Dan, thank you for this gentle time machine. Carole King didn’t just write songs — she stitched emotional survival manuals into vinyl grooves. “Tapestry” wasn’t an album, it was therapy before therapy had co-pays.
I wasn’t at that Central Park concert, but somehow her voice still found me decades later, like a soft rebellion whispering through the static. And her “Living Room” tour? That wasn’t a performance — it was spiritual hospitality. She didn’t play music at you, she invited you to curl up on the metaphorical couch with your heartbreak, your hope, and maybe a glass of wine you forgot you were still holding.
It’s wild to think the same country that gave us Tapestry is now defunding the very public art that nourishes the soul. But then again, beauty has always been subversive.
So yes — may we all find our reason to smile this week… and may it sound like Carole King.
—Virgin Monk Boy
(Still humming, still healing, still politically incorrect in four-part harmony)
My late husband was quite a ladies' man before we met and got married and he always said that he could hear Carole King's Tapestry album playing in every apartment for years every time he picked up a date. Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory.
Fabulous. What a talent. I was 16 when Tapestry came out and I still have the album. It’s been played to death and I think I could still sing the words to every song. It brings back so many fun memories. Music played such an important part of my youth. Thanks for reminding me!
We just drove back from Ohio to South Carolina (granddaughter's HS graduation), and one of the albums we played en route was TAPESTRY. Thx always, Dan.
Carole king is a gifted artist with natural talent. Her lyrics to her songs, have a true meaning. I will never forget when she was honored at the Kennedy honors for her music. Aretha Franklin sang, You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman. The reaction by Carol and the audience drop to their knees with emotion and tears. Even President Obama got emotional and wipe a few tears from his eyes.
I have watched it. It’s so good.
Dan, thank you for this gentle time machine. Carole King didn’t just write songs — she stitched emotional survival manuals into vinyl grooves. “Tapestry” wasn’t an album, it was therapy before therapy had co-pays.
I wasn’t at that Central Park concert, but somehow her voice still found me decades later, like a soft rebellion whispering through the static. And her “Living Room” tour? That wasn’t a performance — it was spiritual hospitality. She didn’t play music at you, she invited you to curl up on the metaphorical couch with your heartbreak, your hope, and maybe a glass of wine you forgot you were still holding.
It’s wild to think the same country that gave us Tapestry is now defunding the very public art that nourishes the soul. But then again, beauty has always been subversive.
So yes — may we all find our reason to smile this week… and may it sound like Carole King.
—Virgin Monk Boy
(Still humming, still healing, still politically incorrect in four-part harmony)
The tapestry album
Soundtrack to high school in college
So many memories
Thanks - great memories, great music.
My late husband was quite a ladies' man before we met and got married and he always said that he could hear Carole King's Tapestry album playing in every apartment for years every time he picked up a date. Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory.
Made me smile, a rarity these Trump days.
Fabulous. What a talent. I was 16 when Tapestry came out and I still have the album. It’s been played to death and I think I could still sing the words to every song. It brings back so many fun memories. Music played such an important part of my youth. Thanks for reminding me!
What a fabulous YouTube link for Carole Kolings performance of that song! It was really moving! Thank you!
*King's
❤️❤️❤️🎶 her music, I grew up on it. She is fabulous! Thanks for a great story, now I'm gonna dig out Tapestry and play it-
Wonderful piece to share—thank you, Dan!
Thank you so much for the respite, Dan and Team Steady!! So very necessary in today's World!
Thank you for your wonderful commentary. I have admired your journalism skills since the early 60s
when you reported on the JFK assination. Again, thank you for your thoughtful commentary.
We just drove back from Ohio to South Carolina (granddaughter's HS graduation), and one of the albums we played en route was TAPESTRY. Thx always, Dan.
Carole king is a gifted artist with natural talent. Her lyrics to her songs, have a true meaning. I will never forget when she was honored at the Kennedy honors for her music. Aretha Franklin sang, You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman. The reaction by Carol and the audience drop to their knees with emotion and tears. Even President Obama got emotional and wipe a few tears from his eyes.
Thank you, Mr. Rather.
I love these posts!!! Thank you for the smile, and I hope something makes you smile today too!