Carole King: A Legendary Life In Music And Love

Let me tell you about Carole King, a woman who’s not just a music icon but a force of nature. Over her six-decade career, she’s left an indelible mark on the rock genre, shaping it with her talent and passion. Early on, she found success through a powerful partnership with her first husband, Gerry Goffin. But Carole’s journey isn’t just about music—it’s also about love, family, and resilience. She’s been married four times and has four remarkable children: Louise Goffin, Sherry Goffin, Molly Larkey, and Levi Larkey. Let’s dive into her incredible story.

Childhood and Early Beginnings

Born way back in 1942, Carole was a prodigy at the piano, mastering it by the ripe old age of four. Imagine that—she was already creating melodies before most kids even know their ABCs. She went on to attend Queens College, where she kept her love for music alive, even though it wasn’t her primary focus. That’s where fate stepped in, introducing her to Gerry Goffin. They clicked instantly, bonded by their shared passion for music. They tied the knot in 1959, and just a year later, they hit it big with the Shirelles’ chart-topping hit, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” This song wasn’t just a hit—it was a game-changer, putting them on the map as one of music’s most dynamic duos.

Music Power Couple: Carole and Gerry

The magic between Carole and Gerry didn’t stop with that first hit. They went on to craft timeless classics like “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “The Loco-Motion,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Alongside their musical triumphs, Carole gave birth to their first daughter, Louise, in 1960, followed by Sherry in 1962. But all good things must come to an end, and the couple parted ways in 1968. Their story of love and creativity would later inspire Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a Broadway sensation that celebrated their legacy.

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New Beginnings with Charles Larkey

Fast forward to 1970, and Carole was ready to spread her wings as a solo artist. She released her first solo album the same year she married Charles Larkey, a bassist who played on some of her early hits. Their partnership wasn’t just personal—it was musical too. Before they even tied the knot, they formed the rock group The City and released an album together. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter Molly in 1971 and son Levi in 1974. But life has its ups and downs, and Charles and Carole divorced in 1976.

A Heartbreaking Chapter with Rick Evers

Carole’s next marriage was to songwriter Rick Evers in 1977. Unfortunately, this chapter was short-lived and tragic. Rick passed away from a drug overdose in 1978, leaving Carole heartbroken. She later opened up about their tumultuous marriage in her 2012 memoir, A Natural Woman: A Memoir. Reflecting on her relationships, she wrote, “When I look back at my relationships with men, I see a pattern. As a child, my strong will was always about pleasing my father. Because my father was so effective in making things happen, I grew to believe that it was easier to take strong steady action toward a goal with a man to help me get there.”

Final Marriage and Solitude

In 1982, Carole found love again with carpenter Rick Sorenson. They married and spent seven years together before parting ways in 1989. After her fourth marriage, Carole chose to keep her romantic life private, focusing instead on her music and family. Her four children remain a source of pride and joy in her life.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Carole’s ex-husbands and the incredible journey she’s had with each of them.