Carole King on the 2024 Election: ‘Kamala Has Brought Joy Back into Politics’
The legendary singer-songwriter discusses the importance of voting, her goals for the environment, and what she thinks of Charli XCX
Carole King wants every eligible person to register to vote this fall
Since Kamala Harris stepped up as the candidate to face off with Donald Trump in November, she’s sparked a wildly energetic response from the music world. Megan Thee Stallion, Quavo, Bon Iver, and Olivia Rodrigo have all performed at Harris rallies or offered their support, and they are far from alone. Rolling Stone spoke with several artists about why they’re supporting Harris’ candidacy, and why the stakes this November couldn’t be higher.
Carole King has been politically active since she was 18 years old, canvassing for John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election. She performed her first political benefit 12 years later, playing alongside Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, and Quincy Jones at Warren Beatty’s Four for McGovern, a concert supporting George McGovern in the 1972 election. More than 50 years later, King is still fighting for our country. “I can’t even list all the strides we’ve made,” she says. “But we are watching them systematically be removed by Republican legislators.”
