Art Garfunkel Elevates Early SNL with Solo Performance

Art Garfunkel's appearance on "Saturday Night Live" marked a notable point in the early trajectory of the show. During the second episode of the inaugural season, SNL was still finding its footing in the competitive landscape of television. Garfunkel, already well-established from his partnership with Paul Simon in the duo Simon & Garfunkel, offered a significant draw for viewers. He performed solo, which contrasted the usual dynamic audiences were accustomed to from his Simon & Garfunkel days. This appearance included renditions of his own music and provided a platform to showcase his talent independently from the duo. The episode foregrounded Garfunkel’s capability as a solo artist and contributed to broadening his appeal beyond Simon & Garfunkel’s established fanbase. The show itself, hosted by Paul Simon—a close collaborator and friend—benefited from Garfunkel's presence. Simon's hosting, coupled with Garfunkel's participation, underscored the enduring connection between the two artists. This synergy helped to cement SNL’s reputation for featuring top-tier musical talent in its early stages. This moment also played a role in setting the tone for SNL’s approach to integrating established musicians into its format, impacting how future musical guests would be used in the show’s structure. Garfunkel’s participation exemplified SNL’s blend of comedy, storytelling, and music, contributing to the unique variety-show formula that has become its trademark. #ArtGarfunkelOnSNL #SNLHistory #MoofLife