Last Updated: 01 Oct, 2025 | Views: 25
Age: 83
Profession: Singer
Other Profession(s): Musician, Song writer
About (Profile/Biography):
Carole King is one of the most influential singer-songwriters in American music history, with a career spanning over six decades. Born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, she began writing songs in her teens and quickly rose to fame in the 1960s as a Brill Building hitmaker. Alongside her then-husband Gerry Goffin, she wrote timeless classics for other artists before launching her solo career. Her landmark 1971 album Tapestry remains one of the best-selling and most revered albums of all time. Known for her emotionally honest lyrics and melodic brilliance, Carole's work shaped the sound of a generation. Beyond music, she's also been a prominent environmental activist. Her storytelling, resilience, and authenticity have made her a true icon of American songwriting and performance.
Early Life & Background of Carole King
• Carole was raised in Brooklyn, where she learned piano at four and was composing music before most kids learned to spell their names.
• She attended Queens College, where she met lyricist Gerry Goffin, forming both a romantic and creative partnership.
• Her stage name "Carole King" was inspired by her desire to sound strong and professional in a male-dominated industry.
Songwriting Years – Brill Building Era
• King co-wrote over 100 charting hits in the 1960s, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" for The Shirelles.
• She and Goffin were part of the famed Brill Building scene, where teams of writers cranked out hits for Motown and pop acts.
• Her songs were recorded by legends like Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and The Monkees, solidifying her early influence.
Solo Stardom & Tapestry Era
• In 1971, Carole released Tapestry, which spent 15 weeks at No. 1 and redefined the singer-songwriter genre.
• Hits like "It’s Too Late" and "You’ve Got a Friend" showcased her emotional depth and raw honesty in songwriting.
• Tapestry became a cultural milestone, winning four Grammy Awards including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
Major Controversy around Carole King
• Carole faced criticism in the early ’70s for breaking traditional family roles by divorcing Goffin and going solo as a mother.
• Some industry insiders dismissed her as “just a songwriter,” doubting she could succeed as a solo performer.
• She later admitted feeling underestimated for years, which fueled her drive to prove herself beyond the studio.
Later Career & Legacy
• King continued releasing albums and touring well into the 2000s, often collaborating with fellow legends like James Taylor.
• Her Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical introduced her story to a new generation of fans in 2013.
• Carole retired from full-time touring in 2012 but occasionally performs for causes close to her heart.
Activism & Beliefs
• Carole is a passionate environmentalist, working for decades to protect U.S. national forests and public lands.
• She testified before Congress and actively supports the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA).
• King often says activism and music are intertwined, using her platform to encourage civic responsibility.
Awards & Recognitions received by Carole King
• Carole was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice as a songwriter in 1990 and as a performer in 2021.
• She received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2013, the first woman to earn the honor.
• King has won four Grammys and was also awarded a Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contribution to American culture.
Lesser-Known Facts about Carole King
• Carole wrote her first #1 hit at age 18, making her one of the youngest chart-topping songwriters ever.
• She has a deep love for wildlife and once considered becoming a park ranger before fully committing to music.
• King is dyslexic and credits music as a tool that helped her navigate learning challenges in school.
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