Looking at the roster of musicians that participated in this tribute you can tell what a wide and varied influence Carole King had. Artists as different as Pink, LeAnne Rimes, Lady Gaga, Gloria Estefan, will.i.am, and Zac Brown all perform various Carole King songs during this concert which is topped off by the lady herself singing a half dozen songs. On top she gives a funny and engaging acceptance speech.
Her contributions to the Great American Songbook are all there for us to enjoy. No matter who is singing them you hear the quality in the music and lyrics. Songs like “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel)”, “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” ram home the fact that the woman is a hugely talented songwriter. Several of the performances stood out from the others. The most emotionally charged performance was by a head to toe clad Lady Gaga playing a white piano singing “You’ve Got a Friend”. Her version, which she started by telling the story of how she was teased in high school and played the song to get herself through the tough times, of the classic was heartfelt and stirring. Also on piano was Alicia Keys and her sensual rendition of “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel)”. Another stunner was Pink’s rendition of “So Far Away”.
The gala, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, happened in Los Angeles in 2014. Proceeds from the sale of the blu-ray or DVD will go to MusiCares, which supports musicians in need.
At times I was less than thrilled with the quality of the picture but the audio is top notch.
A tribute to a worthy recipient.
Track Listing:
Hi Di Ho (That Old Sweet Roll) LeAnn Rimes and Steven Tyler
So Far Away Pink and Paul Mirkovich
I Feel the Earth Move Train
You’ve Got a Friend Lady Gaga
It’s Too Late Gloria Estefan
Love Makes the World/Where is the Love? will.i.am and Leah McFall
Beautiful Sara Bareilles, Zac Brown, Jason Mraz and Raining Jane
Way Over Wonder Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill and Darlene Love
Where You Lead Jesse & Joy
Crying in the Rain Miguel and Kacey Musgraves
Natural Woman Alicia Keys
Been to Canaan Jennifer Nettles
I’m Into Something Good Amy Grant
It Might as Well rain Until September Miranda Lambert
One Fine Day Martina McBride
Up on the Roof James Taylor
Home Again Carole King, Moez Dawad and Ahmad A. El Haggar
Sweet Seasons Carole King and James Taylor
Hey Girl Carole King and James Taylor
Will You Love Me Tomorrow Carole King and James Taylor
Jazzman Carole King and Tom Scott
I Feel the Earth Move Carole King and Cast Ensemble
