The Carpenters became one of the most eminent artists of the 1960s and a prominent pop/rock band of the '70s. Apart from being the most popular artists of the decade, the band won multiple Grammy Awards and scored twelve Top Ten hits.
The most distinctive element of the band's music was Karen Carpenter's unique, delicate, and pretty voice. Her melodious vocals settled in perfectly amidst the precise arrangements by her brother Richard Carpenter. Although their popularity began to fade during the late '70s, the duo remained together and created music until 1983, when Karen tragically passed away.
History of The Carpenters
The band formed in Downey, California, in the late '60s when their family relocated from New Haven, Connecticut. Richard was always fond of the piano and had performed in a few local nightclubs in Connecticut. He began studying the piano once the family moved to California. He supported Karen in a trio featuring Wes Jacobs, but soon, Karen signed a deal with Magic Lamp, the local California record label.
Although Karen released a couple of unsuccessful singles with the label, the trio managed to win a battle of the Bands contest in 1966, at the Hollywood Bowl. This accomplishment led them to sign a record contract with RCA. The Richard Carpenter Trio played jazz-oriented music and cut four songs, but unfortunately, they never released them. In 1968, Jacobs left the band, and the siblings formed 'Spectrum' with John Bettis, who was Richard's college friend.
By the end of the year, Spectrum fell apart, but the Carpenters kept performing as a duo and recorded some demos. Herb Alpert, the head of A&M Records, heard their tape and signed them to his record label in 1969.
That's when The Carpenters began working on their official album, released in 1969. Although their cover of 'Ticket to Ride' by the Beatles did not make a major impression, their fortunes soon changed with their second single. (They Long to Be) Close to You was a version of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's song and became the first number-one single from The Carpenters. The song enjoyed four weeks at the top of the U.S. charts. The song became an international hit, and the duo became one of the most popular bands in the world in the coming years.
Awards and Achievements
The Carpenters grabbed two Grammy Awards, including the Best New Artist of 1970. They delivered a string of incredible hits, including Goodbye to Love, Hurting Each Other, Rainy Days and Monday, and Top of the World apart from many others.
Richard Carpenter focused on compiling most of the band's recorded work and released a solo album in 1987. More posthumous albums made their way, including Lovelines, in 1989. In 2018, Richard collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios. This album offered several of the duo's original songs, reworked with by the Royal Philharmonic, based in London.
Personal and Health Issues
After their hit, Only Yesterday, the band's popularity began declining in 1975. Personal problems and health issues plagued the band's performances and success. Richard battled with his addiction to prescription drugs while Karen developed anorexia nervosa, which later contributed to her death.
Karen also tried pursuing a solo career in 1978 but returned to the band later that year. The duo released their last album in 1981, and the hit Touch Me When We're Dancing managed to secure the 16th spot on the charts. However, Karen's health deteriorated, and in 1983, she was discovered unconscious at her parents' home in Downey. Doctors confirmed that anorexia led to her cardiac arrest.
Final Thoughts
Today, many established and aspiring singers are covering songs from the Carpenters. Check out my rendition of "Yesterday Once More" on my album of the same name: www.maggysimonsings.com/music.