Gerry Goffin, Popular Lyricist and Ex-Husband of Carole King, Dies at 75

Gerry Goffin, writer of several popular hits from the 1960s, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" "and "The Loco-Motion" with former wife Carole King, died Thursday at his Los Angeles home, reports the New York Times.  He was 75.

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Goffin—whose death was confirmed by his current wife Michele—met King at Queens College in 1958.  They married a year later. Together they wrote and composed over 50 Top 40 hit songs that were eventually recorded by performers including the Drifters, the Chiffons, the Animals, and the Beatles. Even after Goffin and King divorced in 1968, the duo continued to write music together for some time.

"He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world," King said in a statement. "Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come."