Carole King is a woman who has played a major part in creating numerous classic hit songs. She has helped to shape popular music since she and then-husband Gerry Goffin (they divorced in 1968) wrote "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" in 1961. Her songs have been covered by such diverse artists as Smokey Robinson, Shawn Colvin and even Courtney Love.
King turns 70 today, thus proving that you are never too old to be a legend.
10. Porpoise Song (Theme From Head) by the Monkees
King and Goffin wrote this for the film Head starring the Monkees. Both the film and soundtrack were a flop.
9. He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss) by The Crystals
When this song was released in 1962, many radio stations refused to play it due to its controversial content. The lyrics speak of a woman who endures constant beatings from her significant other. It was covered by Hole for their MTV Unplugged special and album with the introduction "This is a really sick song. It's one of those Spector songs and it was written by Carole King, which...you have to think."
8. Don't Bring Me Down by the Animals
Though this was a hit for the Animals in the '60s, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers frequently covered this classic at their concerts in the mid-'70s and '80s.
7. (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
In 1971, King released Tapestry, which contained her own version of this song that she wrote for Aretha Franklin. The release of the album proved to be a watershed moment in her career. Tapestry was a bestselling album and the first album ever to garner Diamond certification selling more than 10 million copies.
6. One Fine Day by the Chiffons
"One Fine Day" was originally going to be pitched to Little Eva, the lady who sang "The Locomotion." Instead, it was pitched to the Tokens who produced the version that the Chiffons sang. This also served as the main song and title of a 1997 movie of the same name starring George Clooney and Michelle Pheiffer. For the soundtrack to the film, former 10,000 Maniacs lead vocalist Natalie Merchant performs a slow-jazz version.
