Died On This Date (June 19, 2014) Gerry Goffin / Celebrated Songwriter

themusicsover June 19, 2014 3 Comments

Gerry Goffin
February 11, 1939 – June 19, 2014

Gerry Goffin was arguably America’s most prolific hit lyricist. During the second half of the 20th century, no fewer than 50 songs that he penned the lyrics for made the Top 40.  Born in Brooklyn, New York, Goffin married Carole King who also happened to be his song writing partner throughout the ’60s. As part of the legendary Brill Building collective, Goffin and King wrote such pop and rock standards as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Take Good Care Of My Baby,” “The Loco-Motion,” “Go Away Little Girl,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunshine.”  The seemingly endless list of artists who made their songs into hits includes Little Eva,  the Shirelles, the Four Seasons, Bobby Vee, Dion & the Belmonts, Grand Funk Railroad, the Monkees, and Aretha Franklin.  Goffin also had successful writing partnerships with Barry Goldberg, Barry Mann, Michael Masser, and Russ Titelman.  He was nominated for an Academy Award in for his co-write on the theme song to the 1975 film, Mahogany, which was sung by Diana Ross. Goffin also wrote the Whitney Houston hit, “Savin’ All My Love for You.”  He and King were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.  Gerry Goffin was 75 when he died of natural causes on June 19, 2014.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.