Up on the Roof

song by Goffin and King

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July 22, 2026

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"Up on the Roof" is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was a hit for the American rhythm-and-blues vocal group, The Drifters, in 1962. The song is known for its association with the Brill Building, a hub for professional songwriters in New York City during the 1960s. The Drifters, a group with a history of chart-topping hits, featured Rudy Lewis on lead vocals for this particular track. The Brill Building era emphasized a division of labor where songwriters like Goffin and King crafted songs for artists, contributing to the professionalization of rock and roll.12

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Carole King
…and Goffin hits included “Up on the Roof” (1962; the Drifters), “One Fine Day” (1963; the Chiffons), “Don’t Bring Me Down” (1966; the Animals), and “(You Make Me Feel like) A Natural Woman” (1967; Aretha Franklin).
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…and Goffin hits included “Up on the Roof” (1962; the Drifters), “One Fine Day” (1963; the Chiffons), “Don’t Bring Me Down” (1966; the Animals), and “(You Make Me Feel like) A Natural Woman” (1967; Aretha Franklin).
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