Paul Simon

Singer / Songwriter

Friends from childhood, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel made up one of the most successful musical acts of the 1960s. On the strength of Simon's songwriting and Garfunkel's harmonies -- their music was dubbed "folk-rock" -- they became international superstars, beginning with "The Sound of Silence," a number one hit in 1965. Until they broke up in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel cranked out hit songs such as "The Boxer," "Mrs. Robinson" (from the Dustin Hoffman film The Graduate) and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," with critical acclaim to match their popular success. Simon pursued a solo career that has included several hit songs, including "Kodachrome," "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and "You Can Call Me Al." He was won more than a dozen Grammy awards and is considered one of the best popular songwriters of his generation.

Extra credit: Simon married singer Edie Brickell in 1992. Previously he was married to actress Carrie Fisher (1983-84) and Peggy Harper (1970-75)... Simon wrote and starred in the 1980 film One Trick Pony. He had a small role in Woody Allen's Oscar-winning 1977 film Annie Hall.

Other folk-pop icons of the era: Bob Dylan, 'Mama Cass' Elliot, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.