Which singer played Sophie Bloom, the owner of Stars Hollow's music shop?

Carole King played Sophie Bloom, the owner of Stars Hollow’s music shop.

Sophie operates Sophie’s Music, a store that becomes especially important to Lane Kim’s musical interests. King’s appearance gives the series a notable connection to popular music beyond its soundtrack and guest performances.

King also performs the theme song “Where You Lead” with her daughter, Louise Goffin. That recording is a reworked version of King’s 1971 song and became closely associated with the series.

The role is therefore a deliberate musical in-joke: Carole King plays a shopkeeper connected to music while also performing the show’s opening theme. She appears as Sophie in multiple episodes.