo work has been characterized by his love of poetry and literature, and his desire to express his own feelings and ideas in a poetic and musical form. He performs a few songs from his solo albums, including "Bright Eyes," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "All I Know," which showcase his pure and soaring voice and his sensitive and introspective lyrics.

Smiley and Garfunkel also talk about Garfunkel's personal life, including his marriages and fatherhood, his struggles with depression and insomnia, and his love of walking. Garfunkel says that he believes in the importance of finding meaning and joy in ordinary moments, and that he tries to live his life with gratitude and curiosity.

As the episode comes to a close, Smiley thanks Garfunkel for his honesty and openness, and for his contribution to the world of music and art. Garfunkel says that he is grateful for the opportunity to connect with people through his music, and that he hopes to continue making music and exploring new ideas and experiences.

Overall, Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 188 is a warm and engaging conversation with a true musical icon. Garfunkel's insights into his creative process and his philosophy of life make for an inspiring and enlightening hour of television. Fans of Simon & Garfunkel and Garfunkel's solo work will find plenty to enjoy in this episode, as will anyone who appreciates great music and thoughtful conversation.