- Charles Larkey was married to the singer and songwriter, Carole King for less than 10 years before they divorced
- Despite enjoying success performing in garage bands such as The Fugs and Myddle Class, Larkey had a change of career
- The former bassist fathered two children from his marriage to King
Charles Larkey had his moment in the sun while he was married to award-winning singer and songwriter, Carole King. While he was a bassist for bands like The Fugs and the Myddle Class, he gained popularity and fame by marriage. His ex-wife, Carole is one of the most successful singers and songwriters of the time having recorded over 20 albums.
Despite meeting through music, shockingly, it was also the reason for the collapse of their marriage. While much is known about his ex-wife, the Where You Lead, I Feel the Earth Move, and You’ve Got a Friend Crooner, Larkey is also quite as interesting.
How Charles Larkey Met and Married His Wife, Carole King
The award singer, Carole not only controlled the mood of the time through her songs but it shaped her life and that of others around her. Carole has won four Grammys for her work. Many consider her one of the most successful songwriters and singers of the time. She and Charles first met through a band, The Myddle Class where he was playing as a bassist.
Alongside her first husband, Gerry Goffin, they signed the band to their label, Tomorrow Records in 1965.
Though she was still married to her first husband and songwriting partner, Goffin at the time, they would later start dating after King’s relationship with Goffin ended in a divorce.
Larkey got married to Carole in 1970, two years after her divorce from her first husband, Goffin. Yet, the marriage of the talented Jazz musicians lasted only 6 years before they parted ways in 1976.
The Truth Behind His Divorce from Carole King
Having met in the course of their work, Larkey and King’s marriage shockingly ended for the same reason that they first got attracted. In the years following their divorce and in an interview, Larkey’s ex-wife revealed the truth behind their divorce.
Reportedly, Larkey turned deeply into his music and mostly hung out while they were married. This did not go down well with King who was forced to live the life of a housewife while Larkey lived the life of a musician. This ultimately led to the end of their marriage in 1976.
Other Details About the Life of Charles Larkey
1. He Spent His Early Life in New Jersey
He is from New Jersey going by his early life and education at the Governor Livington High School. Obviously, his father was well established in the business world, he owned a store at the Larkey’s located in Newark.
In 1951, the store which has become a family business handed down across generations celebrated its 50th anniversary. At the time it was one of the oldest men’s wear stores in the area. Other details about his early life are still been investigated.
2. Larkey Learnt How to Play Bass with The King Bees
Larkey did not set out to be a bassist but his natural disposition and ability to learn quickly set him on a pedal of success. Moreso, the emerging bassist was said to have a good eye for fashion which attracted the crowds to the trendy clothes he wore from his father’s store.
He first joined the garage band King Bees, the predecessor band to the Myddle Class after his friend Myke Rosa invited him to join them. Shortly after, the band became popular with songs such as She’s Not There, Its the Season, and Shout.
He later joined The Fugs in 1967 for a series of shows. Notably, he did his major gigs with the Myddle Class band that disbanded in 1969.
3. The New Jersey Grown Bassist Had Major Collaborations With His Ex-Wife
The bassist found success singing in bands way before he met Carole. Even after they met, he continued with his gigs. Importantly, they had many collaborations with his now ex in the ’70s.
4. Charles Larkey Shares Two Children With His Ex-Wife
Despite the fate of their marriage of less than a decade, they had two children, Molly Larkey and Levi Larkey. They had their daughter Molly on December 31, 1971. The 52 years old picked up an artistic trait from her singer-songwriter mother and bassist father. She expresses her art as a sculptor with a keen eye for famous writers that committed suicide. The Columbia and Rutgers educated artist had a solo exhibition in 2007.
Larkey’s second child with Carole, Levi was born on April 23, 1974. He is also in the entertainment industry. Unlike his well-known parents, Levi is a boom operator for movies like the 2007 film 44.
5. His Ex-Wife Married Two Other Men After Their Marriage Ended in 1976
Following the collapse of their marriage, Carole moved on with her career as well as personal life. She married two other men in succession.
- Rick Evers(1977-1978): Her third marriage followed quickly after her divorce from Larkey. Though Larkey’s commitment to his music career led to the collapse of their marriage, she soon found love again within a year of their divorce with a songwriter, Rick Evers. Apparently, her marriage to Evers was the most turbulent of all her marriages. He abused her till she left the marriage a few days before he overdosed and died.
- Rick Sorrensen(1982-1989): Larkey’s ex-wife married her fourth husband, a rancher and they stayed far away from the media spotlight. This time around though, it was her busy schedule of traveling between their home in Idaho to New York that strained the relationship.
See Also: Hanne Norgaard Is Idris Elba’s Ex-wife – 10 Unknown Facts About Her
Where is The Former Guitarist of The Myddle Class Today?
The one-time guitarist of bands such as The Fugs, Myddle Class, and ex-husband of Carole King is alive. After his gigs with all the bands he played with ended in the 70s and 80s, he tried his hands at different things.
Reportedly, he tried acting before switching to work for an aerobic airplane dealer where he based his experience as a pilot and instructor. According to some sources, Charley Larkey is currently living in Austin, Texas.
