Carole King - Beautiful

musical Beautiful: the Carole King

by Joanna Hughes

Ask any woman of a certain age about the monumental impact Carole King’s Tapestry had upon its release in 1971, and you’re likely to hear the same words again and again: life changing. In fact, this groovy, graceful, groundbreaking album was a defining moment not only for King, but for an entire generation.

What makes Tapestry even more remarkable? It resonates just as powerfully now as it did 45 years ago. And that makes King more than a chart-topping singer/songwriter; she’s an icon. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is more than a mere show, it’s a must-see for millions of women for whom King continues to serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment.

From Brooklyn to Broadway

Why would King’s transformation from shy Brooklyn girl-with-a-dream to lyrical luminary merit its own Broadway play? For starters, she overcame many obstacles along the way by her characteristic passion and formidable chutzpah. Then there’s the fact that King discovered her true voice only after her marriage and songwriting partnership with husband Gerry Goffin dissolved. This life-changing event spurred King to strike out as a singer in her own right after toiling for years writing hits for others.

And while King’s first solo album was a bust, her follow-up Tapestry was a true testament to second chances. It held the top Billboard spot for 15 straight weeks, sold more than 25 million copies and won multiple GRAMMYs, including the coveted “Album of the Year.” It went on to earn a spot on Rolling Stone’s roundup of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and has been hailed as “the spiritual musical backdrop to the decade.”

Striking a Chord with an Entire Generation

King’s legacy is much more than a good story about persevering in the face of adversity. She has written or co-written more than 400 songs which have been recorded by over a thousand artists. All this from a woman who once said she used to hate the sound of her own voice.

For many women, King’s journey on stage is a reminder of their own journeys, reflected in songs ranging from earlier offerings like the longingly lovely, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and earthy anthem, “(You make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” to Tapestry’s rich parade of new songs, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “So Far Away,” “It’s Too Late,” and “Beautiful.”

Perhaps songwriter Cynthia Weil put it best in speaking of King’s radical yet relatable rise, “It was the right songs at the right time for the audience that was ready for them.” In other words, we felt the earth move under our feet.

Given King’s inimitable influence, Beautiful recently celebrated its 1,000th performance. It is the Stephen Sondheim Theatre’s longest running show, and even had a day - June 15, 2016 - named in its honor by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio. The critics love it, too; it’s racked up multiple Tony, GRAMMY and Olivier awards.

A Beautiful Second Act

With 2016 marking the 45th anniversary of Tapestry’s release, now is as good a time as any to catch up with King. Certainly, she’s kept herself busy not only with her music, but also in applying her characteristic tenacity to political and environmental activism. Several years ago, she revealed that writing songs and performing them remains on the agenda.

“I still feel that it would be lovely to retire,” King said. “But that time is not yet here apparently.”

While King has inspired so many of us, where has she found inspiration of her own?

“Not only do you want to leave the audience wanting more,” she says, “You want to leave yourself wanting more.”

And for those of us left wanting more, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical offers a welcome way to catch up with a friend.

Experience it for yourself on Broadway, or at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach February 1–5, 2017.