Singer/Songwriter, Author And Activist Carole King

Singer/Songwriter, Author And Activist Carole King

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Carole King on her decades-long career in music, her work for women’s rights and environmental advocacy.

Carole King began writing songs when she was just 3 years old. She was still a teenager when she wrote her first No. 1 hit: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” King wrote or co-authored some of the biggest hits of the '60s and '70s, including “The Loco-Motion” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Her groundbreaking 1971 album “Tapestry” won four Grammys and is one of the best-selling records of all time. With songs like “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move” and “So Far Away,” it’s easy to see why it sold millions of copies. King is well-known as a singer and songwriter, but she’s also a serious political and environmental activist. Diane talks with Carole King about her music, her life and the causes she fights for.

Guests

Carole King

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter whose albums include "Tapestry" and "Love Makes The World." Author of the 2012 memoir "A Natural Woman"

Related Videos

"It's Too Late" by Carole King

"You've Got A Friend" by Carole King

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by Carole King

Comments

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This is a personal message to Carole about our mutual friend Ric Bailey. I have lost contact with Ric and would like to get in touch with him. Does she have an email for him? I and my husband had dinner with Carole and Ric at Jaleo a few years back. I would appreciate her help. Thank you.
Sheryl Sherwin

March 4, 2013 - 9:11 am

Have read parts of your book. Had no idea that you had spent so much of your early career focused on making money writing songs. I know we all need to make money but can you talk about this focus on making big money by you and your first husband and your transition into a life more more focused on environmental issues. Also talk about the money involved in the music industry

March 4, 2013 - 12:16 pm

Prior to the invasion of Iraq some of the older rockers folkers came out to support the anti invasion marches. Joan Baez came out. Pete Seeger came out. But folks like yourself, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell where were you guys before the invasion of Iraq?

March 4, 2013 - 12:19 pm

I lobbied with Carole on the Rocky Moutain protection issue back ten years ago as President of the Sierra Club. I'm glad she's remained passionate about it. I'm a Republican legislature now (NC House), and I'm sure disapponted the issue is no longer a bipartisan one. Politics is really making it hard to reach consensus on a range of conservation and environmental issues. Thanks for what you do Carole!

Chuck McGrady

March 4, 2013 - 12:26 pm

Your music was an integral part of my life growing up in the '70s. Thank you for the bigger vision of love than was part of our culture at that time.
Thank you also for your dedication to preserving our lovely home and all who inhabit it. I'm with you: ERA, No Brainer! LOL. Carry on! Kat

March 4, 2013 - 12:27 pm

In your book you describe that your first husband entered the 60's era more so than yourself. The description of your first marriage was pretty traditional. He sounded as if "the times" got under his skin first. In the book it sounds as if that period of time was really really difficult. What have you learned from your marriages? What would you say to others about marriage?

Your song writing, voice continue to be inspirational

March 4, 2013 - 12:32 pm

What an amazing gift you have Carole. What gives you hope about the direction of our country? Will you please write a song about the lack of caring out of Americans about the people dead, injured and displaced in Iraq? Over due. I used to wonder as a child about why people had not responded to the killing of Jews and millions of others earlier. But watching the lack of caring and responses out of the American people towards those in Iraq that our country is responsible for their deaths, injuries, millions displaced I get it. Never again sure keeps happening

March 4, 2013 - 12:40 pm

I would like to know what she thinks of 'Grace of my Heart' the movie based on her life.

March 4, 2013 - 12:41 pm

kathleen wrote: . "I know we all need to make money but can you talk about this focus on making big money by you and your first husband and your transition into a life more more focused on environmental issues"

Kathleen, the "rich" left makes the money and then make themselves untouchable to criticism by wrapping themselves in liberal agendas, you're not playing by the rules.

March 4, 2013 - 12:41 pm

There is a new album out by singer songwriter Amanda Brecker featuring the songs of Carole King and James Taylor. Reviewers say "Blossom" is a wonderful tribute to some of the best of the two. Now here in the U.S., the album was first produced in Japan. Apparently it is the first tribute album to both of them. Does she find this a surprise?

March 4, 2013 - 12:47 pm

You have written lots of songs about love, heartbreak etc. Easier for people to relate to, to support. Can you give any examples of songs where you tackle issues that are more difficult to talk about to draw people in...political songs. What keeps you from this? smaller profit margin, harder to get through the powers that be in the music industry

March 4, 2013 - 12:50 pm

I just love Carole King, her souns are very touching and realistic.
She is an inspiring artist who voice can relate to normalicy.
Wish I can get through to speak with her personally

March 4, 2013 - 12:51 pm

I'm wondering if Carole can talk a little more about the wild horse work she is involved with. What can the public do to help?
Thank you!

March 4, 2013 - 12:52 pm

You nailed it freedom. So many of the alleged alternative folk singers, rockers way more about the money than they will ever admit or than anyone wants to talk about. Joan Baez has come out on so many important issues. Concerts for free etc. Bruce Springstein amazing in walking the talk

March 4, 2013 - 12:53 pm

Carole I never knew you were so beautiful! I just heard your voice on the radio and thought you were in your 30's. You have cared for your voice well over the years. Many young artist today have lost that in their very short careers. Thanks for your contribution to music that continues!

March 4, 2013 - 1:00 pm

Beautiful songs. Beautiful artist. My sincere thanks for sharing both.

March 4, 2013 - 1:02 pm

Dear Diane, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for hosting Carol King. She and James Taylor have written the songbook of my life. The highs the lows and the harmony of everyday life. After 25 years of marriage falling apart I clung to music and it saved me...I now sing and play guitar professionally and I am forever grateful for the material that brings me so much joy to perform and share. I saw the Troubadour performance in Fort Lauderdale, I took my older sister who's first LP's were Tapestry and Sweet Baby James which I wore through playing over and over. Carol's mom was at the concert and I marveled at how proud she must be of her girl! When they sang 'you've got a friend' there wasn't a dry eye in my section, men and women included and every voice was singing as best they could. Thank you Carol for your gift to the world, and for caring about our wildlife and environment!
Lesley

March 4, 2013 - 1:17 pm

GOD BLESS CAROLE KING. ❤ What a beautiful person. I just wish I could have called in to thank her for giving me the chance to grow up with "Really Rosie." Last year I went to visit my little nephew Mikey (age 3) and he put in an old VHS videotape and the animated television special of "Chicken Soup with Rice" came on and tears just gushed down my face. I am so blessed to have had women like Carole and my mom (and, of course, Diane) in my life to shape me and nurture me and fill my heart with love. I so wish the world could go back to those times. LUV U CAROLE!!!!!

March 4, 2013 - 2:36 pm

Dear Carole,
I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your interview! You have always been an inspiration for me. Your songs have gotten me thru so many trying times and continually bring a smile to my face.
THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Kim
Gardnerville, Nevada

March 4, 2013 - 2:55 pm

I was thrilled!!! to get thru to the show and speak with you about The Monkeys--and the song Pleasant Valley Sunday. I also wanted to let you know it was our tradition to play Carole King songs before my mother and sister went out shopping to a nearby city....which was a big deal for 2 teenage girls! And when we did not play them we heard one on the radio as we were traveling! This was in the 70's of course. Thank you!! Donnajeanne from Sauquoit NY

March 4, 2013 - 5:23 pm

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