![]() ![]() Simon had always harboured an interest in gospel since hearing Sonny Til and the Orioles’ epic recording of ‘Crying in the Chapel’ as an adolescent. #YOUTUNES MUSIC SIMON AND GARFUNKEL PROFESSIONAL#While the material dealt with artistic and professional issues he was having with Art the song was also rendered with the spiritual sounds of his teenage years. While the track will forever be attached to both the legendary singers’ Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, the song is deeply rooted both in Simon’s past and his then-present. An iconic folk tale steeped in the personal problems of its writer Paul Simon and his professional partner Art Garfunkel. The final song that Simon & Garfunkel ever recorded together, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ranks as one of the best tracks in musical history. However, on a promotional tour in 2003, Garfunkel confirmed the song was inspired by sources closer to their home: “No – I’m sorry about that! ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is a gospel phrase which Paul took from a gospel group. ![]() The duo also visited the site of Bickleigh Bridge, a picturesque spot in East Devon. They also happened to find themselves in Devon for a large chunk of their time here. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel spent a lot of time in England during the end of the 1960s when the song was written. However, there is good cause for thinking so. However, what can be contemplated and, unfortunately for those in Devon, completely dispelled, is that the song was written about a bridge near Bickleigh. It cannot be understated how foundational the song is. It, alongside other greats from the folk era, has become anthemic in its purity and archetypes of its genre. A combination of hymnal hyperbole and the kind of melodic practises that made Paul McCartney wince in jealousy, the song has gone on to define the duo that spawned it as well as a generation of music listeners. Hitting number one in 1970, the song is one of the duo’s finest moments. However, a spot in East Devon has long since claimed one landmark to be inextricably linked to the Simon & Garfunkel song ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. About 200 yards south is one of the first pubs that Kate bush and her band ever performed live, and about 500 yds further south is a bus stop from which David Bowie would often disembark. In fact, from where I sit writing this piece, in South London, there are several unremarkable pieces of musical history. There’s nothing like an excellent musical tale to enliven your local history. ![]()
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