RIP, Gerry Goffin

Another rock'n'roll icon (and Hall of Famer), Brooklyn's Gerald Goffin, has left us at age 75. The lyricist is best known for his work with ex-wife Carole King. Together, they had an amazing 59 Top 40 Billboard hits.

The King/Goffin songs from their Brill Building days include "The Loco-Motion" for Little Eva, "Chains" by The Cookies, "He Hit Me & It Felt Like a Kiss" recorded by The Crystals, "Take Good Care of My Baby" (Bobby Vee), "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (The Shirelles) and The Chiffon's "One Fine Day."

Later collaborations included hits by Diana Ross ("Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where Your'e Going To?)," and Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love for You").

Gerry Goffin was 75 and died at his home in L.A. of natural causes. Carol King stated that Goffin was "my first love. He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come." She added,  "His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn't know how to say."