Art Garfunkel & Son James Deliver Heartfelt Everly Brothers Tribute
A Special Father-Son Performance
In 2019, legendary folk-rock singer Art Garfunkel, one-half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, graced the stage with a performance that carried both history and heart. By his side was his son, James Garfunkel (also known as Art Garfunkel Jr.), born in 1990. Together, they performed touching renditions of The Everly Brothers’ classics “Devoted to You” and “Let It Be Me.”
James has long been a familiar presence on stage with his father. Their bond in music dates back to his childhood, including a memorable moment at just 12 years old when he joined Art on stage at the 2002 US Open Tennis Tournament. Over the years, fans have witnessed this relationship blossom into something more than family—it has become a seamless blending of voices across generations.
A Tribute to Phil Everly
This particular set of covers carried an added weight of meaning. The Everly Brothers’ music had long been a touchstone for Garfunkel, and these performances were dedicated to Phil Everly, who passed away in 2014. Songs that once filled the airwaves of the 1950s and ’60s found new life through the Garfunkels’ harmony—a heartfelt remembrance that bridged decades of music history.
The 2019 Tour
Art Garfunkel’s 2019 tour was a sweeping journey across multiple continents. Beginning in the United States in January, the tour extended through the UK and eventually wrapped in Germany in November. Joined by guitarist Tab Laven and keyboardist Paul Beard, Garfunkel’s shows blended nostalgia, storytelling, and intimate moments that left lasting impressions on audiences worldwide.
Family on Stage
One of the most touching aspects of these concerts was the way Art introduced his son. With pride evident in his voice, he often welcomed James to the stage as though inviting the audience into a family gathering. Sometimes, the father and son would share a single microphone, their voices blending as naturally as conversation. On occasion, Art’s wife, Kim, joined them for a delightful rendition of “Feelin’ Groovy,” turning the performance into a true family affair.
The Audience Reaction
The reception to these shows was overwhelmingly positive. Audiences responded with cheers, applause, and heartfelt emotion, touched by the sincerity and intimacy of the performances. A recording from the May 12, 2019 Napa concert captured this perfectly—an evening of joy, nostalgia, and connection that quickly spread across social media, bringing solace to fans around the world.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of his 2019 tour, Art Garfunkel planned to return to the stage in 2022 with another international series of performances, covering the United States and parts of Europe, including Germany, The Netherlands, and Denmark. Fans eagerly awaited the announcement of whether James would once again join his father, carrying forward the harmony of two generations.
A Legacy Continued
For Art Garfunkel, music has always been about connection—between partners, between songs, and now, between father and son. With performances like these, he not only honors the artists who inspired him but also ensures that his own legacy continues in the voice of the next generation. Together, the Garfunkels proved that music, when shared across bloodlines, carries a power that time can never diminish.
