In 1950, Carole King played her first show aged 8. It opened up her entire world in one night

Carole King’s first televised performance, aged eight in 1950, helped her realise that music and songwriting could shape her life. Though shy, she appeared on Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour with school friend Loretta Stone, turning the experience into a relaxed performance between friends.

King had learnt piano from her mother from age four and could identify notes by ear. She performed under the name Carol Kane, later explaining that she adopted “Carole King” partly because ethnic names were unwelcome at the time. Her major songwriting breakthrough came with Gerry Goffin: their 1960 song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” became a number one hit for the Shirelles, followed by songs for artists including Dusty Springfield, The Animals and The Monkees. King later became renowned as a solo artist, particularly for the album *Tapestry*.