In the 1970s, radio DJs broke the rules. Carole King ended up with her first number one

Carole King’s first solo number one came in 1971 when radio DJs began favouring “It’s Too Late”, a track issued as the B-side to the intended single, “I Feel the Earth Move”. Their choice helped turn the song into a radio hit and marked a major moment in King’s transition from successful songwriter to solo star.

King had spent the 1960s writing hits with Gerry Goffin, including songs recorded by The Shirelles and Little Eva, before releasing her debut album, *Writer*, in 1970. “It’s Too Late” appeared on her second album, *Tapestry*, recorded in Los Angeles with contributions from James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. The album spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200, a record for a female solo artist at the time, while “It’s Too Late” charted for five weeks.