Charles Larkey, a veteran American musician, played bass in numerous major 1960s and 1970s bands. He rose to fame after marrying Carole King. Larkey is famous in the music industry for his work with rock bands and his association with King.
Early Life and Music
Charles Larkey was born in the mid-1940s, but his early life is unknown. He loved music from an early age and sought a career in music, specializing on bass guitar. Larkey began his career with New York’s psychedelic rock band The Myddle Class in the 1960s.
In late 1967, Larkey joined famous 1960s rock band The Fugs in addition to The Myddle Class. The ensemble exposed him to some of the most innovative musical trends of the period. His bassist work in these ensembles made him a proficient and flexible musician ready to work with the era’s greatest musicians.
Molly Larkey, Charles’ daughter
Charles Larkey, a famous bassist who worked with Carole King and other 1960s and 1970s rock groups, fathered Molly Larkey. Her mother, Carole King, was a prominent singer-songwriter, while her father, Charles Larkey, played bass guitar in different projects. Despite staying out of the spotlight, Molly Larkey is connected to music through her parents. Carole King, a prominent solo artist, and Larkey, a key player in King’s band, gave their children a creative environment.
Though Molly Larkey has not sought a high-profile profession in entertainment like her mother or brother Levi, her musical family may have affected her personal life. Her brother Levi Larkey is also a musician, suggesting the Larkey family is arts-oriented. Molly’s personal life is secret, but her family’s art and her father Charles Larkey’s music continue to create her position in rock and folk history.
Marriage to Carole King
When Larkey met Carole King, his career changed. Both married in 1970 after King divorced Gerry Goffin, her first husband and songwriting collaborator. Larkey’s marriage to King changed his personal and professional life.
Larkey performed bass on Carole King’s hallmark albums throughout their marriage. King’s early 1970s group, “The City,” included Larkey. The combo, which included guitarist Danny Kortchmar and King on piano and vocals, released music that reflected King’s shift from lyricist to solo performer.
King’s sound relied on Larkey’s contributions, especially on “Now That Everything Has Been Said” and “Snow Queen.” The two were married until 1976, after which they maintained a friendly relationship, notably as parents.
Post-Carole King career
Larkey kept performing and recording after marrying King. He continued to play music, but his ex-wife’s celebrity overwhelmed him. Larkey collaborated with several musicians after marriage, including non-mainstream rock acts.
Larkey worked as a studio musician after his divorce from King. He played and collaborated on several 1970s and 1980s records and was known for his bass guitar talents. Larkey landed in Austin, Texas, and kept playing bass in live and recorded performances.
Families and Kids
Levi and Molly Larkey were Charles and Carole King’s children. Due to their mother’s fame and father’s career, Levi and Molly were raised around music. An peaceful divorce allowed the pair to co-parent and focus on their children while pursuing their jobs.
Levi and Molly, Larkey’s children, have kept a low profile. They inherited their family’s musical skill, with Levi Larkey notable for his music career.
Influence and Legacy
Charles Larkey’s music contributions may not have been as well-known as Carole King’s, but they are nevertheless noteworthy. Larkey’s bass playing shaped various 1960s and 1970s songs and bands. He was at the center of some of the era’s most important music with “The City” and Carole King.
A generation of rock and folk music was shaped by his subtle yet powerful bass lines. Larkey’s time in The Fugs and The Myddle Class solidified his reputation as a talented and imaginative musician, inspiring his successors.
Charles Larkey’s legacy is distinguished by his music contributions, notable collaborations, and role as a key figure in the 1960s and 1970s rock movement, despite his lesser fame.
Conclusion
Charles Larkey is not as well known as some of his musical counterparts, but his influence on the music business, especially with Carole King and in key creative ventures, is unmistakable. Larkey’s bass guitar abilities and musical diversity have influenced rock and folk music from his early days with The Myddle Class and The Fugs to his subsequent career as a session musician. As a parent and musician, he contributes to late 20th-century music.
