June 19, 2018

It’s Too Late

This prolific song writer wrote or co-wrote 118 songs beginning at age 15 in 1955 and continued churning out Top 100 pop hits through the end of the 20^th Century. No doubt you still cannot turn on a radio without hearing one of her songs. The songwriter/artist: Carole King.

It was on June 19, 1971 when her double sided single It’s Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move hit number one on the Billboard charts and remained there for five weeks.

The two songs were from King’s Tapestry album which was released in February 1971.

From the Infallible Wikipedia:

“Tapestry was an instant success. With numerous hit singles – including a Billboard No.1 with ‘It’s Too Late‘ – Tapestry held the No.1 spot for 15 consecutive weeks, remained on the charts for nearly six years, and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The album garnered four Grammy Awards including Album of the Year; Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female; Record of the Year (‘It’s Too Late,’ lyrics by Toni Stern); and Song of the Year, with King becoming the first woman to win the award (‘You’ve Got a Friend‘). The album appeared on Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time’ list at number 36. In addition, ‘It’s Too Late’ was number 469 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

In the summer of 1971, Tapestry was one of three albums which I wore out. The angst of King’s songs spoke – not only to me – but to a whole generation of teenagers experiencing love and heartbreak for the first time. Although I couldn’t directly relate to the lyrics of It’s Too Late, there was a sadness and loneliness which emanated loud and clear. It was a perfect breakup song.

To this day I can sing the majority of the lyrics of every song on that album. (Not well, mind you!) I’d say my favorite song from the album is Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow followed by the title song, Tapestry. So for anyone wanting to wallow in heartache, this is the perfect album. In other words, exactly right for a thirteen year old just starting out in the world of romance.

Indulge yourselves a little and enjoy this blast from the past of that summer’s most popular song.