ABOUT
The Carpenters were Richard and Karen Carpenter (March 2, 1950 - February 4, 1983), a highly acclaimed pop/soft rock brother-sister duo that became famous during the early 1970s and one of the best-selling music acts of all time. They had a trademark sound that came from Karen Carpenter's smooth contralto singing voice as well as the duo's close-knit harmonies. Their musical style, which was softer and more laid-back, was also highly memorable when they made their debut in that it was in sharp contrast to that of louder and edgier rock bands that ruled the airwaves at the time.
The Carpenters had their first hit in 1970 with their slower and more melancholy version of The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride," and their popularity took off later that year with the yearning "(They Long To Be) Close To You" (1970), the first of many chart-toppers. Their long string of hits on both the Adult Contemporary and Pop/Rock charts also includes such classics as "We've Only Just Begun" (1970), "For All We Know" (1971), "Rainy Days And Mondays" (1971), "Superstar" (1971), "Hurting Each Other" (1972), "Sing" (1973), "Yesterday Once More" (1973), "Top Of The World" (1973), and their remake of The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" (1974).
The Carpenters' numerous honors and accolades included three Grammys, and both "(They Long To Be) Close To You" and "We've Only Just Begun" were honored with Grammy Hall of Fame awards. The latter song remains a longtime wedding favorite.
LINKS
- The New York Times remembers Karen Carpenter.
MERCHANDISE
Disclosure: The following links will take you to various online merchants outside of allbutforgottenoldies.net that sell recordings and other merchandise for the performing artist featured on this page. Please note that these are referral or affiliate links from which allbutforgottenoldies.net may receive, at no additional cost to you, a commission if you should make any purchases through them.
- Carpenters - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- Carpenters - Digital music - Amazon.com
- Carpenters - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
- Carpenters - Sheet Music - SheetMusicPlus.com
VIDEO CLIP
The Carpenters perform "We've Only Just Begun" on The Ed Sullivan Show (October 18. 1970).
Available on iTunes and on the following DVDs: Rock n' Roll Classics - 7 DVD Set; (more)
SONGS
To listen to a song clip, click any song title that has a speaker icon. This will take you to a list of links to CD and/or MP3 product pages from one or more online merchants that have sound samples.
Carpenters
- (They Long To Be) Close To You 1970
(This song topped the charts and later also became a hit for Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager (1972) and B.T. Express (1976). In 1971, the Carpenters won a Grammy with "(They Long To Be) Close To You" for Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.) - For All We Know 1971
- Goodbye To Love 1972
- Hurting Each Other 1972
- I Won't Last A Day Without You 1974
(This song was previously a hit for Maureen McGovern (1973) and later also became a hit for Al Wilson (1975, as a medley).) - It's Going To Take Some Time 1972
- Only Yesterday 1975
- Please Mr. Postman 1974
(This oldies classic topped both the Adult Contemporary and Pop/Rock charts for the Carpenters (in 1974 and 1975, respectively). This song previously topped the charts for the Marvelettes (1961) and later also became a hit for Gentle Persuasion (1983).) - Rainy Days And Mondays 1971
- Sing 1973
(This song was previously a hit for Barbra Streisand (1972, as a medley).) - Solitaire 1975
- Superstar 1971
(This song later also became a hit for Luther Vandross (1984, as a medley).) - Top Of The World 1973
(This song topped the charts in 1973 and also became a hit for Lynn Anderson that same year.) - We've Only Just Begun 1970
- Yesterday Once More 1973
(This song later also became a hit for the Spinners (1981, as a medley).)
Previous Artist | Next Artist
