Carole King’s name is synonymous with timeless music, but her journey began behind the scenes in the bustling Brill Building era. While she dreamt of singing stardom, it was her songwriting partnership with Gerry Goffin that first catapulted her into the limelight. Their early work, particularly the groundbreaking hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” not only defined a generation but also cemented King’s status as a songwriting force to be reckoned with. This song, famously recorded by The Shirelles, became an instant classic and marked a pivotal moment in King’s career, allowing her to fully embrace her songwriting talent.
Alt text: Carole King and Gerry Goffin, iconic songwriting duo of the Brill Building era, pictured in the early 1960s with their daughters, showcasing their life as both parents and music creators.
King’s formative years as a songwriter were deeply intertwined with her personal life and the vibrant music scene of early 1960s New York. While attending Queens College, she met Gerry Goffin, who would become her first husband and crucial songwriting partner. Despite aspirations to be a performer, early attempts at launching a singing career didn’t take off. After becoming pregnant with their daughter Louise and leaving college, King initially worked as a secretary. However, her passion for music persisted, leading her to dedicate her nights to songwriting, while Goffin penned lyrics. This duality – a day job and a night of creative pursuit – set the stage for her incredible songwriting journey.
The Brill Building, located in the heart of New York City, was the epicenter of American songwriting in the 1960s, and it was here that King and Goffin’s careers truly flourished. They were hired by Don Kirshner, a prominent music publisher known for his keen ear for talent, to write songs for Aldon Music, his publishing company situated within the Brill Building. Kirshner assembled an impressive roster of songwriters, including Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond, and Paul Simon, fostering a competitive yet incredibly productive environment.
The Shirelles in 1962, an American girl group who achieved fame in the early 1960s.
Alt text: The Shirelles, the pioneering girl group of the 1960s, whose hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” launched Carole King and Gerry Goffin to songwriting fame, pictured in a promotional shot circa 1962.
Aldon Music operated in a unique, high-pressure environment. Songwriters worked in small rooms, often within earshot of each other, creating a sense of friendly rivalry and pushing everyone to produce their best work. Kirshner was known to pit songwriters against each other, fueling competition to create chart-topping hits for popular artists like Bobby Vee and Dee Dee Sharp. This “song factory” approach, though demanding, proved incredibly successful, churning out hit after hit and defining the sound of pop music at the time.
Despite balancing motherhood and a day job, Carole King thrived in this fast-paced environment. Her talent shone through when she and Goffin penned “Tonight’s the Night” for The Shirelles. This song became a significant hit for the all-female group, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1960. This initial success paved the way for an even bigger breakthrough.
Following the success of “Tonight’s the Night,” Kirshner tasked King and Goffin with creating another song for The Shirelles. The result was “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”. This song resonated deeply with audiences and became an instant sensation, selling over a million copies. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” is not just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, exploring themes of love and uncertainty with a poignant honesty that was groundbreaking for its time. Information about the song, its impact, and Carole King’s discography can be further explored on platforms like Wikipedia, solidifying its place in music history.
This monumental hit, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” provided King and Goffin the opportunity to leave their day jobs and dedicate themselves fully to songwriting. The hits continued to flow. In 1961, they wrote “Take Good Care of My Baby” for Bobby Vee, which soared to number one. Doo-wop legends The Drifters also found massive success with King and Goffin compositions, including “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Up on the Roof,” further establishing the duo’s hit-making prowess.
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Alt text: “Up on the Roof” vinyl record by The Drifters, a classic example of the enduring hits crafted by the songwriting partnership of Carole King and Gerry Goffin for iconic musical groups.
King and Goffin’s songwriting talent even extended to launching the career of their babysitter, Eva Boyd, known as Little Eva. In 1962, Little Eva achieved stardom with “The Loco-Motion,” a song penned by King and Goffin. Originally intended for Dee Dee Sharp, who turned it down, “The Loco-Motion” became Little Eva’s signature song.
Little Eva, photographed in 1962, rose to fame with "The Loco-Motion," a hit song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
Alt text: Little Eva, the singer who catapulted to fame in 1962 with the chart-topping hit “The Loco-Motion,” written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, pictured in a 1962 portrait showcasing her youthful energy and breakthrough success.
Little Eva’s connection to King and Goffin came through The Cookies, a local “girl group” who also recorded their songs. Eva babysat for King and Goffin for a modest $35 a week before “The Loco-Motion” transformed her life. The song proved to be incredibly lucrative, earning both Little Eva and the songwriting duo $30,000 each in royalties – approximately $300,000 in today’s currency after adjusting for inflation.
Carole King’s impact on popular music is undeniable. She wrote or co-wrote an astounding 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the latter half of the 20th century. Her songs continue to resonate with audiences today, a testament to her exceptional songwriting talent and the enduring appeal of her music. From “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” to countless other hits, Carole King’s early work in the Brill Building era laid the foundation for a legendary career.
Little Eva, photographed in 1962, rose to fame with "The Loco-Motion," a hit song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
Alt text: A celebratory photo from August 29, 1963, in New York City, featuring Little Eva and Carole King alongside songwriters Gerry Goffin and producer Don Kirshner, acknowledging the collective success behind “The Loco-Motion,” a major hit of the era.
Explore More of Carole King’s Timeless Music:
Before experiencing Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, delve into these iconic songs that Carole King helped create:
- “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” (The Shirelles, Carole King)
- “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva, Carole King)
- “One Fine Day” (The Chiffons, Carole King)
- “Some Kind of Wonderful” (The Drifters, Carole King)
- “Up On The Roof” (The Drifters, Carole King)
- “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman” (Aretha Franklin, Carole King)
Further Reading and Resources:
To deepen your understanding of Carole King and the Brill Building era, explore these resources:
- https://pophistorydig.com/topics/tag/don-kirshner-carole-king/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Brill-Building-Assembly-Line-Pop-1688332#ref987205
- https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-shirelles/will-you-love-me-tomorrow
- https://americansongwriter.com/carole-king-will-love-tomorrow/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Kirshner
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carole_King
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful:_The_Carole_King_Musical
- http://billboardtop100of.com/1960-2/
- https://www.history-of-rock.com/little_eva.htm
