Primary Wave Music to co-produce documentary on songwriting legend Gerry Goffin

Primary Wave Music has joined forces with Be Forward Productions and Storyvault Films to co-produce a documentary film delving into the life of Gerry Goffin, the musical mastermind behind countless chart-topping hits.

Primary Wave acquired a stake in Goffin’s catalog for a reported $20 million in late 2021.

Gerry Goffin’s career spanned sixty years, during which he wrote lyrics for over 114 Billboard Hot 100 hits, with eight reaching #1. Goffin wrote songs for dozens of legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, James Taylor, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Amy Winehouse, and his writing partner and former wife Carole King.

The documentary, called Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? The Gerry Goffin Story, seeks to delve into the man behind some of the most iconic songs, exploring not only his professional achievements but also his personal struggles and triumphs.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939, Goffin began his lifelong journey in music after meeting Carole King at Queens College. Their partnership produced numerous hits, including Will You Love Me Tomorrow? and The Loco-Motion. Despite personal challenges, including battling with severe mental health issues, Goffin’s dedication to his craft and social activism remained constant, Primary Wave said.

“So much has been made of my mom’s life story, but I find my father’s history equally fascinating. In spite of all the darkness that tormented him, he also had this beautiful inner light. I want people to see both.”

Sherry Goffin Kondor, Gerry Goffin’s daughter

Goffin’s legacy is also marked by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the success of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which earned seven Tony nominations and won two, and took home a Grammy for Best Musical Theater album.

Goffin passed away in June 2014 at the age of 75, although his work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. “His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say,” said Carole King after Goffin’s death.

The Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? The Gerry Goffin Story documentary will feature insights from close friends and family, including Carole King, daughters Louise and Sherry Goffin Kondor, his widow Michele Conaway Goffin, and longtime manager Christine Russell.

It will also include notable collaborators and artists who have worked with Goffin throughout his career. Directed by Southan Morris, the film will be a 90-minute feature with executive producers Christine Russell, Sherry Kondor, Mara Burros Sandler, Sam Richards, Stuart Prebble, Larry Mestel, Robert Kraft, and Natalia Nastaskin.

The production team will have access to Goffin’s music catalog and archive, including never-before-seen or heard music and footage. This access will allow the documentary to offer a look at Goffin’s contributions to the music industry and his ongoing influence on generations of lyricists.

Commenting on the documentary, Sherry Goffin Kondor, the daughter of King and Goffin, said: “So much has been made of my mom’s life story, but I find my father’s history equally fascinating. In spite of all the darkness that tormented him, he also had this beautiful inner light. I want people to see both.”

“It is truly an honor to be part of this filmmaking team which will take a deep dive into the life and times of a songwriter whose music is the soundtrack of the lives and loves of millions of people around the world.”

Natalia Nastaskin, Primary Wave Music

Longtime manager Christine Russell added: “I had the great fortune to work with Gerry for over 20 years. Riding the wave of his mental illness was often erratic, but one thing that remained constant was his passion for songwriting and his love of the music business. His life story is poignant and impactful and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share it with this documentary.”

Natalia Nastaskin, Chief Content Officer at Primary Wave Music, said, “It is truly an honor to be part of this filmmaking team which will take a deep dive into the life and times of a songwriter whose music is the soundtrack of the lives and loves of millions of people around the world.”

“Gerry Goffin’s hits ‘The Loco-Motion’, ‘Up On The Roof’ and ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ and countless others will prominently feature as the story of Gerry’s own life and loves unfolds.”

Stuart Prebble of Storyvault Films added: “So many of us have danced, or tapped our feet, or sang along to Gerry Goffin’s brilliant lyrics over so many decades – and yet we know next to nothing about him. The chance to discover and tell his story, and give him some of the credit he deserves, feels like a privilege for all of us”.

Music Business Worldwide