Carole King: She Made the Earth Move

by Jane Eisner

Jane Eisner traces the professional accomplishments and personal challenges of pop icon Carole King, exploring her unique contribution to American music
 
Carole King’s extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century. Born in New York City in 1942, she shaped the soundtrack of 1960s teen culture with such songs as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” one of many Brill Building classics she wrote with her first husband, Gerry Goffin. She was a leading figure in the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s, with dozens of Billboard Hot 100 hits and music awards—her 1971 album Tapestry won a record four Grammys. Yet she struggled to reconcile her fame with her roles as a wife and mother and retreated to the backwoods of Idaho, only to emerge in recent years as a political activist and the subject of the Tony-winning Broadway show The Carole King Musical.
 
Journalist and author Jane Eisner places King’s life in historical and cultural context, revealing details of her humble beginnings in Jewish Brooklyn, the roots of her musical genius, her four marriages, and her anguish about public life. Drawing on numerous interviews as well as historical and contemporary sources, this book brings to life King’s professional accomplishments, her personal challenges, and her lasting contributions to the great American songbook.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Music

280 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Diane OLeary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting and entertaining saga of the legendary musician, Carole King. I still recall the first time I heard her Tapestry album back in 1971. She had so many hits that it is easy to overlook some of them and, although I knew many of the songs she had written, several mentioned in this book were surprises to me. It is sad that for all her musical achievements she was unlucky in her choices of husbands. I enjoyed the musical Beautiful based on her life and was addicted to this book as well. CK fans would enjoy this story. 3.5 stars.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew a lot about Carole king after seeing Beautiful and being a fan since the beginning . Not really- this book gave me a lot of information that I had no clue about . I loved learning more details about her growing up in Brooklyn and attending queens college-how many of her friends became famous. Loved reading about her family history —-definitely a worthwhile read !I look forward to hearing the author talk about her well researched book soon

[Roberta]

A new biography - not sure what it adds to the canon with the exception of a great song by song dissection of Tapestry.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eisner goes into a lot of detail about Carol King’s Jewish roots, growing up in a Jewish community, even starting her career as one of several pairs of Jewish composer/lyricist teams writing teen/romance pop music in the late 50s and 60s. That was illuminating. Eisner also goes into GREAT detail about the chord progressions of a lot of King’s memorable songs (especially those from Tapestry). Unfortunately, those details sailed right over my head. Her focus on King’s drive to make music and be successful and respectful as a woman in a field that had been dominated by men made an impression on me. She describes Tapestry as one of three albums that came out in 1971 that changed the course of music forever (Blue by Joni Mitchell and Mudslide Slim and the Blue Horizon being the other two; I had and wore out all three.). King’s personal life struck me as sad and a case of longing for a connection she never really found. As she is in her 80s now, her focus on political and environmental activism seems to have taken the place of finding that connection.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting part-biography, part-analysis of King, whose roots and formative years will be a surprise to most, who may only connect her with Tapestry and James Taylor and the 1970s. Who knew she was part of a juggernaut song-writing team responsible for some of the biggest hits in the 60s. Tapestry was her second album and is generally considered to be one of the greatest albums ever. This unassuming woman, raised in Brooklyn, with an institutionalized younger brother, eventually achieved wide acclaim and fame; her years living off the grid in Idaho are detailed with a note of surprise that readers will echo. The book is part of a series on Jewish lives, and so this is an element of King's background that is extensively discussed--certainly, her early years breaking into the music scene were colored by her heritage and her name change (from Klein) was a direct result. A small volume but about time. Adult.

[Kelli]

Jane Eisner’s Carole King: She Made the Earth Move is a vivid and deeply insightful portrait of one of America’s most influential songwriters. Eisner seamlessly balances the music and the life behind it, tracing King’s journey from Jewish Brooklyn to the pinnacle of pop music history. Through meticulous research and thoughtful interviews, the book captures the genius behind iconic hits like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and Tapestry, while revealing the human struggles of fame, marriage, and motherhood. This is a must-read for music lovers, historians, and anyone fascinated by the story of a woman who helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. Eisner’s narrative is both informative and moving, offering a portrait of Carole King that is as inspiring as it is relatable.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Eisner’s biography of Carole King offers a steady, journalistic look at the legendary songwriter’s life, but it ultimately feels a bit out of tune with its subject. The most compelling segments of the book detail King’s "crazy retreat" away from the spotlight—her survivalist-style move to rural Idaho—which provides a fascinating glimpse into a woman determined to reclaim her identity outside of the music industry. However, for a book about the woman behind Tapestry, the prose is surprisingly clinical. It hits all the factual notes but lacks the raw emotion, warmth, and "natural woman" poetry that defines King’s discography. It’s a competent chronological account, but it doesn't quite capture the soul of the music.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember when Tapestry came out. One of my sisters was all over it. Still is. I have liked a few tunes over the years, others less so. So Far Away and It's Going to Take Some Time are Haystacks (Monet=masterpieces). The book is a good read. Brooklyn, Connecticut, Manhattan, Laural Canyon and Idaho. I enjoyed the time travel, and I appreciate the look at the albums, especially Music and Rhymes & Reasons. A thank you to Ms. Eisner for her take and it is worth the trip if you want to give it a spin, even to someone outside of Ms. King's usual fan base. (Yes, I probably will give the book to that sister...if she hasn't already purchased it.)

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating memoir about Carole King whom I didn’t know much about till reading this book. Interesting commentary/discussion about sourcing/research for this book due to the nature of Carole King’s constructs. Now, I have to listen to some of her music! The author writes well and it’s a fun book to read with lots to learn about the music industry and composition! Read the book when you can and let’s discuss!

[Craig Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

From 1950s hits to 1970s - 1980s hits to the play Beautiful, Carole King’s music has been some of my favorite music. This book is a revelation about Carole’s life and inspirations and how she and her music evolved. Eisner writes clearly, cleanly, and in depth about her subject. My only complaint about the book is the lack of photos showing Carole’s life and successes. If you like Carole’s music, read this book.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that Eisner not only wrote about Carole King’s upbringing and rise to become a musical icon, but that she rounded it out with history of the Brill Building, other musical artists of the time and how King puts notes together in unusual ways. Carole King’s warmth and down-to-earth qualities shine through in this biography.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very solid bio for the Yale University Jewish Lives series. There wasn't much I didn't know but I really enjoyed the context of mix-20th century Jewish life in New York; an excellent lens to view King's work. I'm not a musician but Eisner is a pianist and her critical explanations of Kings playing + composing were really interesting.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My all-time favorite album is Tapestry. An excellent biography of Carole King's life and career. The author clearly admired and respected King.

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carole, get married ! No Mom, I want to write songs. You wont make it as a songwriter.

I enjoyed this accurate book and saw the Broadway musical "Beautiful" twice. Loved all her performances; my favorite being when she teamed up with James Taylor.
- An appropriate title for a very satisfying story- in the best way.

[Bernice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography; she details why the music and lyrics are so wonderful

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that covered the highlights of her life. Gave an insight into her career and personality.