Share

Carole King biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

Best Known For

American singer and songwriter Carole King has written or co-written over 400 songs that have been recorded by more than 1,000 artists.

Quiz

Think you know about Biography?

Answer questions and see how you rank against other players.

Play Now

Of her home in the wilderness she says, "When I wake up every morning, I smile and say, 'Thank you.' Because out of my window I can see the mountains, then go hiking with my dog and share her bounding joy in the world."

 

Recent Work

The 1980s and 1990s saw a dip in her prolific songwriting, but not her active lifestyle. King has been working with the Alliance for the Wild Rockies since 1990, advocating for the passage of the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA); she testified before Congress twice in support of the legislation. She also became involved in electoral politics, becoming a strong supporter of Democratic candidates John Kerry and Hillary Clinton in 2004 and 2008, respectively. She married Idaho rancher Rick Sorenson in 1982; the couple has since divorced and King remains happily single and independent in her mountain home.

By the late 1990s, King was ready to launch something of a comeback in the music industry. She penned the hit "The Reason" for Celine Dion in 1997 and later performed it alongside the Canadian singer at VH1's Divas Live concert. In 2004, Cole recorded a well-received live album on her Living Room Tour. More recently, in 2007 she bridged divides of generation and genre by touring Japan with R&B star Mary J. Blige and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. In 2010, she linked up with longtime friend James Taylor for the Troubador Reunion Tour. The resulting Live at the Troubador album hit No. 4 on the U.S. charts and confirmed Carole King's lasting power as a force in the music industry. Over the course of her long career, she penned over 400 songs that have been recorded by more than 1,000 artists. When a reporter asked her what she would say now if she could give advice to her younger self, King said simply: "You're going to have a very rich and wonderful life."

In 2013, King made music history as the first woman to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. President Barack Obama gave her this honor at a special ceremony held at the White House. Around the time she received this award, the legendary singer-songwriter told the Associated Press that she will continue making music and performing. "I still feel that it would be lovely to retire, but that time is not yet here apparently," she said.

© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISEMENT
17169764 17169764
profile id: 17169764
profile name: Carole King
profile occupation:
related profile id: 17169764
related profile name: Carole King
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/K/Carole-King-17169764-2-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/carole-king-17169764
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
See More Bio Connections
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups

    See all related groups

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!