Gerry Goffin
Lyricist | 2014Gerry Goffin was born in Brooklyn in 1939. Following graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School and a brief stint in the military reserves, he registered at Queens College where he met fellow student and education major Carole King. Goffin had been writing lyrics since the age of eight. He had never been able to find a collaborator with whom he could feel comfortable, but there was instant chemistry with King. They married in 1959 and took day jobs to support their music endeavors. The pair signed to Don Kirschner and Al Nevins’ Aldon Music in 1960. Their first big break came that same year with a recording by The Shirelles of their song, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” During the next eight years, the team of Goffin and King enjoyed more than 50 Top 40 hits, including “Take Good Care of My Baby,” recorded by Bobby Vee; “Go Away Little Girl,” recorded by Steve Lawrence; “Up on the Roof,” recorded by The Drifters; and a host of others. Although Goffin and King’s marriage ended in 1968, the couple continued to work together, writing “Hi-De-Ho” for Blood, Sweat & Tears, and “Smackwater Jack,” which appeared on King’s multiplatinum album Tapestry. During the 1970s, Goffin collaborated with other songwriters, earning both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. He continued producing hit songs in the 1980s and 90s, including “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” and “Savin’ All My Love for You.” He died in June 2014.