Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Surprise hit 'Sound of Silence' reunited Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon perform at the 38th AFI Life Achievement Awards in June 2010.
Getty Images | File 2010

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 50 years ago today, Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence" is credited with reuniting the band.

The song was originally recorded for the duo's debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 a.m.," but the record didn't sell well. Simon and Garfunkel split up.

But some DJs in Boston and Florida started playing the album cut of the song and got a good response, so Columbia decided to release it as a single.

Producer Tom Wilson felt that the song was too soft for Top 40 radio, so he added the drums and electric instruments without Simon and Garfunkel's knowledge.

After the song became a hit, the band reunited and started work on a second album.