‘Loco-motion’ songwriter Gerry Goffin dies at 75

This undated image released by The O and M Company shows lyricist Gerry Goffin at the opening night of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” in New York. Goffin, ex-husband of Carole King, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 75. Goffin, who married King in 1959 while both were in their teens, penned more than 50 top 40 hits, including “Pleasant Valley Sunday” for the Monkees, “Crying in the Rain” by the Everly Brothers, “Some King of Wonderful” for the Drifters and “Take Good Care of My Baby” by Bobby Vee. The couple divorced in 1968 but Goffin kept writing hits, including “Savin’ All My Love for You” for Whitney Houston. (AP Photo/The O and M Company, Bruce Glikas)

LOS ANGELES – Songwriter Gerry Goffin, co-author of hits ranging from dance classic “The Loco-Motion” to Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You,” has died, his ex-wife Carole King said Thursday. He was 75.

Goffin, who wrote some of his biggest hits during his 10-year marriage to singing icon King, died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home, industry journal Variety reported.

“Gerry Goffin was my first love,” said King, who married him in 1959, in a statement issued by her publicist.’

“He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come.”

Goffin’s hits written with King include “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “(You Make me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” as well as “Some Kind of Wonderful” for the Drifters, “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” for The Monkees.

He had seven number ones on the Billboard singles chart, including “Saving All My Love For You” for Houston in 1986, as well as dozens of top-40 records.

“His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say,” said King, who had two daughters with Goffin.

“If you want to join his loved ones in honoring him, look at the names of the songwriters under the titles of songs. Among the titles associated with me, you’ll often find Gerry’s name next to mine,” she added.

Goffin was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.