Carole King is celebrated as one of the most influential songwriters of all time, penning countless hits that have become the soundtrack to generations. While many know her for her solo career and iconic album Tapestry, her early years were marked by a prolific partnership with Gerry Goffin, creating chart-toppers for other artists. One fascinating story behind a Carole King song involves a babysitter who unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight thanks to a dance craze and a catchy tune: the story of Little Eva and “The Loco-Motion.”
The Babysitter with a Voice
In the early 1960s, Goffin and King were a busy songwriting duo based in the legendary Brill Building, churning out hits for various artists and girl groups. As their careers flourished, they needed help at home, and Eva Narcissus Boyd, a young woman with dreams of singing, entered their lives. Originally from North Carolina, Eva had moved to New York hoping to break into the music industry. She connected with The Cookies, a girl group who had already found success with Goffin and King’s songs. During an audition for The Cookies, Eva impressed with her rendition of Goffin and King’s “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” leading to opportunities as a backup singer.
To supplement her income, The Cookies introduced Eva to Goffin and King, who hired her as a babysitter for their daughters. Carole King recalled in an interview that Eva mentioned singing in church, and when asked to sing, her talent was immediately apparent. This chance encounter would soon lead to an unexpected turn in Eva’s career, all thanks to a song born from the dance craze sweeping the nation.
From Demo to Dance Craze: “The Loco-Motion” is Born
The early 60s were dominated by dance crazes, with Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” leading the charge. Inspired by the trend and Dee Dee Sharp’s “Mashed Potato Time,” Goffin and King crafted a new dance song, “The Loco-Motion.” Initially intended for Dee Dee Sharp, Eva Boyd was asked to record the demo version, with backing vocals from The Cookies. However, Don Kirshner, head of Dimension Records, heard Eva’s demo and recognized its potential. He decided to release it as a single, launching Eva under the stage name Little Eva.
Goffin and King enhanced the demo with instrumental flourishes, including a memorable saxophone riff inspired by Bobby Darin’s performances. They created a track that evoked the rhythm of a train, complete with a drumroll intro and horn accents. Interestingly, while the song had a train-like concept, the dance itself was left to Little Eva’s improvisation. As Carole King explained, Little Eva created the now-iconic “Loco-Motion” dance, making it an integral part of the song’s infectious appeal.
“The Loco-Motion” became a massive hit, reaching Number One and becoming Goffin and King’s third chart-topping success. The song’s popularity transcended generations, hitting the top spot again for Grand Funk Railroad in 1974 and reaching Number Three for Kylie Minogue in 1988, proving the enduring appeal of this Carole King song and the dance it inspired.
A Lasting Legacy of Carole King Songs
While “The Loco-Motion” is often associated with Little Eva and the dance craze era, it stands as a testament to the songwriting genius of Carole King and Gerry Goffin. This is just one example of the countless Carole King Songs that have left an indelible mark on music history. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat pop anthems, her compositions continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as a songwriting legend. The story of “The Loco-Motion” is a charming reminder of how a simple demo, sung by a talented babysitter, could become a global phenomenon, all thanks to the magic of a Carole King song.
