Carole King Awarded at the White House

President Obama called songwriter/singer Carole King a "living legend" last night when he presented her, at the White House, with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, given by the U.S. Library of Congress.

The 71-year-old, four-time Grammy winner co-wrote her first number-one hit in 1960, at age 17, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," with Gerry Goffin, originally recorded by The Shirelles. Ms King is the first woman to be given this lifetime achievement award. She also was the first female solo artist to sell more than 10 million copies of a single album with her 1971 release, Tapestry.

"Two days after much of Moore, Okla., was flattened by a powerful tornado that killed 24 people, Obama pledged anew that the nation will assist with the town's recovery and rebuilding for as long as it takes," reported Billboard.

"'Eventually, life will go on and new memories will be made. New laughter will come. New songs will be sung,' [the President] said during a tribute concert for King in the East Room of the White House.

"'And that's often why we turn to music during trying times, for comfort and for inspiration, and sometimes just for a good diversion.'"