Carole King, American singer-songwriter and pianist

Carole King Klein, born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and musician whose prolific career spans over six decades, beginning in 1958. Initially, King established herself as a pivotal figure among the staff songwriters at the legendary Brill Building in New York City, a creative hub renowned for shaping the sound of pop music in the late 1950s and 1960s. It was here that professional songwriters would compose and produce an astounding number of hits for various artists, solidifying their behind-the-scenes influence before many ventured into performing their own material.

A Songwriting Titan: Unparalleled Influence and Chart Dominance

Widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential musicians of all time, Carole King stands as the most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. Her extraordinary talent is evidenced by having written or co-written a staggering 118 pop hits that made it onto the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond her immense success in the U.S., King also penned 61 hits that charted in the United Kingdom, cementing her status as the most successful female songwriter on the UK singles charts between 1962 and 2005.

The Golden Era of Songwriting Partnerships: Goffin & King

Carole King's major breakthrough as a songwriter began in the 1960s through her incredibly fruitful collaboration with her first husband, Gerry Goffin. Together, the dynamic duo crafted more than two dozen chart-topping hits that transcended genres and generations, many of which have become enduring standards in the American songbook. Their unparalleled ability to capture universal emotions and narratives in catchy melodies led to immense success for numerous artists. Iconic examples of their joint compositions include:

Even after her solo performing career took off, King continued to contribute her songwriting prowess to other artists, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the craft.

From Behind-the-Scenes to Spotlight: The Rise of a Solo Performer

While her songwriting achievements were monumental, King's emergence as a performer in her own right did not come until the 1970s. It was then that she began to captivate audiences by singing her own compositions, often accompanying herself on the piano, through a series of critically acclaimed albums and captivating concerts. Following the modest commercial reception of her debut album, Writer (1970), King achieved unprecedented breakthrough success with her seminal album, Tapestry, released in 1971.

The Enduring Legacy of Tapestry

Tapestry was not just an album; it became a cultural phenomenon. It topped the U.S. album chart for an astounding 15 consecutive weeks in 1971 and remained on the charts for more than six years, a testament to its timeless appeal. The album skillfully wove together new material with her re-recorded, now-iconic songs previously made famous by other artists, offering listeners a deeply personal and intimate performance of familiar tunes. Its confessional style and King's authentic delivery resonated profoundly with audiences, establishing her as a formidable singer-songwriter.

Accolades and Achievements: A Legacy Cemented

Throughout her illustrious career, Carole King has released 25 solo albums, with Tapestry standing as her most successful. This groundbreaking album held the record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a female artist for over 20 years, a record eventually surpassed by Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard soundtrack in the mid-1990s. King's record sales are estimated at more than 75 million copies worldwide, underscoring her global impact and enduring popularity.

Her exceptional contributions to music have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors, including:

Frequently Asked Questions About Carole King

When did Carole King begin her music career?
Carole King began her professional music career in 1958, initially working as a staff songwriter at the famous Brill Building in New York City.
What is Carole King best known for?
Carole King is best known as one of the most successful and influential songwriters of all time, having penned numerous hits for other artists, and for her landmark 1971 album, Tapestry, which established her as a preeminent solo artist.
How many hits did Carole King write or co-write?
She wrote or co-wrote 118 pop hits that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., and 61 hits on the UK singles charts.
What is the significance of the album Tapestry?
Tapestry is Carole King's most successful album, topping the U.S. charts for 15 weeks and remaining on the charts for over six years. It is considered a seminal work in the singer-songwriter genre and features many of her most beloved songs, both new and re-recorded classics.
Has Carole King been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, Carole King has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a songwriter in 1990, and then as a performer in 2021, a rare and prestigious distinction.