| Full Name | Carol Joan Klein |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1942 |
| Birth Place | Manhattan, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Environmental Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | James Madison High School, Queens College |
| Net Worth (2023) | $70 million |
| Parents | Sidney N. Klein (father), Eugenia Klein (mother) |
| Spouses | Gerry Goffin, Charles Larkey, Rick Evers, Rick Sorenson |
| Children | Four |
| Notable Works | "Tapestry," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "It's Too Late," "I Feel the Earth Move," "You've Got a Friend" |
| Awards | 4 Grammy Awards (1972), Songwriters Hall of Fame (1987), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1990), Library of Congress Gershwin Prize (2013), Kennedy Center Honors (2015) |
| Broadway Musical | "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" |
| Environmental Advocacy | Alliance for the Wild Rockies, testified before Congress |
| Philanthropy | $1 million donation to Natural Resources Defense Council (2013) |
| Height | 5'4" (163 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Major Collaborations | Gerry Goffin, James Taylor, Celine Dion |
Carole King Klein, born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York, is a monumental figure in the music industry. King’s illustrious career, spanning over six decades, has seen her rise to become one of the most successful female songwriters of the 20th century. With an impressive portfolio of 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and 61 hits in the UK charts, King’s influence on pop music is undeniable.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Carole King was born to a Jewish family in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn. Her father, Sidney N. Klein, was a firefighter, and her mother, Eugenia, was a teacher. King's musical talent was evident from a young age. By the time she was four, she had already learned to play the piano, and by her teenage years, she was composing music. She attended James Madison High School and later enrolled at Queens College, where she met Gerry Goffin, her future songwriting partner and husband.
The Goffin-King Partnership
The partnership between Gerry Goffin and Carole King was one of the most prolific in music history. They married in 1959 and began working for Aldon Music, a music publishing company located in the famed Brill Building in New York City. Their first major hit was "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles in 1960, which became the first No. 1 hit by an African-American girl group. This success catapulted the duo into the limelight and solidified their reputation as hitmakers.
Breakthrough with "Tapestry"
While King had already achieved significant success as a songwriter, her breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of her album "Tapestry" in 1971. The album, which included timeless tracks such as "It's Too Late," "I Feel the Earth Move," and "You've Got a Friend," spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for an astounding six years. "Tapestry" won four Grammy Awards in 1972, including Album of the Year, making King the first woman to win this prestigious award.
Financial Impact
"Tapestry" has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. The financial success of "Tapestry" significantly boosted King’s net worth, which is estimated to be around $70 million as of 2023.
Broadway Success
King's life and music were celebrated in the Broadway musical "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," which premiered in 2014. The show was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million in ticket sales during its initial run and earning King a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
Environmental Advocacy
King is also known for her environmental activism. She has been involved with organizations like Alliance for the Wild Rockies and has testified before Congress to advocate for the protection of wilderness areas. Her efforts have been instrumental in the preservation of over 2 million acres of wilderness in the United States.
Philanthropy
Beyond her environmental work, King has donated millions to various charitable causes. In 2013, she donated $1 million to the Natural Resources Defense Council to support their efforts in combating climate change.
Personal Life and Relationships
King's personal life has been as eventful as her career. She has been married four times – to Gerry Goffin, Charles Larkey, Rick Evers, and Rick Sorenson. Her relationship with Goffin, though professionally successful, was tumultuous, and they divorced in 1968. Her marriage to Rick Evers was marked by tragedy when he died of a heroin overdose in 1978.
Legacy and Honors
Carole King's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2013, she received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, becoming the first woman to receive this honor. President Barack Obama presented her with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015 for her lifetime contributions to American culture.
Rare Performances
Despite her immense success, King has always been a somewhat private person. She rarely tours and prefers intimate performances. One of her rare live performances was at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, where she performed "You've Got a Friend" in support of Hillary Clinton.
Secret Collaborations
King has written songs for a wide range of artists, often without public acknowledgment. For example, she co-wrote "The Reason" for Celine Dion, which became a hit in 1997.
Academic Pursuits
In addition to her musical career, King has a keen interest in education. She holds an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music and has been involved in various educational initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carole King Klein
Did James Taylor love Carole King?
James Taylor and Carole King have a deep musical connection and friendship that has spanned decades. While they were never romantically involved, their mutual respect and admiration for each other's talent have been evident in their numerous collaborations and performances together.
Why is Carole King so famous?
Carole King is famous for her monumental contributions to music as both a songwriter and performer. She has written 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and 61 hits in the UK charts. Her 1971 album "Tapestry" is one of the best-selling albums of all time, solidifying her legacy in the music industry.
How long was James Taylor married to Carole King?
James Taylor and Carole King were never married. They have had a long-standing professional relationship and friendship, often collaborating on music and performing together, but their relationship has always been platonic.
How many top 100 songs did Carole King write?
Carole King wrote 118 pop hits that appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her prolific songwriting career has made her one of the most successful female songwriters in history.
How many husbands did Carole King have?
Carole King has been married four times. Her husbands were Gerry Goffin, Charles Larkey, Rick Evers, and Rick Sorenson. Her marriages have been marked by both professional collaborations and personal challenges.
Who were James Taylor's lovers?
James Taylor has had several significant relationships. He was married to Carly Simon, with whom he has two children. Taylor was also married to Kathryn Walker and is currently married to Caroline "Kim" Smedvig. His romantic relationships have often influenced his music.
Conclusion
Carole King's journey from a young girl in Brooklyn to a global music icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion for music. Her songs have touched millions of lives, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Whether through her chart-topping hits, her Broadway musical, or her philanthropic efforts, Carole King remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of music.