Gerry Goffin, songwriter and Carole King's ex-husband, dies at 75

Gerry Goffin, one-half of arguably the best pop songwriting duo in the early 1960’s, has died. He was 75-years-old. Goffin is best known for the string of songs he wrote with his ex-wife, Carole King.

His wife, Michelle Goffin, confirmed his death to The Associated Press Thursday afternoon. He died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home.

King and Goffin married in 1959, while they were still in their teens, and divorced in 1968. King remembered her former husband in a statement on Thursday.

“Gerry was a good man with a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come,” King told the AP. “His legacy to me is our two daughters, four grandchildren, and our songs that have touched millions and millions of people, as well as a lifelong friendship.”

According to Rolling Stone, King also called Goffin her “first love,” adding, “His legacy to me is our two daughters, four grandchildren, and our songs that have touched millions and millions of people, as well as a lifelong friendship.”

The hits that King and Goffin wrote together are far too numerous to list here. They penned over 50 Top 40 hits for artists like the Everly Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Vee, the Drifters and the Monkees. “The Loco-Motion,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Up On The Roof,” “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” are just a few of the songs that carried the Goffin-King credit.

After their divorce, Goffin continued writing, including Whitney Houston’s “Savin' All My Love for You.” He also earned an Oscar nomination for writing Diana Ross’ “Mahogany” in 1975.

The two joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Their relationship is the focus of the Tony-winning musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Goffin is survived by his wife and five children.

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