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Artist News Obituaries
Gerry Goffin 1939-2014
By Aly Barchi | Published on Monday 23 June 2014
American lyricist Gerry Goffin, writer of hits like ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, ‘Up On The Roof’ and ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow?’, died last week at his home in LA, his wife Michele has confirmed. He was 75.
Despite a long and prolific career, he will probably be best remembered for his collaborative partnership with one-time wife Carole King, whom he married in 1959. Goffin and King co-wrote over 50 American top 40 tracks for the likes of James Taylor, The Drifters, The Crystals, Dusty Springfield and The Monkees between 1961-1971, also giving the original ‘Loco-Motion’ (as in Kylie’s ‘Loco-Motion’) to Little Eva in 1962.
Despite divorcing in 1968, the pair’s partnership earned them a place in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987 and 1990 respectively. Their relationship also inspired the acclaimed musical ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Story’, which is playing on Broadway now following its premiere earlier this year.
After his and King’s separation, Goffin went on to co-write Whitney Houston’s ‘Saving All My Love For You’, and ‘Do You Know Where You’re Going To’, the theme from Diana Ross’s film ‘Mahogany’, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
Paying her respects to Goffin in a statement, Carole King said: “Gerry Goffin was my first love. He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come. His legacy to me is our two daughters, four grandchildren, and our songs that have touched millions and millions of people, as well as a lifelong friendship. He will be missed by his wonderful wife Michele, his devoted manager, Christine Russell, his five children, and six grandchildren”.
She added: “His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say. If you want to join his loved ones in honouring him, look at the names of the songwriters under the titles of songs. Among the titles associated with me, you’ll often find Gerry’s name next to mine”.
