In this 2004 file photo by Jesse Tinsley/SR, Actress Patty Duke, left, and singer Carole King exchange kisses after Duke introduced King at a voter registration rally at the Long Ear record store in Coeur d'Alene. King has been representing John Kerry on the campaign trail.

The death of J.R. Simplot helped Idahoans recognize the immense influence the farmer, entrepreneur and humanitarian had on the world. When he was called the most influential Idahoan in history, no one rose to express doubts nor should they. Carole King is perhaps the only living Idahoan in the same ball park. Her album, Tapestry, was one of the top selling records of all time and the songs she wrote influenced a generation of girls and the songwriting of people like John Lennon and Paul McCartney. I know this idea will be derided and challenged. King’s life in Idaho has been long marked by controversy/Rocky Barker, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Are you a Carole King fan?

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