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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Legendary songwriter Gerry Goffin dies aged 75


In a statement his ex-wife and songwriting partner 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.'

'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 honoring 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,' King added.


Extraordinary! Who of us might have an ex partner say such wonderful things about us if we passed away?
Oh, you want an insight into exactly what he wrote the lyrics to?
Gerry Goffin, a prolific and multi-dimensional lyricist who with his then-wife and songwriting partner Carole King wrote such hits as Will You Love Me Tomorrow, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Up on the Roof and The Loco-Motion, died on June 19, 2014 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 75. His wife, Michelle Goffin, confirmed his death. Goffin, who married Carole King in 1959 while they were in their teens, penned more than 50 top 40 hits, including Pleasant Valley Sunday for the Monkees, Crying in the Rain by the Everly Brothers, Some Kind of Wonderful for the Drifters and Take Good Care of My Baby by Bobby Vee. Goffin was able to pen jokey lyrics or achingly sad ones. He also did it for solo artists and multiple voices. The couple divorced in 1968, but Goffin kept writing hits, including Savin’ All My Love for You for Whitney Houston. Goffin and King were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three years later. - The Guardian
Guardian's obituary (in full)


Aretha - Natural Woman


The Shirelles - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow


 
The Drifters - Up On The Roof






Carole King - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow


And they also wrote . . . . 
Little Eva - The Locomotion on 'Shindig' c 1966

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