Episode 22: Carole King’s Tapestry

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In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez discuss and award their gold, silver and bronze medals for Tapestry by Carole King.

Tapestry released February 1971 is widely regarded as a landmark album of the singer/songwriter era, blending introspective lyrics with rich, melodic piano-driven pop and soft rock.  It spent 4 months (!) at #1 and stayed on the album charts for 6 ½ years.

The album marked King’s breakthrough as a solo artist after years of writing hits for others, showcasing her distinctive voice and emotionally resonant songwriting. With understated production by Lou Adler, Tapestry featured Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Russ Kunkel and Joel O’Brien drums and Charlie Larkey on bass.  The band provided a warm, intimate foundation for King’s piano and vocals.

“It’s Too Late” backed with “I Feel the Earth Move” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “So Far Away” reached #14.  The album included Carole’s versions of hits she wrote for others including Aretha’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and James Taylor’s only #1 song “You’ve Got A Friend.”

The album earned four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. 

Tapestry’s combination of personal lyrics, melodic sophistication, and subtle production helped define early 1970s pop.  Importantly, it was a breakthrough for female singer/songwriters the world over.

Medal Winners

Beautiful (Listen Here)

It’s Too Late (Listen Here)

Home Again (Listen Here)

So Far Away (Listen Here)

Bonus Tracks

Kicks – Paul Revere & The Raiders (Listen Here)

Porpoise Song – Monkees (Listen Here)

Pleasant Valley Sunday – Monkees (Listen Here)

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin (Listen Here)

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor (Listen Here)

Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Shirelles (Listen Here)

For No One – Beatles (Listen Here)

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – Neil Sedaka (1970s Version) (Listen Here)

Tapestry – Carole King (Listen Here)

Way Over Yonder – Carole King (Listen Here)

Smackwater Jack – Carole King (Listen Here)

One Fine Day – Carole King (Listen Here)

Jazzman – Carole King (Listen Here)

CIA Man – Fugs (Listen Here)

Track Listing

#Tapestry #CaroleKing #SingerSongwriter #ClassicRock #1970sMusic #PianoPop #SongwritingMasterclass #BillboardTopAlbum #IconicRecords #MusicHistory