On This Day in 1970: Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Reached #1 on Billboard 200
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On March 7, 1970, Simon & Garfunkel’s album “Bridge Over Troubled Water” reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. This album remained at the top for ten weeks, becoming the longest-running number one album of that year.
Success and Legacy of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Released in January 1970, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was the duo’s fifth and final studio album. It featured eleven tracks, including the iconic title song, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The album was recorded over several months, with sessions extending into early 1970. The album achieved remarkable success, topping charts in ten countries. In the United States, it stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 85 weeks. In the United Kingdom, it held the number one position for 33 weeks and remained in the top 100 for 285 weeks between 1970 and 1975.
The title track, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” became one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most celebrated songs. It reached number one in five countries and has been covered by over 50 artists, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. The album’s success was further solidified at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards in 1971, where it won six awards, including Album of the Year. The song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” also earned accolades, highlighting the duo’s musical achievements.
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Tensions and Reconciliation
Despite the album’s success, tensions between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were high during its production. Garfunkel was pursuing an acting career, which led to conflicts and contributed to the duo’s eventual split. They parted ways after the album’s release, making “Bridge Over Troubled Water” their final collaborative work. Over the years, the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has continued to resonate with audiences. Artists like John Legend have performed it, finding personal meaning in its lyrics. Legend dedicated his rendition to his late grandmother, stating that singing the song brings him comfort.
In recent years, Simon & Garfunkel have experienced moments of reconciliation. In late 2024, Art Garfunkel described a tearful reunion with Paul Simon, expressing regret over past conflicts and hope for future collaboration. The enduring legacy of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and its impact on music history remain significant. Its success on the Billboard 200 chart on March 7, 1970, marked a milestone in Simon & Garfunkel’s career and solidified their place in music history.
