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Lot #588
Simon and Garfunkel

Original manuscripts from Simon and Garfunkel, including Simon's first solo tune: "True or False"

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Estimate: $5000+
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Description

Original manuscripts from Simon and Garfunkel, including Simon's first solo tune: "True or False"

Two superb Simon & Garfunkel items: the first is the music and lyrics in Art Garfunkel's hand for the song "That's My Story," which was recorded by the pair when they sang as "Tom & Jerry." The music and lyrics are contained in fine-lined pages of staff paper, and read, in part:

"…My story really begins a month ago, That's when I first saw you, your eyes were aglow, And then I could see that you were for me. I go to sleep at night and dream of you, I wish I could hold you tight the whole night through. But then I awake (my heart could just break) I can't tell you I love you…"

The music was originally signed by Garfunkel at top, where "Words & Music By" credited their stage names, Tom Graph and Jerry Landis, but a cretinous former collector has erased their names and penciled in "Paul Simon and Arthur Garfunkel." At the bottom is listed promoter Sid Prosen's "Village Music Co." and dated 1958, from which this fine item originated. Sold with an original 45 RPM record for "That's My Story."

The next item is an excessively rare and historic AMS with Simon's stage name "True Taylor," written on staff paper, Simon's original handwritten music and lyrics for the song "True or False," his very first solo release. This record, the "B" side of which was titled "Teenage Fool" was released by Sid Prosen's Big Records in March of 1958 and directly contributed to Simon's first breakup with partner Art Garfunkel. Previous to the recording of this song, Simon and Garfunkel had recorded under the name "Tom and Jerry" and had issued the widely popular song "Hey Schoolgirl." However, Simon collaborating with his father Louis Simon apparently never informed Garfunkel of his solo effort and Garfunkel in turn quit the duo. Although Simon recorded this song as "True Taylor," he never appeared in any venue nor recorded another song under that name. In fact, according to Village Music Publishing records, the "Teenage Fool" and "True or False" sold only 230 copies. The sheet music here is boldly written in dark pencil, apparently with some emendations by his father Lou Simon. The lyrics, reminiscent of songs by Simon's idol, Elvis Presley, read, in part:

"…You like to call me on the telephone Baby please answer true or false You like to dim the lights when we're alone baby please answer true or false and when we have a party you have eyes for no one else, and when you're in my lovin' arms my heart just melts, well you'll be sad if I should go away baby please answer true or false."

Sold with an exceedingly rare unplayed stock copy of "True or False." A fine opportunity for the knowledgeable collector to obtain original music from one of America's greatest recording artists. In fine condition.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #593 - Ended October 07, 2020