Carole King Klein, born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, is an iconic American singer-songwriter and musician renowned for her exceptional contributions to music. With a career that spans decades, King began her musical journey at the tender age of four, when she learned to play the piano. By her teenage years, she formed her first band, and it wasn't long before she established a songwriting partnership with Gerry Goffin, her first husband. Together, they crafted numerous hits, including the Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" in 1961 and Bobby Vee’s "Take Good Care of My Baby," which solidified their reputation as one of the most successful songwriting duos of the era.

By the time her landmark album, Tapestry, was released in 1971, King had already carved out a name for herself as a major force in the music industry. Tapestry topped the U.S. album chart for an impressive 15 weeks and remained in the charts for over six years, becoming the best-selling album of its time. The album featured classic hits such as “So Far Away,” “It’s Too Late,” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” which continue to resonate with audiences today. Following the success of Tapestry, King released Music (1971), which also reached number one and included the single “Sweet Seasons,” as well as subsequent albums Rhymes and Reasons and Wrap Around Joy, both of which garnered significant acclaim.

In the 1980s, King released Pearls, showcasing songs written with Goffin, during a period when she transitioned to a more private life in Idaho's mountain village. Despite this shift, her influence in music remained strong, and she became increasingly involved in environmental and political advocacy. King's activism includes work with the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and multiple testimonies before Congress in support of the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA), as well as vocal participation in various political forums, including an appearance on The Colbert Report in 2008.

King's legacy received a fresh spotlight with the Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which premiered in 2013. The show chronicled her life and career, featuring a powerful performance by Jessie Mueller. Since its debut, the production has enjoyed significant success, including an international tour starting in 2017, bringing King’s music and story to a global audience.

Today, Carole King’s remarkable career is punctuated by her songwriting achievements, with over 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and 61 hits in the UK, making her the most successful female songwriter on UK singles charts from 1962 to 2005. She boasts 25 solo albums, with Tapestry standing out as her crowning achievement, maintaining the longest reign for a female artist at number one for over 20 years.

Her accolades include four Grammy Awards, dual inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—as both a performer and a songwriter—and the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. She was also honored as a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2015, cementing her status as a cultural icon.

In 2018, she revisited her song "One," reworking the lyrics to reflect her vision for America during the electoral season, showcasing her enduring relevance. Additionally, her live performance of all tracks from Tapestry during the British Summer Times Festival in London in 2016 marked a significant milestone, allowing fans to experience her classic works firsthand.

Most recently, King participated in the 2017 Women’s March, carrying a poignant sign that read “One Small Voice,” highlighting her continuous commitment to activism and social issues. Through her music, advocacy, and storytelling, Carole King remains an inspiring figure whose legacy continues to touch hearts and minds around the world.