The iconic 1971 Carole King solo that was recorded in one take: “Right off the floor”
Carole King’s 1971 album *Tapestry* established her as a solo artist, despite her reluctance to perform and her struggles with stage fright. Its song ‘It’s Too Late’ became her first number one single, helping cement the album’s place in the rise of the singer-songwriter era.
The song was written by Toni Stern and was initially released as the B-side to ‘I Feel the Earth Move’. Radio stations played it more often, prompting King to give it the spotlight. Guitarist Danny Kortchmar recalled that he recorded the solo in one take, live during the session rather than as an overdub.
In short
- ‘It’s Too Late’ became Carole King’s first number one single.
- Danny Kortchmar recorded its guitar solo in one take.
- The song was first released as a B-side.
Explained simply
Carole King was already a successful songwriter before *Tapestry*, the 1971 album that brought her wider recognition as a solo performer. She had reservations about performing and experienced stage fright, but the album helped establish the singer-songwriter as a prominent figure in popular music.
“It’s Too Late” was written by Toni Stern and first appeared as the B-side of King’s “I Feel the Earth Move”. Radio stations played it more often, and it became King’s first number one single. Guitarist Danny Kortchmar later recalled recording the song’s solo live in one take, rather than adding it afterwards.