Gerry Goffin: A Natural Lyricist (BK Roads: Gerry Goffin Tribute)

July 6, 2014 by David K. Moseder

When you sing along with the radio to Will You Love Me Tomorrow,Pleasant Valley Sunday, Some Kind of Wonderful, Take Good Care of My Baby, Up on the Roof, The Locomotion, One Fine Day, Chainsor(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, you’re singing the words of Brooklyn native Gerry Goffin, who died June 19 at the age of 75. These are just a handful of the 50-plus Top 40 hits the Brooklyn Tech graduate and wife Carole King, the greatest songwriting team Brooklyn has ever produced, wrote together.

After their marriage dissolved, King launched a very successful solo career, overshadowing her ex who, plagued by depression, scuffled. While Ms. King deserves every accolade thrown her way, Goffin’s contribution as lyricist, particularly his knack for writing from a female perspective, is too often overlooked.

Goffin did find some success in the 1970s and ‘80s with other composers, co-writing such hits as Saving All My Love for You,Tonight I Celebrate My Love and Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To). On the second of his only two solo albums, 1994’s Back Room Blood, he even teamed on two songs with none other than Bob Dylan. Ultimately Goffin and King were inducted together into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Months before his passing, he was able to add Broadway lyricist to his resume: All of the above mentioned Goffin-King classics are featured in the hit show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

King called her former husband and partner “a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come.” We at Brooklyn Roads would just like to add that Gerry Goffin’s words, his contributions to the American songbook, are indeed some kind of wonderful.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

... read article