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.
5. The Reason by Celine Dion
In 1998, Celine Dion released the extremely popular Let's Talk About Love album, which went to number one in every country. King contributed to the album not only as a songwriter, but also as a backup singer on this track. The track itself was produced by Sir George Martin.
4. Up On The Roof by the Drifters
Like many of King's songs, this has been covered by King herself, Ike and Tina Turner and fellow songwriter James Taylor. It is on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll.
3. Take A Giant Step by the Monkees
One big reference to psychedelic drugs, this was featured on the hit television show The Monkees.
2. The Locomotion by Little Eva
This song accomplished a rare feat, reaching number one in the US in three different decades: the 60's for the original version, the '70s for a version by Grand Funk Railroad version, and the '80s for Kylie Minogue's rendition. Sadly Little Eva faded into obscurity and died in 2003 of cervical cancer.
1. Will You Love Me Tomorrow by the Shirelles
Interesting fact about the Shirelles: lead singer Shirley Alston-Reeves did not want to record this song. She thought it sounded too country. However, she caved whenever they added a string section. It became one of their biggest hits.This song has been covered by Joe Walsh, John Frusciante, Smokey Robinson, and many others.
