Carole King February 9, ? image1

Early Childhood 1942~1955 Born in New York City on February 9, 1942 Her parents (Sidney and Eugenia Klein) name her Carol Joan Klein. Carole excelled at the piano and her father would show her skills off to his friends. She learned at this early age that she did not enjoy being the center of attention. Started making up her own songs at the age of three. She started pre-school at the age of four, but was quickly moved up two grades. Her brother, Richard Klein was born December 4, Carole had her first audition in In 1951 Richard was diagnosed as “profoundly deaf” and “severely retarded.” He was then “placed in a facility suitable for his needs.” (King 28) Richards problems and the misunderstandings of autism at the time caused a chasm in her parents relationship. Image 2

1955~1958 After applying twice Carole is accepted to the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. She did not fully enjoy school there, and transferred to James Madison High School her sophomore year to be with her friends again. At James Madison Carole and some friends started an a cappella group that pushed Carole to start composing music again. Carole received a deal with Paramount and released a few singles in Carol Klein became Carole King. Image 3

Carole’s parents move to a suburb outside of Queens, “forcing” Carole to attend Queens College. Carole meets Gerry Goffin and they are married in the summer of Carole and Gerry are the perfect writing team and during this time together they release hits like: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” sung by the Shirrelles and “The Locomotion” sung by their babysitter Little Eva. Carole and Gerry have their first little girl in 1960, and their second daughter in Image 4

The “British Invasion” was happening, and so Carole’s producer, Donnie Kirshner, came up with the idea for the group and television show “The Monkees”. In 1967 Gerry and Carole wrote “Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin. Gerry started doing drugs to “open his mind”. In 1967, Gerry leaves Carole and their children for Los Angeles. In March 1968, Carole follows Gerry to L.A. so that their girls won’t be too far from their father. Without Gerry to write the words for her songs, Carole gets back into writing lyrics. Image 5

1970~1977 Carole marries Charlie Larkey on September 6, In 1971 Carole released her album “Tapestry”. Carole and Charlie have two children together, but divorce in Image 6

In 1977 Carole is married for a third time to Rick Evers. Rick and Carole collaborated on the album “Simple Things” which was a success. Rick inspired Carole to move out of L.A., and with his help she discovered her love of Idaho. Rick was controlling and abusive of Carole, and died of a heroin overdose only one year after being married. Image 7

While living in Idaho Carole meets Rick Sorenson and they are married on May 3, In 1983 Carole released “Speeding Time” which “was not warmly received.” (King 357) After “Speeding Time” Carole took a five year break from touring or releasing another album.

1986-Present Carole started to travel back and forth between L.A. and Idaho starting in This hurt her and Rick’s marriage and they divorced June Carole is widely known, and still writing music. Her recent hits include “The Reason” sung by Celine Dion, and the “Live at the Troubador” album which she wrote with her long-time friend James Taylor in Carole is now 71 years old, an avid supporter of environmental and wilderness preservation, actively involved in politics, and still (happily) single. Image 8

“The Locomotion” Written in 1962 by Gerry and Carole Was written because dance-themed songs were popular at the time. Was origionaly meant for Dee Dee Sharp to sing, but when her group declined, their producer Donnie Kirshner, chose Little Eva to sing it. Stayed at number one for seven weeks.

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“A Natural Woman” Written by Gerry and Carole in 1967, it only took them one night to write it. Aretha Franklin’s producer asked them to write a song with this title. Even though it only reached number eight on the music billboards, it was a huge hit. Carole has said about Aretha’s voice: “Hearing that instrument sing a song I had participated in creating touched me more than any recording of any song I had ever written.” (King 123)

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“Pleasant Valley Sunday” Written by Gerry and Carole specifically for the Monkees. Gerry’s words show his disdain for living in the suburbs. Was released as a single and reached number three on the billboards.

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“I Feel the Earth Move” Written by Carole King for her “Tapestry” album. Released in This is one of Carole’s most requested songs. Carole performs this song differently than it was recorded.

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“So Far Away” Written by Carole King for her “Tapestry” album. Released in Carole wrote this song while on tour with James Taylor. She was missing Charlie and her daughters. James Taylor was also part of the inspiration for this song.

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Works Cited King, Carole. A Natural Woman. New York, NY: Eugenius LLC, E-book. Images 1-6 and image 8. King, Carole. “Carole King.” CK Art Media Inc., Web. 11 July 2013 Image 7. “FabOverFifty.” Forever Fab LLC, Web. 14 July 2013 Image 9. “Dimesion Album Discography.” Last update: March 21, Web. 11 July 2013 Image 10. “Artist Direct.” Rogue Digital, LLC, Web. 14 July 2013 Image 11. “Wikipedia.” Last modified on 7 July Web. 11 July 2013 Image 12. “Wikipedia.” Last modified on 21 July Web. 11 July 2013 Image 13. Stack, Dave. “MusicStack.” Web. 11 July “YouTube.” YouTube, LLC, Web. 11 July 2013.