Jessie Mueller as Carole King in the Broadway show 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.'

Jessie Mueller: Playing Carole King On Broadway

Soundcheck | Jan 23, 2014

Carole King is considered one of the greatest pop songwriters of the 20th century. She and Gerry Goffin -- her husband from 1959 to 1968 -- co-wrote huge hits like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "The Loco-Motion." Soon after their songwriting partnership ended, King found her footing as a solo artist with her hugely acclaimed debut album, Tapestry. Now, King's story -- and those songs -- are the basis for the new Broadway show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which is playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York.

The show stars Jessie Mueller as King, in a personal story focusing on the singer-songwriter's early years in the music industry. Taking place mostly in the Aldon Music offices in New York City's Midtown, the musical is a glimpse into the so-called "Brill Building Era" and the factory-like production of hit songs. 

We talk with Mueller about portraying King -- and she performs selections from the musical live in the Soundcheck studio.

 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

One Refugee’s Journey Through ICE Detention

In 2025, ICE began detaining people at immigration hearings, an unprecedented step. The staff writer Jonathan Blitzer shares the story of one detainee whose life was turned upside down.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

How an Empire of Craft Stores Pushed an Agenda of Christian Nationalism

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Flood Watch issued for NYC as rain and storms move in after picture-perfect weekend

Spotty rain showers and a potential thunderstorm are expected to begin Monday afternoon before several days of rain and storms.
Gothamist |

Exploring an Olympics Bid for New York

NYS Assemblymember Robert Carroll talks about his vision for a joint upstate/downstate bid for the Winter Olympics.
The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE