Carole King to Be Inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the Second Time

Singer-songwriter Carole King has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. King’s second induction is in recognition of her performance skills throughout her career, making her the first woman in history to gain recognition in both the songwriter and performer categories.

I wanted to be a songwriter so I could meet all the great artists and they would know who I was. I thought being inducted into the @rockhall as a songwriter with Gerry Goffin was the pinnacle. Until now. Thank you for ALSO inducting me as an artist. And 🙏 to my fans always. https://t.co/O7ue6ibBdj

— Carole King (@Carole_King) May 12, 2021

On Wednesday, May 12, Carole King woke up to a text from one of her friends saying she was being honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame again, according to Billboard. King was first honored in 1990 for her songwriting skills alongside her ex-husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin. Settling down in Idaho, the artist has remained out of the spotlight since 2012. The singer-songwriter seemed incredibly shocked by the news in an interview with Rolling Stone. In fact, despite her years of influence and success in the music industry, King never planned on becoming a singer.

#flashbackfriday
James Taylor and Carole King in London for their performance at Royal Festival Hall, 1972. Photos by Jack Kay.#jamestaylor #caroleking pic.twitter.com/J9ju9Suqrr

— Carole King (@Carole_King) May 7, 2021

During the 1950s, King worked exclusively in songwriting as a Brill Building scribe, which uses concise writing to create empathetic songs. At the same time as her booming songwriting career, she had an opportunity to record music. Singer-songwriter James Taylor and producer Lou Alder helped King take ownership of her singing talents in the ’60s. Taylor and Alder made her comfortable with performing her songs while still writing for others. With her name already in the industry, King quickly gained traction for singing. 

In the coming years, the artist experienced a whirlwind of success. Tapestry, King’s second studio album, topped the Billboard 200 for fifteen weeks. The album will celebrate its 50-year anniversary on May 13 and has become one of the best-selling albums ever, inspiring artists such as Taylor Swift, Mary J. Blige, Elton John, and Amy Winehouse.

King’s work expands beyond the general music industry. From time to time, she has written and performed songs for Gilmore Girls (2000-2007), Murphy’s Romance (1985), You’ve Got Mail (1998) as well as other movies and shows. King sang the theme song “Where you Lead” for the hit television drama-comedy Gilmore Girls. Lauren Graham, who played one of the main characters, Lorelai Gilmore, tweeted in support of the singer.

Yay, @Carole_King! (Yay and long overdue for Tina Turner and Go-Go’s and general yay to everyone here but only one of them sang “Where You Lead” which, special yay! https://t.co/CyD4bqf0PH

— Lauren Graham (@thelaurengraham) May 12, 2021

Many are thrilled that women are finally receiving the recognition they deserve from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Singer Tina Turner will make history as the first Black woman to be inducted twice. Like King, Turner was first honored in 1991 for her work with then-husband Ike Turner. Thirty years later, she will receive recognition for her solo achievements in the performer category. Fans are all saying the same thing—it’s about time.

#1 – Tina Turner finally getting her due. this is a momentous day. your girl is the baddest and one of the most iconic rock singers of all time. paved the way for so many of us.
(side note: carole king & the gogo's too 😊 and the foo's. that's cool) https://t.co/rIvTFYHLMC

— hayley from Paramore 🥀 (@yelyahwilliams) May 12, 2021

Carole King and Tina Turner are very long overdue! Congratulations! https://t.co/1p2VWGE7ym

— Betsy B. (@Boondockfinds) May 12, 2021

King’s continuous influence on the music industry and singer-songwriters showcases her true talent and drive. As her years performing and songwriting have winded down, there is no doubt that she will continue to impact and change the lives of many artists.