How old is Carole King?
Early Life and Career of Carole King
Carole King was born on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York City. She grew up in Brooklyn with her mother, Eugenia Gingold, who was a teacher, and her father, Sidney Klein, who was a firefighter. King showed an early interest in music, and by the age of four, she was already playing the piano.
In 1958, at the age of 16, King met Gerry Goffin, who would become her songwriting partner and later her husband. The duo began writing songs together, and in 1960, they scored their first hit with “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” which was recorded by The Shirelles.
King and Goffin continued to write hits for other artists, including “Take Good Care of My Baby” for Bobby Vee, “Up on the Roof” for The Drifters, and “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva. In the mid-1960s, King began recording her own music, and in 1971, she released her landmark album “Tapestry,” which became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Throughout her career, King has won four Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her influence on popular music has been significant, and her songs continue to be covered and performed by artists today.
Carole King’s Rise to Fame
Carole King’s rise to fame began in the early 1960s when she and her songwriting partner Gerry Goffin started writing hit songs for other artists. Their first success came in 1960 with “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” which was recorded by The Shirelles and became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
King and Goffin continued to write hits for a variety of artists, including “Take Good Care of My Baby” for Bobby Vee, “Up on the Roof” for The Drifters, and “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva. They were part of a group of songwriters and producers known as the Brill Building team, who worked out of the Brill Building in New York City and wrote many of the biggest hits of the 1960s.
In the mid-1960s, King began to focus more on her own recording career. She released her debut album, “Writer,” in 1970, which featured some of her own compositions as well as collaborations with Goffin and other songwriters. But it was her second album, “Tapestry,” released in 1971, that would become a defining moment in her career.
“Tapestry” was a huge success, spending 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and winning four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album included hit songs such as “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” which was written by King’s friend and fellow songwriter, James Taylor.
King’s success continued throughout the 1970s with albums such as “Music” and “Rhymes and Reasons,” and she remained a popular live performer throughout the decade. Her influence on popular music has been significant, and she continues to be recognized as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time.
Carole King’s Most Popular Songs
Carole King is known for writing and performing some of the most iconic songs in popular music history. Her songs have been covered by countless artists and continue to be beloved by fans all over the world. Here are some of King’s most popular songs:
“You’ve Got a Friend” – This song was written by King’s friend and fellow songwriter, James Taylor, and was included on King’s album “Tapestry.” It became a hit for both Taylor and King and has since been covered by many other artists.
“It’s Too Late” – Another hit from “Tapestry,” this song was co-written by King and Toni Stern and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“I Feel the Earth Move” – This upbeat song from “Tapestry” was written by King and features her distinctive piano playing.
“So Far Away” – This ballad from “Tapestry” is one of King’s most emotional and poignant songs.
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – One of King’s earliest hits, this song was written with Gerry Goffin and became a number one hit for The Shirelles in 1960.
“You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” – Another classic song written by King and Goffin, this song was made famous by Aretha Franklin in 1967.
“The Loco-Motion” – Written by King and Goffin for Little Eva, this dance-pop hit became a number one hit in 1962.
These are just a few examples of Carole King’s most popular songs, but her catalog is filled with many other beloved classics.
Carole King’s Legacy in the Music Industry
Carole King’s legacy in the music industry is vast and enduring. She has had a profound influence on popular music as both a songwriter and a performer, and her impact can still be felt today. Here are some of the ways in which Carole King has left her mark on the music industry:
Songwriting – King’s songwriting career began in the early 1960s, and she quickly established herself as one of the most talented and prolific songwriters of the era. Her songs, which often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonated with audiences and became hits for a variety of artists. Her contributions to the Brill Building era of songwriting, along with her collaborations with Gerry Goffin and other songwriters, helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1960s.
Performing – In the early 1970s, King began to focus more on her own recording career and released a string of successful albums, including “Tapestry,” which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Her powerful voice and soulful piano playing helped establish her as one of the most talented and respected performers of her generation.
Influence – Carole King’s influence on popular music can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in her footsteps. Her songs have been covered by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse, and her impact on the singer-songwriter genre is immeasurable. She has been cited as a major influence by many artists, including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Norah Jones.
Honors and Awards – King’s contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous honors and awards over the years. She has won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “Tapestry,” and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Overall, Carole King’s legacy in the music industry is one of creativity, talent, and perseverance. Her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences all over the world, and her impact on popular music will be felt for generations to come.
Carole King Today: Age and Current Activities
Carole King is currently 80 years old, having been born on February 9, 1942. While she has slowed down her touring schedule in recent years, she remains an active and influential figure in the music industry. Here are some of her current activities:
Performances – While she no longer tours extensively, King still performs live from time to time. In recent years, she has played at events such as the Global Citizen Festival and the Newport Folk Festival.
Activism – King has long been involved in various social and political causes and continues to be an outspoken activist. She has advocated for environmental causes, women’s rights, and other progressive issues.
Philanthropy – King is also involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including the Carole King Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which she founded in 2018. The initiative supports wildlife conservation efforts around the world.
Writing – King has also continued to write and record music in recent years. In 2018, she released the album “Live at Montreux 1973,” which features live recordings from her “Tapestry” era. She has also been working on new music, although no new album has been announced yet.
Recognition – King’s contributions to music continue to be recognized and celebrated. In 2015, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2021, she was honored with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. She remains an iconic figure in popular music and a beloved artist for generations of fans.
