Carole King's masterpiece, Tapestry, is not only one of the most commercially successful albums of all time, it marked the pinnacle of the career of one of the greatest songwriters in popular music history.
Released 50 years ago, on January 10, 1971, the album featured hits like You've Got A Friend, It's Too Late, So Far Away and I Feel the Earth Move, songs that generate new fans with each passing decade.
Well before it was ever written, recorded or released, Carole King had established herself as one of the great American songwriters, writing classics like Natural Woman, for Aretha Franklin, or Goin’ Back, for Dusty Springfield. And all before she passed the age of 30. In fact, one of her earliest hits, which she wrote for the Shirelles, the classic Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, was penned when she was just 18 years old, with songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin.
On Wednesday night's Arena, Riverdance composer Bill Whelan joined presenter Sean Rocks to speak about Carole King not just as a musical icon, but as a close friend. He originally encountered Carole King when Riverdance was being staged at the Point Depot, in 1996. Backstage after the show, a Riverdance ticket arrived with a handwritten note from Carole King, saying she would like to meet him. Within a few years, and following a blossoming friendship, Bill recalled a Christmas spent at her ranch in Idaho, which included a jam session with himself and his two sons in her home studio.
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