The Goffin & King Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to empowering songwriters. We are an educational registered 501 (c) (3). Our mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of Goffin & King through providing educational opportunities for songwriters, performers, and musicians, inspiring excellence in the field of music by encouraging each and everyone’s full potential, irrespective of ethnicity, income or age.
“When John and I first started writing our own songs we were influenced by the songs coming out of America. Songs written by Goffin & King inspired us. The Beatles even performed Goffin & King songs, “Chains”, “Don’t Ever Change” and “Take Good Care Of My Baby”.”
© Mary McCartney.
“Carole and Gerry’s songwriting is prolific and has always created a space that any artist would be lucky to explore. I had the privilege of knowing Ms. Aretha Franklin, who always inspired and encouraged me to use my voice, but it was Ms. King who reminded me to use my words. As an artist, there are certain individuals with whom you collaborate that change the way you tell stories and create, and Carole is one of those individuals for me. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is a deeply profound song for so many reasons – its depth resonates to this day and continues to serve as a reminder as to the power of music. I feel blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with one of the brilliant minds behind it.”
© Lens O’Toole
“I would be stating the obvious to say that Carole King’s compositions are an essential part of popular music, the melodies like, “No Easy Way Down” have been my inspiration. Among the more unusual experiences we’ve shared was to play and sing for one night in Dublin, in a band accompanying Bob Dylan. Around that time, Carole and I wrote a song together at my house called, “Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter”. The song was so precious to me that it took twenty-five years to find the proper circumstances to do it justice in the studio on the album, “Look Now.”
I first registered Gerry Goffin’s lyrics as sung by Georgie Fame at “The Point Of No Return”. The E.P. “Fame At Last” also contained songs by great American lyricists, Jon Hendricks and Mose Allison adapting Willie Dixon. He could not have been in more appropriate company. From the heartfelt clarity and elusive simplicity of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and the poignancy of “Goin’ Back” to the kaleidoscopic daring of “Wasn’t Born To Follow”, Gerry Goffin’s word kept pace with the possibilities of songwriting as I went from being a member of the listening audience to attempting to write by his and Carole’s example.”
“Gerry Goffin and Carole King gave their songs that extra something special, something that speaks to people in every generation. When they wrote Up On The Roof, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, & (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman, social media didn’t exist. Words and melody presented by a singer were how most people connected. When I hear those songs today, it inspires me to focus my creativity on what most endures. A song should be built like a strong ship. As a songwriter and singer, I’d tell anyone learning their craft to pay attention to the timeless songs written by Goffin & King.”
We bring together a mix of established songwriters and those earlier in their careers. Our goal is to catalyze meaningful connection and incredible music, drawing on the iconic catalog of Goffin and King and generating new, collaborative compositions. We partner with local communities to help guide our positive engagement with and advocacy for the hosting cities and the surrounding artistic community.
Retreats include artist seminars, team songwriting sessions, studio recording, documentary videography, and live public performance elements.
We believe that artistic community and development should be accessible to all, and we aim to bring together a diverse group of talented songwriters regardless of background or economic situation. We find the community we build and the artistic expression is the most meaningful when we can offer scholarships to those who need them. Our fundraising efforts look to remove these barriers to access, and our donor partners play an invaluable role in facilitating creative freedom.
