Carole King is an American singer, songwriter and musician best known for her landmark album Tapestry, one of the best-selling albums of all time, and for songs including It’s Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move and You’ve Got a Friend. With her warm voice, her gift for melody and her talent for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universal, King has built a career that spans more than six decades, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters in popular music.
| Full Name | Carole Joan King |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1942 |
| Age | 84 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Known For | Tapestry, You’ve Got a Friend, It’s Too Late |
| Children | Four, Louise, Sherry, Molly and Levi |
| Net Worth | Approx. $100 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Carole King?
Carole King is a musician who became one of the biggest stars in popular music. She first found fame as a songwriter, writing hits for artists including The Shirelles, Aretha Franklin and The Monkees, and she went on to record her debut album Writer in 1970, followed by Tapestry in 1971, which included the hits It’s Too Late and I Feel the Earth Move.
King also had a successful career as a recording artist, with hits including So Far Away in 1971, Sweet Seasons in 1971 and Jazzman in 1974. She won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Tapestry in 1972, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a songwriter in 1990 and as a performer in 2021.
Early Life & Background
Carole Joan King was born on February 9, 1942, in New York City, the daughter of a firefighter father, and she grew up in Brooklyn, where she attended James Madison High School. She began playing piano as a child, teaching herself to play by ear, and she formed a vocal group called The Co-Sines while still in high school.
After graduating from high school, King attended Queens College, where she studied, and she met Gerry Goffin, with whom she formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in pop music, writing hits including Will You Love Me Tomorrow in 1960 and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman in 1967.
She has four children, Louise, Sherry, Molly and Levi, from her marriages to Gerry Goffin and Charles Larkey. She lives in Idaho, and she is known for her love of the environment and for her work with environmental organisations.
Career
King’s breakthrough came in 1960, when she and Gerry Goffin wrote Will You Love Me Tomorrow for The Shirelles, which became a number one hit. The songwriting partnership went on to write dozens of hits, including The Loco-Motion in 1962 and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman in 1967 for Aretha Franklin.
After her songwriting success, King released her debut album Writer in 1970, followed by Tapestry in 1971, one of the best-selling albums of all time, which included It’s Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move and You’ve Got a Friend. She has continued to record and perform, and she remains one of the most beloved musicians in popular music.
Like fellow singer-songwriters James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, King is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and innovation she brings to every performance. She continues to record and perform, and she remains one of the most beloved musicians in popular music.
Facts About Carole King
- Carole King’s album Tapestry is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
- She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a songwriter in 1990 and as a performer in 2021.
- She was born Carole Joan King in New York City in 1942.
- Her song You’ve Got a Friend was a number one hit for James Taylor in 1971.
- She has four children, Louise, Sherry, Molly and Levi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Carole King?
Carole King was born on February 9, 1942, which makes her 84 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Carole King?
Carole King is 5 feet 3 inches tall (1.60 metres).
What is Carole King’s net worth?
Carole King’s net worth is estimated at approximately $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Carole King best known for?
Carole King is best known for Tapestry and You’ve Got a Friend.