Carole King: The Story Of A Singer-Songwriting Legend
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Carole King: The Story Of A Singer-Songwriting Legend

I feel the Earth move under my feet.

118
Carole King: The Story Of A Singer-Songwriting Legend
carole_king on Instagram

Carole King is a singer-songwriter known for her number one pop hits and countless hit singles for other artists. She was born in New York City in 1942 and grew up in Brooklyn. King became a skilled pianist when she was ten years old and she started writing songs through her teens. She went to Queens College where she met songwriters like Paul Simon, Neil Sedaka, and Gerry Goffin. At 17 years old, she became pregnant, married Goffin, and they established themselves as songwriting partners. Both of them were signed to Aldon Music empire. Here is where King, still 17, wrote her first number one hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for the Shirelles. As time went on and after Goffin and King’s huge songwriting success, their relationship started to crumble and they eventually divorced; this jumpstarted King’s solo career.

King’s second album, "Tapestry" (1971), was number on the Billboard charts for 15 weeks and stayed on the charts for six years. It sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and was the best selling female artist album for about 25 years. Some of its most popular songs were “It’s Too Late,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”

Along with her massive musical influence, King used her platform to advocate environmental organizations that were supporting wilderness preservation. She was involved with environmental activism since the 80s and was honored at the Carole King: Making Music With FriendsA Concert for Our Children, Our Health, and Our Planet.

Carole King’s influence and reputation were evidently massive, considering she wrote big-selling songs like “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” for Aretha Franklin, “Goin’ Back” for Dusty Springfield, and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” for the Monkees. King and Goffin also wrote songs for artists like Bobby Vee, The Drifters, Little Eva, The Beatles, The Chiffons, and so on. In her life, King wrote or co-wrote over 400 songs that were recorded by over 1,000 artists which resulted in about 100 hit singles. Her songs dominated the charts and she dominated the 60s music industry.

King’s legacy is still acknowledged today. In 2014, "Beautiful: The Carol King Musical" opened on Broadway which included her musical masterpieces and compelling life story. The show did well and won two Tony Awards, a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and two Olivier Awards.

Carole King was well-loved by the public and her music was critically acclaimed. Her solo album, "Tapestry," won her four Grammy Awards; she won Record, Song, and Album of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female honors. This album was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998. She was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, she won the Johnny Mercer Award, and she and Goffin were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Trustees Award.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89004
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

58456
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments