On This Day in 1971, Carole King’s Single Topped Billboard’s Singles Chart and She Received a Gold Album for “Tapestry”
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Chart Success and Album Acclaim
On July 21, 1971, Carole King reached a major milestone. Her single “It’s Too Late,” from the album Tapestry, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. That same week, Tapestry received its Gold album certification. The LP had been released four months earlier and spent a record‑setting fifteen weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Tapestry stayed on the chart for over 290 weeks—more than five years—a remarkable run for any record. In fact, it remained on the Billboard 200 for 292 weeks. This success also earned Carole King four Grammy Awards in 1972, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “It’s Too Late”.
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The Songs Behind the Milestone
“It’s Too Late” was a double A-side with “I Feel the Earth Move,” and both songs soared to No. 1 on the charts. Billboard even ranked this combo as the No. 3 record of 1971. The single’s heartfelt lyrics and King’s warm voice resonated deeply with listeners.
Tapestry’s Cultural Reach
Tapestry is often seen as one of the most influential albums in pop and soft rock history. By late 2020, it had sold over 25 million copies worldwide and earned Diamond status from the RIAA. Songs like “You’ve Got a Friend” became instant anthems. Its impact continues in popular culture; for instance, “Pretty Little Baby” regained popularity decades later and went viral on TikTok.
Carole King’s Impact as a Songwriter
Before Tapestry, King wrote hits for other artists, including “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. With Tapestry, she shared these songs in her own voice, showing off both her relatable lyrics and musical depth. Critics praised the album’s honesty and emotional range, which helped open doors for female singer‑songwriters.
Decades later, Tapestry still ranks among the greatest albums ever. Rolling Stone placed it at No. 25 on their “500 Greatest Albums” list. Carole King’s work on this record has influenced artists like Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Lorde.
On this day in 1971, Carole King had both a No. 1 single and a Gold album, marking a peak in her career and setting a high point for pop music in that era.
