Tapestry by Carole King...Episode #22

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 It’s Too Late Home Again So Far Away Bonus Tracks Kicks – Paul Revere & Raiders Porpoise Song – Monkees Pleasant Valley Sunday – Monkees (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Shirelles For No One – Beatles Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – Neil Sedaka (1970s Version) Tapestry – Carole King Way Over Yonder – Carole King Smackwater Jack – Carole King One Fine Day – Carole King Jazzman – Carole King CIA Man – Fugs Track Listing Side One I Feel The Earth move It’s Too Late So Far Away Home Again Beautiful Way Over Yonder Side Two You’ve Got A Friend Where You Lead Will You Love Me Tomorrow Smackwater Jack Tapestry (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Something About The Beatles Podcast   Hashtags #Tapestry #CaroleKing #SingerSongwriter #ClassicRock #1970sMusic #PianoPop #SongwritingMasterclass #BillboardTopAlbum #IconicRecords #MusicHistory Contact Info Website: ⁠⁠Gary Wenstrup⁠⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠⁠Home - Classic Rock Album Olympics⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠(556) Classic Rock Album Olympics - YouTube⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠(7) Facebook⁠⁠ Podcast Facebook: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠(17) Gary Wenstrup | LinkedIn⁠ Intro & Outro Music by Flwers Flwers Something About The Beatles Podcast somethingaboutthebeatles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices