Legendary Songwriter Gerry Goffin, Whose Work is Featured in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dies at 75

Legendary songwriter Gerry Goffin died of natural causes on June 19 at his home at Los Angeles. He was 75. His music, much of which he wrote with his wife of nine years and songwriting partner Carole King, can be heard on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The announcement was made by his wife Michele Goffin.

King said in a statement: "Gerry Goffin was my first love. He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come. 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. He will be missed by his wonderful wife Michele, his devoted manager, Christine Russell, his five children, and six grandchildren."

King went on to say: "His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say. If you want to join his loved ones in honoring him, look at the names of the songwriters under the titles of songs. Among the titles associated with me, you’ll often find Gerry’s name next to mine."

Born on February 11, 1939 in Brooklyn, Goffin collaborated with King on such hits as “It Might as Well Rain Until September,” “Some King of Wonderful,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The two wed in 1959, and though they divorced in 1968, the two remained writing partners for some years after. In addition to King, he collaborated with other writers, including Barry Mann and Michael Masser.

His many accolades include seven Billboard chart-toppers, over 50 Top 40 hits and an Oscar nomination for his work on “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” with Masser. Goffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside King in 1990.

In addition to Beautiful, Goffin’s work has been featured on Broadway in Uptown...It’s Hot!, Andre DeShields’ Haarlem Nocturne and Rock ‘N Roll! The First 5,000 Years.

Goffin is currently portrayed in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical by Jake Epstein. The two are pictured below at the musical’s opening night in January.