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
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Something About The Beatles Podcast
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