Carole King, winner of four Grammy Awards and member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, could easily be considered one of the greatest voices of the baby-boomer generation.
Her memoir, A Natural Woman, traces six decades of the singer-songwriter’s life:
“King’s voice, clear and immediate throughout, turns introspective when reflecting on her years as a commuting earth mother, torn between family and career and silently enduring domestic abuse. As much as the simple life appealed to her nurturing side, once the kids were grown the sounds of the city slowly lured King from her rural exile. Chance encounters with Paul and Linda McCartney, John and Yoko Ono and musical soul mate James Taylor over the years all served to remind her that the true solace for any artist lies with the art itself. . . A Natural Woman reminds us why we learned every song by heart.”
TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the name of your favorite memoir by a musician or the name of the musician whose memoir you’d most like to read.
CONTEST DETAILS: Two winners will be chosen by random.org from among entries received by 5 pm CST on Friday, April 20. The winners will each receive a copy of A Natural Woman. Prize must be shipped to a North American address. Good luck!
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ETA: Congratulations to our winners, Debbie and Debra! Debbie would love to read a memoir by James Taylor, and Debra enjoyed the memoirs of Steven Tyler, David Bowie and Grace Slick.
Thank you to all who entered! Contest is now closed.
I would most like to read A Natural Woman.
A Natural Woman sounds great how about Madonna
This is it! I’ve been looking forward to A Natural Woman since I first heard about it. Carole King has been my favorite female singer/songwriter for…a great many years!
I would love to read Carole King’s memoir. My favorite memoir by a musician is RED, by Sammy Hagar.
This memoir would be fascinating. A memoir about Bob Dylan.
Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon–And the Journey of a Generation – great book on all three amazing musicians.
Oh, wow! I need to read that book!! Love all three of those ladies!
OMG! I remember listening to Carole growing up. I would love to read her book. My sister would too ’cause she’s a throwback from the 60′s.
I also want to read “It’s So Easy: and other lies” by Duff McKagan. Duff is in Goodreads. Check him out!
I have read some great ones but one I would be super-interested in is Stevie Nicks. The last one I read was either Keith Richards or Rick Springfield. If I don’t win Carole King’s biography I will buy it. Either way I will be reading it soon.
I think this one really intrigues me
I’d love to read this! And also, a Bob Dylan memoir. Also, a Beatles biography that’s been on my shelf for ages.
carol and stevie nicks.
This book sounds fascinating and I know my daughter would love to have it. She is a huge fan! Also, of Stevie Nicks! My son would want a bio of Pat Metheny and so would I.
I think I’d most like to read memoirs for Aaron Neville or Meatloaf. They are two of my favorite artists and I believe that their life stories would make great reads.
It’s not really a memoir about music, but it’s by a musician and is lovely. And that would be “Just Kids” by Patti Smith. But also really loved “Blues All Around Me: The Autobiography of B. B. King.”
I would love to read a memoir by James Taylor.
I really enjoyed Clapton by Eric Clapton, but can’t wait to read “A Natural Woman” by Carole King.
I am sure Elton John would have a great memoir.
I would love to read about Tina Turner. She endured alot of hardships during her musical career.
I really can’t wait to read Natural Woman!! The memoir I would have most like to read is one by Janis Joplin. Her biography was good but just skimmed the surface.
I would love to read a memoir from Tom Petty.
I want to read an autobio by Carlos Santana
I’m a big fan of Carole King and would love to read her memoir. I’d also like to read Steven Tyler’s memoir, Does the Noise in my Head Bother You?
I love Carole King, and would enjoy reading her memoir. But I would be most delighted to read the memoir of (the late) Eva Cassidy.
John Lennon
Paul McCartney – tell us all about those Beatles years.
This sounds like a great book. Got to see Carole and James Taylor when they were in Seattle on Tour-magnificent! I think Coal Miner’s Daughter was the best music biography I’ve read.
“The Heroin Diaries” by Nikki Sixx was crazy great.
Looking forward to this book but also would like more on Neil Diamond.
Looking forward to reading A Natural Woman. Also heard that Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia fame is working on a memoir about her indie rock days. And I also want to read Life by Keith Richards!
I just finished Patti Smith’s “Just Kids”.
Since I enjoy listening to Carol King so much, NATURAL WOMAN is my choice of whose memoir I would like to read!
I’d love to read this book and would also be interested in a Paul Simon memoir.
Would love to read a memoir by Billy Joel. Carole King’s memoir sounds interesting too!!!!
Neil Peart of Rush is an excellent writer. Carole King’s book should be fantastic.
Would love a copy of Natural Woman. I’d also like to read a memoir of Paul Simon.
How about a memoir about Pavaroti?
I want to read this one, and I’d also like to read a memoir by James Taylor
A Natural Woman. I have worn out 3 albums and a cassette or two over the years. I would love to read her book!
Carole King is a very talented woman,and would love to read it…also would love to read Beach Boys or Eagles’ memoirs ,my favorite bands.
Natural Woman would be my pick,just plain talent.
I would LOVE to read a biography of Harry Nilsson. The documentary, “Who is Harry Nilsson, and why is everyone talking about him?” was just outstanding.
I would like to read this one-Carole King has always been a favorite, as well as Carly Simon, James Taylor, etc. from my high school days.
I didn’t discover the music of Amy Winehouse until this winter and am sad that I missed her music when she was alive. I would love to read about her brief, and talented life.
I’d like to read Carole King’s memoir.
My favorite memoir by a musician is the superb Composed by Rosanne Cash. Not only is she an amazing songwriter, she writes prose so beautifully.
I would love to read Carole King’s because I listened to her all through college. But I would love for Steve Perry of Journey to write one. I have always wondered why he just walked away and lives a life of a hermit almost and doesn’t sing anymore. He has the most amazing voice in rock ever. Would love to know what makes him tick.
I’ve actually not ever read a memoir from a musician. I’d love to read this one though as I’ve always loved Carole King!
Grace Slick, ‘Somebody to Love?’…love to hear these powerful and talented women, not just in song but also their memories on the page!
This is the book I will love reading. My first album was “Tapestry,” and I still have all my Carol King albums, (and a few cd’s.)
Patty Smith has led & is still leading an amazing life. I first picked up a signed copy of her poetry after hearing her sing & read & her memoir is even better. Love her.
Definitely Natural Woman and I would like to read one about John Denver or James Taylor.
Loved David Crosby’s memoir!
I tried reading Steven Tyler’s, and it was written just like he talks on Idol.
I would like to read Shania Twain’s book.
Win or Loss I will read the book. Carole King, Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks these women I never get tired of hearing. Just love theit music.
A Cure for Gravity by Joe Jackson, it’s on my library list along with Life by Keith Richards. I loved Just Kids by Patti Smith.
Carole King has always been a favorite. I would love to read about her and that book is on my wish list. I would love to read a true biography on John Denver. Thank you for Book Page, thank you for your contests and thank you for listening to all of us.
Carole King has always been a favorite. I would love to read about her and that book is on my wish list. I would love to read a true biography on John Denver. Thank you for Book Page, thank you for your contests and thank you for listening to all of us.
Carole King is my first choice.
Janis Joplin memoir was one of my favs. I am a child of the 60s so the memoirs of most of the musicians of that period are very interesting to me. I could make a list of all that I have read. Carole King will be my next read whether I win or not but it would be a thrill to win her memoir. Very special.
My favorite memoir by a musician is Q by Quincy Jones. He reveals himself warts and all and even dares to include a chapter by his ex-wife, Peggy Lipton.
Honestly? I think I would love to read a Rod Stewart bio.
Nancy — one is coming out this fall! Get excited.
We’ll post more about upcoming music bios soon.
I would like to read a memoir of Helen Reddy
Loved Sting’s ‘Broken Music’: beautiful and lyrical writing, exactly what you’d expect if you know his music at all!
I loved Amy Grant’s biography.
I’d love to win this! Enjoyed Clapton.
Carole King’s memoir should be a wonderful read. So many greats from that era, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Judy Collins, just to name a few.
I love Corole King, she wrote the soundtrack to my life! I would be tickled to win a copy of “A Natural Woman”
I recently purchased “Just Kids” by Patti Smith and I am anxious to delve into it
I would love to read Doris Day’s memoir.
As the review of this says, yes, I do remember words to the Tapestry album songs after all these years. It was the first album I sang to, over and over. Would also enjoy reading more about Karen Carpenter.
Read the unofficial book about Carole King. Would now really love to read the truth! Would also love to read about Bette Midler.
I’ve recently enjoyed reading anything and everything about Johnny Cash. Not a fan when he was a super star, but I have become interested in him since Walk The Line became popular. Always loved Carole King and am looking forward to reading this book! Thanks!
The Tapestry album was during my teens and really affected me. Reading her memoir would be so awesome.
I read Steven Tyler’s memoir, David Bowie’s, Grace Slick’s, etc.
I would love to read this book! Love her!
LOVE Carole King–can’t wait to read her memoir
I would like to read a biography about Bette Midler.
I would like to read a memoir by Bruce Springsteen.
I would like to read A Natural Woman..I was too young to appreciate her music in the 70s, but as an adult, I love it now. Would love to see a memoir from Tony Bennett.
I liked Keith Richards book.
Would love to read the autobiographies of Carol King and James Taylor – as they provided the soundtrack for my life…
I’d most to like to read an autobiography from James Taylor.
I would be very interested in reading about Carole King. I would also love to read about Shania Twain and John Prine. Sure hope this book will be available in large print.
Johnny Cash. I’m not sure why I haven’t read it yet.
Would love to read a memoir by James Taylor. Carole King is intriguing.
I think it would be fascinating to read a memoir by Ray Charles.
I made it through college with music by Carole King. I would love to read the book about her and one about Barbra Streisand that is accurate because Funny Girl is the only movie I have seen multiple times on purpose.
Love to read a “Natural Woman” one of my all time favorites but also adore Bonnie Raitt. Bonnie is still making lots of music and touring too!
I would love to read about Johnny Cash
I think I would like to read Bob Dylan’s autobiography. His music fascinates me. This sounds like a great read as well.
“Cold Pizza For Breakfast” by Christine Lavin, gotta love that title.
I have been wanting to read Chronicles by Bob Dylan for
a long time now…Carole King’s music brings me wonderful
high school memories!
Many thanks, Cindi
I would love to read the Carole King memoir. She was such a brilliant songwriter and has lasted through so many generations. I also own Joyce Maynard’s memoir but have not yet read it. Also want to read Bissy Pants, I believe that is Tina Fey’s memoir.
I meant Bossy Pants!
I would love to read A Natural Woman as well as anything about Harry Connick, Jr.
I would like to read the bio of Helen Reddy.
I have enjoyed reading “Pavarotti: My World” and Jean-Pierre Rampal’s “Music, My Love”. Intend to read Judy Collin’s “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes”
Loved her music. Would love a copy of her memoirs.
I am looking forward to reading about Carole King-I even loved her “Really Rosie” video for kids! I would love to read a memoir from Billy Joel-another one of my favorite singer/songwriters
I’d love to read Paul McCartney’s autobiography, but I think he already published one called “Many Years from Now.”
I would love to read (and win ) a copy of A Natural Woman, as I have been a follower of Carole King for many years.
This sounds like a great book. I love Carole King. Especially her album Tapestry. I would like to read a memoir about James Taylor.
My favorite memoir by a musician? Composed by Rosanne Cash.
My favorite memoir by a musician is a fairly recent one, Just Kids by Patti Smith. Wonderfully evocative of the downtown scene in the ’60s.
I would absolutely love to read Carole King’s memoirs. I memorized her
Tapestry LP and drove my sister nuts. It got me through all the crazies
of my high school years. I LOVE CAROLE KING!!!
I would really like to read Diana Ross’ own words, I think she is savvy and powerful enough to not fear spittin’ the truth. We’ll never know about Michael or even Jimi; they left too much money and sibling rivalry for us to ever know the truth. Ms. Ross is at an age now where shame or guilt should play no part in her honest appraisal of what she had to conquer and commit to get where she is. Maybe we’ll hear more of the truth about Mr. Gordy? Perhaps her children’s existence hold her back, but that is the survival of the fittest memoir I’d like to read.
I’ve only read one or two musician memoirs. Clapton was good.
I’d be interested in a memoir of Bob Dylan or James Taylor.
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