Songwriter Gerry Goffin dies at 75
NEW YORK (AP) – 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 Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 75.
His wife, Michelle Goffin, confirmed his death.
Goffin, who married King in 1959, 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, and On Broadway for the Drifters and Take Good Care of My Baby by Bobby Vee. Goffin was able to pen jokey lyrics or achingly sad ones, and he did it for solo artistes and multiple voices.
King and Goffin 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.
King said in a statement that Goffin was her “first love” and had a “profound impact” on her life.
He is survived by his five children and his wife.
