Carole King

Tapestry

First released1971

Tapestry was recorded primarily at A&M Studios in Los Angeles between 1970 and early 1971, with additional sessions at other Los Angeles facilities. The album was produced by Lou Adler, who worked closely with Carole King to create an intimate, stripped-down sound that contrasted with the heavily orchestrated pop productions of the era. King played multiple instruments on the album, including piano, organ, and acoustic guitar, with session musicians and her then-husband Charlie Larkey providing supporting arrangements. The production emphasized natural, warm acoustics and minimal layering, reflecting the singer-songwriter aesthetic that was gaining prominence in early 1970s popular music. Released in February 1971, Tapestry became one of the best-selling albums of all time and helped establish the template for confessional, piano-driven pop-rock that influenced countless artists throughout the decade.