Coming to PBS’s American Masters this Friday, February 19: CAROLE KING: NATURAL WOMAN
George Scott’s portrait of the accomplished singer-songwriter makes its world premiere on the popular public television series devoted to US artists and cultural icons.
Timed to coincide with the 45th anniversary of King’s influential solo album, Tapestry, still beloved for producing such classics as “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “It’s Too Late,” Scott’s film gives the acclaimed musician her due. Interviews with the eminently likeable King herself, both present-day and archival, provide the thread through which her life and career are revealed, offering early biographical details as the young would-be teacher instead pursued a musical path. King, who partnered with lyricist Gerry Goffin, and fellow songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil reveal fascinating details about their roles in the factory songwriting process which allowed them to churn out hit songs for a revolving door of pop performers like The Shirelles and Aretha Franklin, often in the space of days if not hours. The doc importantly also details King’s evolution from behind-the-scenes creator to public performer, part of the wave of singer-songwriters that emerged in the 1970s, with numerous clips demonstrating the talent that led to four Grammy Awards, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, among other accolades, as well as the popular Broadway musical, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL.
what (not) to doc 