Carole King's Tapestry

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Carole Kings Tapestry is both an anthemic embodiment of second-wave feminism and an apotheosis of the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter sound and scene. And these two elements of the albums historic significance are closely related insofar as the professional autonomy of the singer-songwriter is an expression of the freedom and independence women of Kings generation sought as the turbulent sixties came to a close. Aligning Kings own development from girl to woman with the larger shift in the music industry from teen-oriented singles by girl groups to albums by adult-oriented singer-songwriters, this volume situates Tapestry both within Kings original vision as the third in a trilogy (preceded by Now That Everythings Been Said and Writer) and as a watershed in musical and cultural history, challenging the male dominance of the music and entertainment industries and laying the groundwork for female dominated genres such as womens music and Riot Grrrl punk.

Reviews

In providing an effective history of Kings career and influence, Glass helps to make clear why the anniversary of Tapestry is worthy of celebration. * Spectrum Culture *
As with much of the series, the personal is interwoven with the prevailing moods of the era. Still, Glass succeeds in telling us much more about Tapestry itself. * The Irish Times *
An easy and enjoyable read A must-have for fans but also for the interested reader as the book examines the times and the context of a seminal album. * Americana UK *
Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Carole Kings album Tapestry, Loren Glass makes the case for the record heralding a wave of female singer-songwriters that challenged not just a male-dominated music industry but also outdated notions of how the chicks should and could express themselves. * Choice Magazine *

Author Bio

Loren Glass is Professor of English at the University of Iowa, USA, with a joint appointment in the Center for the Book. He is the author of Authors Inc.: Literary Celebrity in the Modern United States (2004) and Counter-Culture Colophon: Grove Press, the Evergreen Review and the Incorporation of the Avant-Garde (2013), and co-editor of the Post45 series.