Carole King Net Worth 2024: The Story Behind Her Music Career And Lasting Legacy
Carole King Net Worth
$100 Million
In 2024, Carole King net worth stands at an impressive $100 million, a testament to her lasting impact on music. This wealth primarily comes from the enduring success of her songwriting royalties and her iconic 1971 album, Tapestry. Featuring timeless hits like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” Tapestry sold over 25 million copies worldwide, topped the Billboard charts for 15 consecutive weeks, and won King four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. This album alone has generated a steady stream of royalties, solidifying her financial legacy and influence.
King’s career started in the 1960s as a songwriter alongside her then-husband, Gerry Goffin. Together, they created classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” which were performed by some of the biggest names in music. Her songwriting style, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and universal themes, has allowed her work to resonate across generations. These songs continue to earn royalties as they appear in movies, commercials, and media, connecting King’s music with new audiences.
While some of her contemporaries may have pursued touring or business ventures, King’s wealth and legacy remain rooted in her rich songwriting catalog. Her songs have become part of popular culture, cherished by fans worldwide. Carole King’s financial success reflects her exceptional talent and her ability to create music that truly endures, making her one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Carole King Net Worth
| Name | Carol Joan Klein |
| Source of income | Music, songwriting, royalties |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
Carole King, an iconic American songwriter, and singer, has an estimated net worth of $100 million. Known as one of the most successful female songwriters in history, King made her breakthrough in 1971 with her legendary album Tapestry, which held a spot on the U.S. charts for nearly six years. Over her career, she has released more than 20 solo albums and has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. King’s contributions to music earned her two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a songwriter and as a performer.
In addition to her music, King has written or co-written over 400 songs, recorded by more than 1,000 artists. Many of her hits were created in collaboration with her former husband, Gerry Goffin, during the 1960s. Together, they wrote several chart-topping songs, including King’s first #1 single, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” which she co-wrote at just 18. King’s songwriting legacy and the ongoing success of her work have played a major role in building her wealth, making her a celebrated figure in music history.
Wiki/ Bio Of Carole King
| Field | Information |
| Full/Real name | Carol Joan Klein |
| Nick/Popular name | Carole King |
| Birth date | February 9, 1942 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Age (As of 2024) | 82 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Parents | Eugenia Klein, Sidney N. Klein |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Marital status | Single |
| Spouse | Gerry Goffin(m. 1959; div. 1968) Charles Larkey(m. 1970; div. 1976) Rick Evers(m. 1977; died 1978) Rick Sorenson(m. 1982; div. 1989) |
| Children | 4, including Louise Goffin and Molly Larkey |
| Famous For | As an American singer-songwriter and musician |
| Height | 5’4″, 163cm |
| Education | Queens College, City University of New York, James Madison High School |
| Profession | Singersongwritermusician |
| Years active | 1958–present |
| Genres | Popfolk rockpop rocksoft rockBrill Buildingblue-eyed soul |
Carole King Early Years And Musical Beginnings
Carole King, originally named Carol Joan Klein, was born on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York City, into a close-knit Jewish family. Her father, Sidney, was a firefighter, and her mother, Eugenia, worked as a teacher. King’s passion for music emerged at a young age; she began piano lessons when she was just three years old and soon displayed a natural talent, even showing signs of perfect pitch by the time she was four. Her early intellectual curiosity and musical ability were matched by strong academic skills—she excelled in school, skipping a grade to enter primary school ahead of her peers.
During her time at James Madison High School, King’s interest in music she was continued to grow. She formed a small band called the Co-Shines and began experimenting with recording, making demo records with her friend and future music legend, Paul Simon. King’s musical journey then took her to Queens College, where she initially pursued her studies. However, her desire to break into the music industry ultimately led her to leave college and take a job as a secretary, a decision that allowed her to pursue songwriting and performing. This bold step marked the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career, paving the way for her rise as one of the most influential songwriters of her generation.
Carole King’s Rise To Fame
In 1960, Carole King and her husband, Gerry Goffin, achieved their first major success with the song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” performed by The Shirelles. The song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This success encouraged the couple to leave their day jobs and dedicate themselves fully to songwriting. Together, King and Goffin crafted an impressive array of hits throughout the 1960s, including memorable songs like “The Loco-Motion,” “It Might as Well Rain Until September,” “Up on the Roof,” “One Fine Day,” and “Goin’ Back.” Their music defined an era and showcased King’s incredible talent for creating relatable, timeless melodies.
Following her divorce from Goffin, King relocated to Los Angeles, where she formed a music trio called The City. The group released an album titled Now That Everything’s Been Said in 1968, but they disbanded the following year. Undeterred, King embarked on a solo career and released her debut solo album, Writer, in 1970. Although it reached a modest number of 84 on the Billboard 200, Writer marked the beginning of her journey as a solo artist. This period set the stage for the monumental success she would achieve with her next album, Tapestry, which would establish her as one of the most influential songwriters and performers in music history.
Carole King’s Music Career
Carole King’s music career spans decades, marked by remarkable achievements and unforgettable albums. She became a global icon with the release of Tapestry in 1971, an album that spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one and stayed on the U.S. charts for six years. The success of Tapestry solidified her place in music history, featuring timeless hits like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Following this, King continued to release albums throughout the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. Her musical journey includes collaborations, soundtracks, and even a reunion tour with James Taylor in 2010, culminating in an impactful legacy that has inspired generations.
| Era | Album/Project | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Tapestry | Breakthrough album; stayed at #1 on Billboard 200 for 15 weeks; won four Grammys; includes iconic hits. |
| 1971 | Music | Peaked at #1 on Billboard; solidified King’s early solo success. |
| 1972–1974 | Rhymes and Reasons, Fantasy, Wrap Around Joy | Continued success; Wrap Around Joy reached #1; both Rhymes and Reasons and Fantasy were Gold-certified. |
| 1976–1979 | Thoroughbred, Simple Things, Welcome Home, Touch the Sky | Released under Capitol; Simple Things marked a collaboration with Rick Evers; struggled commercially. |
| 1980s | One to One, Speeding Time | Albums under Atlantic Records; Speeding Time included more experimental sounds. |
| 1989 | City Streets | Return to Capitol Records; featured collaborations with other songwriters. |
| 1990s | Colour of Your Dreams, The Carnegie Hall Concert | Colour of Your Dreams added to her collection of introspective work; live album celebrated her concert debut. |
| 2000s | Love Makes the World, The Living Room Tour, A Holiday Carole, The Legendary Demos | Showcased King’s songwriting legacy with compilations and new holiday music. |
| Film Contributions | Care-A-Lot (The Care Bears Movie), Now and Forever (A League of Their Own) | Wrote and performed songs for film soundtracks, including a cameo in Murphy’s Romance. |
| Television | Where You Lead (revised for Gilmore Girls) | Re-recorded classic hit for the show’s theme song, connecting with a new generation of fans. |
| 2007 | Japan Tour with Fergie and Mary J. Blige | International tour marked by major performances in Japan. |
| 2010 | Troubadour Reunion Tour with James Taylor | Successful reunion tour, produced hit live album Live at the Troubadour. |
Carole King’s career is a rich tapestry of musical exploration and lasting influence, from her groundbreaking success in the ’70s to her impactful collaborations in the ’80s and ’90s. Each era of her career contributed to a unique legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and fans worldwide.
Carole King’s Personal Life And Advocacy Efforts
Carole King’s personal life has been marked by multiple marriages and a deep commitment to activism. She has been married four times. Her first marriage was to lyricist Gerry Goffin in 1959; the couple had two daughters, Louise and Sherry, before divorcing in 1968. In 1970, King married Charles Larkey, with whom she had two children, Molly and Levi, but the couple separated in 1976. She then married songwriter Rick Evers in 1977, and they released the album Simple Things together. Tragically, Evers passed away from a cocaine overdose in 1980. King’s final marriage was to Rick Sorenson in 1982, which ended in divorce in 1989.
Beyond her personal life, Carole King has been a passionate advocate for various causes, particularly environmental and political activism. After relocating to Idaho in 1977, she became actively involved in environmental preservation, working with groups like the Alliance for the Wild Rockies. One of her key contributions was supporting the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act. Additionally, King has participated in political campaigns, most notably advocating for John Kerry during his presidential run, further demonstrating her commitment to important social and environmental issues.
Carole King: Awards, Honors, And Income From Tours
Carole King’s career is decorated with prestigious awards and honors, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in music history. Her incredible achievements are reflected in the numerous accolades she has received throughout her life. These recognitions not only cement her legacy but also contributed to her financial success through higher royalties, concert fees, and ticket sales.
| Award/Honor | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 4 Grammys, including Album of the Year for Tapestry |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Inducted twice: once as a songwriter and once as a performer |
| Troubadour Reunion Tour (2010) | Grossed over $59 million with James Taylor |
| Live Performances | Concerts for Tapestry, Gilmore Girls theme, and more; consistently sold-out shows |
Carole King’s recognition by both the music industry and the public has played a significant role in her financial success. The Grammy Awards and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame marked her contributions as a songwriter and performer. Furthermore, her tours—such as the highly successful 2010 Troubadour Reunion Tour with James Taylor—continue to be a major source of income. King’s enduring appeal ensures that her live performances, whether promoting her albums or participating in special events, remain lucrative endeavors.
Carole King’s Lasting Legacy
Carole King’s impact on music is both profound and enduring. Her influence is celebrated in Tapestry Revisited: A Tribute to Carole King, a 1995 album featuring renditions of her iconic songs by an all-star lineup. King’s music has been covered and celebrated by countless artists over the years, highlighting the timeless appeal of her songwriting. In 2013, her legacy expanded to the stage with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a production chronicling her life and career that premiered in San Francisco before opening on Broadway. Actress Jessie Mueller’s portrayal of King won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, further cementing King’s cultural and artistic influence.
King’s contributions to music continue to resonate with new generations, as her songs and story remain celebrated in concerts, musicals, and cover renditions. Her ability to connect through music ensures her place as a beloved figure in the world of songwriting and performance.
Final Words
Carole King is an iconic American singer-songwriter with an estimated net worth of $100 million. She is renowned for her groundbreaking career as a songwriter, having written or co-written over 400 songs, including many hits that were recorded by other artists. Her breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of Tapestry, an album that became a monumental success, topping the charts for 15 consecutive weeks and earning multiple Grammy Awards. The album featured timeless songs like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” King continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and beyond, with tours and live performances significantly contributing to her wealth, including the highly successful 2010 Troubadour Reunion Tour with James Taylor, which grossed over $59 million.
Beyond her musical success, Carole King’s legacy is cemented through her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her influence remains strong in the music world, with covers of her songs continuing to inspire new generations of artists. King is also known for her activism, particularly in environmental causes. After moving to Idaho, she became involved with the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and supported the passage of the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act. Her political activism includes campaigning for John Kerry during his presidential campaign. Through her music and advocacy, Carole King has built a lasting legacy as both a groundbreaking artist and a passionate advocate for important social and environmental issues.
FAQs About Carole King
1. Where does Carole King currently live?
Carole King currently resides in Ketchum, Idaho.
2. When did Carole King come out?
Carole King’s debut as a solo artist came in 1970 with the release of her album Writer. With encouragement from James Taylor, she began to perform her own songs, which led to her successful career as a singer-songwriter. Taylor’s version of her song “You’ve Got a Friend” also became a major hit in the U.S.
3. How long was James Taylor married to Carole King?
James Taylor and Carole King were never married. While they were close collaborators and friends, it was Taylor who encouraged King to perform her own songs, helping her launch a successful solo career.
4. What ethnicity is Carole King?
Carole King is of Jewish descent. She was born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Brooklyn. Her early career as a songwriter saw her penning hits for artists like The Shirelles.
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