Years ago, I ran sound for a series of concerts by Carole King .. she was attempting to remind folks she was still around, she was in her mid-60's at the time .. it was Carole, her bass player and a guitarist, although many of the songs she did solo on a grand piano, and I would have worked for her for free if needed to get those gigs .. I'm sure most all of you know Ms Kings contribution to music, dating back to the Brill Building in NYC and the many, many hits she's written .. I like anything Carole King, she's an amazing woman (all women are amazing) .. at any rate, her "audience sing along tune" during these shows was "Natural Woman" .. and no matter what, at each and every show, I looked out at the audience and everyone was singing along .. young and old ..
Although I knew of her back in the 1960's, especially the hits like "Chains", "One Fine Day", "Loco-Motion", "Up on the Roof" and so, so many more, my main love of her work took place in the early 1970's when a young, physically and emotionally abused young woman lived with me for a time .. she would put "Tapestry" on the turntable constantly, and I came to memorize the album and truly appreciate the work .. my young lady friend (and that's all it was) found a deep and spiritual meaning in that album, as I think many women did back in those days ..
Somehow, in these days of constant revelations of those in high places taking liberties with women/girls that are uncalled for and unwanted, it takes me back to those times and reminds me these abuses have been going on for a long, long time .. although I sincerely hope none of you fine young ladies here have ever had to deal with that kind of thing, if you have, I'd like to offer up a blanket apology for all of us men that have been and are, respectful and decent .. there are many of us ..
That said, let's listen to some Carole King on a mellow Thursday ..
