Portrait of Carole King

Carole King

Origin: New York City, New York, USA Years: February 9, 1942

Carole King is an American singer-songwriter and composer who pioneered women's songwriting and became one of most prolific creators in pop music history. Beginning as Brill Building songwriter in 1958, King composed over 400 hits including 'You've Got a Friend,' '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,' and 'It's Too Late' before launching solo career in 1971. Her 1971 album 'Tapestry' became one of best-selling albums of all time with over 25 million copies sold. Known for intimate vocals and confessional lyrics, King influenced countless female singer-songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Taylor Swift. A 4-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, King's songs have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

PopSoft RockFolk RockAdult Contemporaryadele

Discography Overview

Carole King composed over 400 songs and released 25 albums from 1970 to 2023, with 'Tapestry' (1971) becoming one of best-selling albums ever at 25 million copies. Won 4 Grammy Awards for classics like 'You've Got a Friend' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.' Songs have sold over 100 million copies.

Key Albums

  • Writer (1970)
  • Tapestry (1971)
  • Music (1971)
  • Rhymes and Reasons (1972)
  • Fantasy (1973)
  • Pearls (1980)

Key Songs

  • (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (1967) - Signature song
  • You've Got a Friend (1971)
  • It's Too Late (1971)
  • I Feel the Earth Move (1971)
  • Will You Love Me Tomorrow? (1960)
  • Up on the Roof (1962)
  • You've Got a Friend (1971)
  • So Far Away (1971)
  • Home Again (1971)
  • Beautiful (1971)
  • Way Over Yonder (1971)
  • Where You Lead (1971)

Career Timeline

  1. 1942 Carole King born on February 9 in New York City
  2. 1958 Signs with Aldon Music as Brill Building songwriter
  3. 1960 Writes first hit 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?'
  4. 1962 Writes 'Up on the Roof' for The Drifters
  5. 1965 Writes 'You've Got a Friend' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman'
  6. 1968 Forms record label with husband Gerry Goffin
  7. 1970 Releases debut solo album 'Writer'
  8. 1971 Releases 'Tapestry', masterpiece album
  9. 1971 Tapestry becomes best-selling album, 25 million copies
  10. 1972 Wins four Grammy Awards
  11. 1975 Releases 'Rhymes and Reasons'
  12. 1980 Releases 'Pearls'
  13. 1983 Appears at tribute concerts
  14. 1990 Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
  15. 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
  16. 1995 Appears at benefit concerts
  17. 2000 Releases 'Love Makes the World'
  18. 2005 Continues touring
  19. 2011 Appears at Carnegie Hall
  20. 2015 Celebrates 70th birthday
  21. 2020 Appears at virtual events
  22. 2023 Continues performing at age 81

Influence Graph

How Carole King sits in the influence chain

Influenced by

  • Neil Sedaka

Influenced

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