King’s first marriage was to lyricist Gerry Goffin, a partnership that started when she was just 17 years old. Goffin and King were an unstoppable duo in the early 1960s, crafting hit songs like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “The Loco-Motion.” They became one of the most successful songwriting teams of the era. Their creative connection was undeniable, but their marriage faced many difficulties. While they had two daughters, Louise and Sherry, the relationship began to crack under the weight of Goffin’s infidelities and personal struggles. He struggled with depression and drug use, which placed an immense strain on their marriage. By 1968, their relationship ended in divorce, though their professional legacy would live on.
After her divorce from Goffin, King moved forward with her career and found love again with bassist Charles Larkey. In 1970, she married Larkey, and they had two children, Molly and Levi. This marriage marked a new chapter in her life, coinciding with her solo career taking off. During this period, King released her iconic album “Tapestry,” which earned her worldwide fame and solidified her status as a music legend. However, despite the success, her marriage with Larkey also came under strain. The pressures of balancing her booming career and family life began to take a toll. Larkey was frequently touring, and King was consumed with her work. The emotional distance grew between them, leading to the couple’s eventual separation in 1976.
King’s third marriage was to singer-songwriter Rick Evers, which turned out to be the most heartbreaking chapter in her personal life. The two married in 1977, and initially, King believed she had found a partner who understood her both creatively and emotionally. However, Evers struggled with drug addiction, and his abusive behavior soon became apparent. King has spoken about the domestic abuse she suffered during this period, which left her emotionally devastated. In 1978, Evers tragically died of a drug overdose, bringing an abrupt and sorrowful end to their tumultuous relationship. This marriage, though brief, left a lasting impact on King’s life and served as a period of intense emotional pain.
After the trauma of her third marriage, King took a step back from relationships for a few years. In 1982, she married Rick Sorenson, a rancher who brought a sense of calm and stability to her life. This relationship was less public and much more grounded, offering King a peaceful environment away from the spotlight. However, even this marriage wasn’t meant to last. By 1989, King and Sorenson had parted ways, though the reasons for the breakup were never fully disclosed. Many believe that the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the midst of King’s continued career demands and personal growth contributed to their separation.
In addition to her marriages, King also had a deep personal and professional connection with fellow musician James Taylor. The two collaborated on numerous projects in the 1970s, creating some of the era’s most iconic songs. Their friendship grew into something more, though they never married. Their close bond, rooted in mutual respect and admiration, remained intact even as their romantic relationship didn’t lead to a long-term commitment. Taylor and King have continued to speak fondly of each other, both acknowledging the special creative and emotional relationship they shared.
Today, Carole King is single and has found contentment in her life, focusing on her music and environmental activism. She is an advocate for the protection of natural habitats, especially in the Northern Rockies, and her passion for preserving the environment has become a central part of her later life. While her children, Louise, Sherry, Molly, and Levi, have all grown and pursued their own lives, King maintains a close bond with her family...
No comments:
Post a Comment