Singer: Carole King

One of the standard descriptions of a musical artist today is “Singer-Songwriter.” If Carole King didn’t create that category, she could have.

As a songwriter, she and her then husband and writing partner Gerry Goffin wrote these great songs of the 1960s: “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (The Shirelles), “Take Good Care of My Baby” (Bobby Vee), “Chains” (The Cookies), “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva), “Go Away Little Girl” (Steve Lawrence, later Donny Osmond), “Crying in the Rain” (The Everly Brothers), “Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad About My Baby” (The Cookies), “One Fine Day” (The Chiffons), “Up on the Roof” (The Drifters), “Don’t Bring Me Down” (The Animals), “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (The Monkees), and “A Natural Woman” (Aretha Franklin).

Following a number of unsuccessful songwriting and recording ventures, Carole released the album “Tapestry.” It still reigns as one of the most successful albums of all time. The stats are just remarkable: Number One on the chart for 17 consecutive weeks…Spawned two number one singles…and remained on the charts for nearly six years. It was recognized by the Grammys as Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, Record of the Year (“It’s Too Late”) and Song of the Year (“You’ve Got a Friend”).

Carole continues to record and perform, and is on tour this year with James Taylor, who made “You’ve Got a Friend” one of his own signature recordings. She’s been honored by membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Trustees Award. But considering her immense talent, more honors and recognition may still be coming…

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