Legendary songwriter Gerry Goffin, who co-wrote a string of chart-topping hits including “The Locomotion”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, has died aged 75 in Los Angeles.

Goffin began writing lyrics as a boy in Queens, New York. He met composer and singer Carole King in 1958 and the pair married soon afterwards. In the ten years they were together, they penned a string of hits, including “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for The Shirelles (which you can watch above) and “Take Good Care Of My Baby” for Bobby Vee in 1961. They also wrote “The Locomotion” for Little Eva in 1962 and “Go Away Little Girl” for Steve Lawrence in 1963.

Later on, they penned “Up On The Roof” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”.

King began performing in the 1970s, with Goffin following suit in 1973 with the release of the album Ain’t Exactly Entertainment. However, he mostly continued his career as a lyricist.

In a statement (via BBC), King said Goffin was her “first love” and had a “profound impact” on her life. “His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say,” she said.

After their divorce in 1968, Goffin continued writing songs, including a hit for Whitney Houston, “Saving All My Love For You”, in 1985.

Gerry Goffin is survived by his wife, Michelle Goffin, and five children.

Photo: Charlie Gillett Collection/Redferns