On This Day in 1971, This Queen of Rock Released an Iconic Album Featuring a Track James Taylor Called the “Best Song Written by a Human Being”

Carole King’s 1971 album, Tapestry, achieved a level of success rarely seen in the music industry. Released on February 10, the album not only topped charts but also set records, earning King the longest consecutive No. 1 placement by a female solo artist and a staggering 14x platinum certification from the RIAA.

A Landmark Album

Tapestry’s impact was immediately felt, earning King Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 1972 Grammy Awards. The album’s hit-filled tracklist, including songs like “I Feel the Earth Move”, “It’s Too Late”, “Where You Lead”, and “You’ve Got A Friend”, cemented its status as an instant classic and a staple of early 1970s soft-rock.

Did You Know? James Taylor played on Tapestry and was introduced to “You’ve Got A Friend” during a jam session with King at The Troubadour in Los Angeles.

James Taylor’s Praise

Among the album’s standout tracks, “You’ve Got A Friend” holds a special place, particularly for James Taylor. In a February 2026 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Taylor described the song as the “best song ever written by a human being.” He suggested his praise stemmed from recognizing King’s talent alongside the legacy of all great composers.

An Unusual Recording Scenario

Interestingly, Taylor recorded his own version of “You’ve Got A Friend” while King was still actively recording Tapestry. He suggested they cut the track when his band had studio time to fill. King, a generous collaborator, approved of Taylor’s version, even revealing that a line from his song “Fire and Rain” – “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend” – directly inspired her to write “You’ve Got A Friend,” intending to tell Taylor he *did* have a friend.

Expert Insight: The story of “You’ve Got A Friend” highlights the collaborative spirit within the music community and demonstrates how artists can inspire one another, even leading to unexpected creative outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The enduring legacy of Tapestry could continue to inspire musicians for generations to come. Further analysis of the album’s production and songwriting techniques will reveal new insights into its success. It is also likely that “You’ve Got A Friend” will remain a beloved song, frequently covered and reinterpreted by artists across genres.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tapestry released?

Tapestry was released on February 10, 1971.

Which songs are featured on Tapestry?

The album features songs like “I Feel the Earth Move”, “It’s Too Late”, “Where You Lead”, and “You’ve Got A Friend”.

What did James Taylor say about “You’ve Got A Friend”?

James Taylor called “You’ve Got A Friend” the “best song ever written by a human being” during a February 2026 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Considering the collaborative nature of music creation, how often do you think artists unknowingly inspire one another’s greatest work?