Gerry Goffin American poet, songwriter Date of Birth: 11.02.1939 Country: USA

1. Jerry Goffin: American Songwriter
2. Early Life and Career
3. Collaborations and Success
4. Later Life and Legacy

Jerry Goffin: American Songwriter

Jerry Goffin was an American poet and songwriter, born on February 11, 1939. He gained recognition for his work in the music industry and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, alongside his first wife and former partner Carole King. By 2008, Goffin had six hits that made it to the Billboard Top 100.

Early Life and Career

After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, Goffin joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He spent a year at the U.S. Naval Academy before leaving the Navy and enrolling in Queens College to study chemistry. In September 1960, Goffin married Carole King, and the couple began a successful songwriting career together. They even worked as part of the renowned "Brill Building" songwriting team. One of their most notable compositions was "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," recorded by The Shirelles in 1961.

Collaborations and Success

Despite their divorce in 1968, Goffin and King continued to collaborate successfully. They had two daughters together, Louise Goffin, who also became a singer-songwriter, and Sherry Goffin Kondor. Goffin's songwriting partnerships extended beyond King, as he worked with other renowned songwriters such as Barry Mann, Russ Titelman, Barry Goldberg, and Michael Masser. Some of his most famous works include "It's Not the Spotlight," recorded by Rod Stewart, "So Sad The Song" with Michael Masser for Gladys Knight & the Pips, and the widely covered "Yes I Will."

Later Life and Legacy

In 1995, Goffin remarried. He played a significant role in recognizing the talents of Kelly Clarkson, hiring her to create a demo reel shortly before her audition for "American Idol" in 2001. Jerry Goffin passed away on June 19, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to the music industry and his collaborations with various artists continue to be celebrated and remembered.