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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
A NICE JEWISH GIRL FROM BROOKLYN
“Daddy, listen my new song.” Four-year-old Carol’s blue eyes twinkled.
Firefighter, Sid Klein sank down beside her on the piano bench, weary from extinguishing one blaze after another.
He marveled. “I see Mommy’s making sure you practice your lessons.”
“Far from it.” His wife Genie shook her head. “Our baby girl has a rare gift.”
____________
Nearly seventy years and numerous compositions later, Sid Klein’s daughter, singer- songwriter Carole King thrilled as Aretha Franklin belted out “Natural Woman” at the Kennedy Center Honors.
“I’ve had a remarkable life,” Carole told an interviewer “I sum it all up in one word—gratitude.”








Your stories are always so inspiring Rochelle. Thank you
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Thank you so much, Sadje. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome
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I love my Wednesday history lesson with Rochelle.
Nicely done.
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Dear Mr. B,
Comments such as yours mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You create the back story with so few deft strokes
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Your comment leaves me smiling, Neil. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I still get a swift and evocative trip back to my adolescence when I hear Might As Well Rain Until September. Thanks for reminding me of the multi-talented Carole King.
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Dear Sandra,
She’s an amazing talent. It’s only been in recent years I’ve come to find out just how many of my favorite songs she actually wrote. Happy to remind. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is a very powerful performance. And, yep, I’ve seen it several times before, but I had to watch it again this morning. Carole is a very talented lady and has given much to the musical world. Nice story 🙂
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Dear Trent,
I watched the clip several times. There were others that I could’ve posted but this one just needed to be the one. In an interview Carole said that the reason her mouth dropped at the beginning was because she didn’t know Aretha played the piano.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. What a phenomenal entertainer singer/songwriter. She wrote so many wonderful hits that other people made their own hits with.
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Dear Anonymous Jan,
Glad you enjoyed the story. So much I’ve only learned about Carole King the past ten years or so. What a gift!
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What an extraordinary story, Rochelle. Thank you so much for sharing.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Thank you so much, Rowena.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For some reason, I vividly remember the day I bought King’s vinyl album “Tapestry” (1971). It was a few years after it came out. I parked in a strip mall in Las Vegas and stepped out of my VW bug into the rain. It was cold and gray outside. I don’t recall if I made the trip specifically to buy that one album, but that’s what I came away with.
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1971 was a great year. The year my husband and I got married.
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Great write, Rochelle! What a great talent Carole is. Did you catch “Beautiful” on Broadway?
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Dear Nancy,
I would love to have caught “Beautiful” however I live too far away. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As a lesser musician, I am in awe of talents such as Carole King. Thanks for featuring her here.
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Dear Linda,
I constantly amazed by how many songs she wrote that were hits for others. Happy to share my thimble full of knowledge. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
As you well know, I am a fan of Ms King (she did, after all, get a spot on my Mount Rushmore of Ladies of Song). I didn’t realise she had started so young. Truly is a gift. As you have, to bring history to life.
Shalom and lotsa now and forever love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Oy. I’d forgotten about your wonderful Mount Rushmore of Ladies of Song. (I’ve slept since then.) Thank you for your kind words re my little glimpse into what might have been.
Shalom and lotsa musical hugs,
Rochelle
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It was eons ago – you’re so easily forgiven!
You’ve a gift for sharing these stories.
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I love her music, whether it is she singing or others singing. I can see why she would feel gratitude in being gift such a precious gift. I didn’t know she wrote Natural Woman but I adore that song.
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Dear Lisa,
No argument. She is an amazing talent. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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What a talent. I hope Dad was able to rest and enjoy some of her success.
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Dear Jen,
That’s a good question. She really is amazing. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Carole King! Such memories you’ve brought up. She is truly one of a kind. Thanks for the reminder.
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Dear Lish,
She really is amazing. Always my pleasure to bring a little history to the table. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My mom loves Carole King. She is one of those rare talents. I had no idea she was writing songs at 4. That’s a true natural talent.
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Dear Nobbin,
Why do I get the feeling I’m old enough to be or older than your mother? Carole King really is an amazing talent. Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS is that icon picture this week you?
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🤣 If it makes you feel any better, you look younger than my mom.
No, that is not me. He’s the one playing the guitar in the background.
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Hi Rochelle, you always remind us, with your inspirational words, how wonderful life is.
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What a lovely thing to say, James. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing what parent encouragement can do for a child.
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Dear Tannille,
She did have some encouraging parents for sure.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful singer and songwriter with a back story I knew little about. Thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
Always a pleasure to share from my thimble full of knowledge. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great clip Rochelle.
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Thanks, Di.
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She is an amazing woman and thank you for giving us an insight into her past. Wonderful story.
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Dear Gabi,
It’s so much fun looking into entertainers’ pasts. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Carole King a legend 🙌 her album Tapestry was one of the first I ever bought, thanks for the reminder Rochelle and the interesting facts too ❤️
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Dear Angela,
She is most definitely a legend. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i watched her on youtube being honored at the kennedy center honors. i was impressed by her songs and more so when i got to know about her background and personality. definitely, she’s one of the best.
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Dear Plaridel,
It is mind blowing to realize just how much she’s accomplished. Thank you for stopping by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story!
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Thank you, Will.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was just thinking of Carole King the other day. Growing up I spent time with my older cooler cousin who had beads in her doorway and listened to “Tapestry” on repeat. Sweet sounds to go with sweet memories. Thank you.
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Dear Dawn,
Great minds think alike. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some people just have the natural ability to play instruments, sing etc. Nicely done.
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Dear Brit,
There are those who do seem to have it all, aren’t there? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story!
I love it.
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Thank you, Laurie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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