Carole King's 'Tapestry' Album Still Holds Unbreakable Record 55 Years Later

The landmark 1971 album remains the longest-running No. 1 album by a female solo artist on the Billboard 200 chart.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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More than five decades after its release, Carole King's smash-hit album 'Tapestry' still holds a record that no female solo artist has broken - it spent 15 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, a streak that remains unmatched. The album, released in 1971, won four Grammy Awards, is certified 14x Platinum, and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, cementing King's status as one of the most important singer-songwriters in modern music.

Why it matters

Carole King's 'Tapestry' is a landmark album that has stood the test of time, remaining critically acclaimed, Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted, and historically significant even 55 years after its release. The album's record-breaking run at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart highlights King's immense popularity and influence as a pioneering female solo artist in the music industry.

The details

Released on February 10, 1971, 'Tapestry' was produced by Lou Adler and recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles. The album marked a turning point in King's career, as she transitioned from a successful songwriter to a celebrated singer-songwriter. The lead singles 'It's Too Late' and 'I Feel the Earth Move' both spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while another track, 'You've Got a Friend,' later became a chart-topping hit for James Taylor. The album went on to win four Grammy Awards in 1972, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

  • Tapestry was released on February 10, 1971.
  • The album spent 15 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, a record that still stands today.

The players

Carole King

An American singer-songwriter who was a key figure in the Brill Building sound of the 1960s and one of the most important singer-songwriters in modern music.

Lou Adler

The producer of Carole King's 'Tapestry' album, which was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles.

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The takeaway

Carole King's 'Tapestry' album remains a landmark achievement in music history, with its record-breaking 15-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart still unmatched by any other female solo artist over 55 years later. The album's critical acclaim, commercial success, and enduring cultural impact solidify its status as one of the most important and influential albums of all time.