Marvin Gaye's 1971 album, What's Going On is regarded for its depiction of the social unrest of the time, as well as its musical beauty. Gems/Redferns/Getty Images hide caption

Carole King
Los Angeles, January 1971: A pre-glam David Bowie jams at a party. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption
Celebrating NPR's 50th On World Cafe
Jay-Z (pictured in 2005) was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Wednesday, in his first year of eligibility. Scott Gries/Getty Images hide caption
So why isn't Dolly Parton in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Fairfax Media Archives/Getty Images hide caption
Carole King performing live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1973 YouTube screen shot by NPR hide caption
Lauryn Hill performs in New York City in March 2006. Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images hide caption
Carole King's New Rhythm
Carole King was in a doo-wop group called the Co-Sines when she was a teenager. Jim McCrary hide caption
Joni Mitchell strums her guitar outside the Revolution club in London, circa 1968.
Central Press/Getty Images hide captionWorld Cafe Looks Back: '70s Singer-Songwriters
Carole King, composing. Evening Standard/Getty Images hide caption
Carole King's new album is titled A Holiday Carole. Elissa Kline hide caption
A Holiday Extravaganza From World Cafe
James Taylor and Carole King first collaborated 40 years ago and are now reunited for a joint tour. James O'Mara hide caption