Speaking of perfection . . . . . 

On this day in music history: February 28, 1970 - “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks. Written by Paul Simon, it is the biggest hit for the Queens, NY based folk rock duo. In mid 1969 Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel begin work on what becomes their final album. While Art Garfunkel is away working on his first film “Catch 22”, Simon and his then wife Peggy are living in Los Angeles. They rent the same house where George Harrison was inspired to write the song “Blue Jay Way” two years earlier. During the time they are living there, he writes “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on guitar, later being transcribed to piano by arranger Jimmie Haskell. The song is inspired in part by gospel singer Claude Jeter’s lyric “I’ll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in me”. Paul works with a group of studio musicians in L.A. that includes keyboardist Larry Knetchel, bassist Joe Osborn, drummer Hal Blaine and percussionist Gary Coleman. Simon initially writes the song with only two verses, but adds a third at the suggestion of Garfunkel and co-producer/engineer Roy Halee. Released on January 26, 1970, the single is an immediate smash. Entering the Hot 100 at #49 on February 7, 1970, it rockets to the top of the chart only three weeks later. The single wins two Grammy Awards including Record and Song Of The Year in 1971. An iconic song of the era, “Bridge” is covered numerous times over the years, including versions by Aretha Franklin (#1 R&B in 1971), Elvis Presley, Linda Clifford, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to name a few. In spite of its message of friendship and support in difficult times, it ironically marks beginning of the end of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s musical partnership, as the duo split in 1971. The single release is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

check out the vocals of course but pay close attention to the bass, strings and the percussion too . . . . . . 
thanks to Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves'