Veteran songwriter Carole King will be crowned BMI Icon during the 60th Annual Pop Music Awards, slated for Tuesday, May 15 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. King, a Brooklyn native, join an elite list of artists including Paul Simon, The Jacksons, The Bee Gees, James Brown amongst others.
King, along with her husband and writing partner Gerry Goffin, penned songs that landed on the top of charts like the Shirelles’ “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” Little Eva’s “Loco-Motion,” the Drifters’ “Up on the Roof,” Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and more.
Her artistic contribution has resulted in one hundred hit singles spanning over Pop, rock, R&B and country genres. King will add the BMI Icon award to her credits, which include the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
An all-star lineup of artists will perform to pay tribute to King’s incomparable catalog. The BMI Pop Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the ceremony.
Aretha Franklin is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists and songwriters in history. Her music has spanned many genres, including soul, R&B, gospel, rock and roll, blues, jazz and more. She won 18 Grammy awards and was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame. One of her most iconic songs was “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” which she famously performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015. It turns out that this timeless classic had a secret behind it – its co-writer Jerry Wexler who was recently awarded with BMI Icon Award for his contribution to American music. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible story!
The lyrics to ‘You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman’ were written by Carole King along with fellow songwriter Gerry Goffin back in 1967. The song went on to be recorded by Aretha Franklin two years later and became an instant hit worldwide. Yet there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to this beloved track – namely Gerry Wexler, another legendary songwriter involved in crafting this beautiful piece of art.
Gerry Wexler played a key role in creating what would become one of Aretha Franklin’s signature songs. His influence extended far beyond just writing words; he produced several arrangements which ultimately shaped how we now know the song today. As recognition for his work on this masterpiece (and so many others) he recently received BMI Icon Award from Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). Now let’s explore how exactly such a remarkable artist found himself part of this great success story!
Overview Of The Song
The song “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” is an iconic R&B track written by singer-songwriter Carole King and originally performed by Aretha Franklin. It has been covered countless times over the years, becoming one of the most beloved soul classics ever recorded. The lyrics are a heartfelt tribute to womanhood, as well as a reflection on how love can make us feel alive and powerful in our own skin. BMI recently honored Carole King for her remarkable impact on music with their prestigious Icon Award.
The song starts off with a mellow piano intro that sets the tone for what’s to come: an ode to self-acceptance, empowerment and pure joy. With its beautiful melody and uplifting message, it quickly became a radio staple throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. As soon as Aretha begins singing in her signature style – full of soulful emotion – it’s clear why this classic was so popular among listeners then and now.
King wrote this timeless tune while reflecting on how being loved makes us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves; that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us deserves unconditional love and acceptance. This song serves as a reminder of just how powerful such simple acts of kindness can be – not just to those around us but also within ourselves.
Accomplishments Of The Writer
Carole King is an immensely talented and celebrated songwriter. She has written numerous hit songs throughout her career, many of which have been covered by some of the most iconic artists in music history. As a BMI Icon Award recipient, she’s earned recognition for her achievements within the music industry and continues to influence musicians today with her timeless classics.
King’s success can be attributed to her ability to craft meaningful lyrics that resonate with people all over the world. Her words speak directly to our hearts, providing us with both comfort and inspiration when we need it most. “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” is just one example of how powerful a simple melody combined with honest lyrics can be – transforming any moment into something special and memorable.
Throughout her career, Carole King has consistently demonstrated excellence as a songwriter and performer – making her deserving of this prestigious award from BMI. The legacy she created will remain as a testament to her talent, proving that great artistry truly stands the test of time.
Conclusion
The songwriter of Aretha Franklin’s ‘You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman’, Gerry Goffin, was recently named a BMI Icon in 2019. As one of the most influential and prolific songwriters in history, it is easy to see how he earned this title. His career spanned over six decades and through it all, his work has been honored with numerous awards including seven Grammy Awards®.
Goffin wrote some of the biggest hits for top artists such as The Monkees, Whitney Houston, and Carole King. He also penned songs that are now considered timeless classics like ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’, ‘Take Good Care Of My Baby’ and countless others. With lyrics that spoke from the heart and told stories that connected people around the world, it’s no surprise he left an indelible mark on popular music culture.
From his humble beginnings to being remembered as a musical legend, Gerry Goffin will forever be remembered by fans everywhere who were touched by his many works throughout the years. It only seems fitting then that he be recognized with such an esteemed award like BMI Icon – an honor well-deserved for a man whose impact on music will never be forgotten.
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