Winter, spring, summer, or fall... all you have to do is call, and Strong Songs will be there with an in-depth analysis of one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century.

This episode takes a deep dive into Carole King's ever enduring, much-covered tribute to friendship, "You've Got a Friend." What starts in Laurel Canyon in the early 70s spread outward to the world, thanks to King's revolutionary 1971 album Tapestry. 50 years later, those songs are still with us, and "You've Got a Friend" remains one of the most meaningful tributes to simple, platonic love. 

Written by: Carole King

Album: Tapestry (1971)

Listen/Buy: Apple Music | Amazon | Spotify

ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:

• "I Feel The Earth Move" and "So Far Away," both by Carole King, and "It's Too Late" by King with lyrics by Toni Stern, from Tapestry, 1971
• "You've Got a Friend" as recorded by James Taylor on Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, 1971
• "You've Got a Friend" as recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway on Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, 1972
• "Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You've Got a Friend" as recorded by Aretha Franklin on Amazing Grace, 1972
• "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Carole King and Gerry Goffen as recorded by Aretha Franklin, 1967
• Harvey Kubernik's exceptional chronicling of Tapestry's place in the broader 1970s music scene:  https://www.musicconnection.com/kubernik-carole-king-tapestry-50th-anniversary/
• Kubernik's book on Laurel Canyon: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/6464198-canyon-of-dreams
• "You've Got a Friend" as recorded by Donny Hathaway on Live, 1972

OUTRO SOLOIST: Charles McNeal

Charles McNeal is a killin' Oakland-based sax player who plays all over the bay area. He's also a master jazz transcriber, and has chronicled tons of great solos. You can find him playing out in a variety of bands and settings; the best way to keep up with his music is to subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram @charlesonsax2 - https://www.instagram.com/charlesonsax2

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