The actual nucleus of the Carpenters was sister and brother Karen and Richard Carpenter, both born in New Safe place, Connecticut; Richard in 1946 and Karen in 1950.

Richard began playing piano at the age of nine. Karen wouldn't realize her music ability until the family relocated to Downey, California in 1963 and she used the drums, while in high school. By then, Richard had created The Richard Carpenter Trio with Frank Pooler plus Wes Jacobs. The trio was signed to RCA Records in 1966, but failed to produce any strikes.

In 1966, Karen tagged along with her brother Richard, who was auditioning a trumpet player at a studio possessed by bassist Joe Osborn. Osborn asked Karen to be able to sing and he was so impressed, he signed her for you to his Magic Lamp Records label. The label folded prior to Karen had a hit.

A year later, Karen and Richard joined up with a band called Spectrum. They performed at the famous Whiskey A Go-Go, but they disbanded in 1968.

Right after sending out many demo tapes, A&M Records co-owner and even family friend, Herb Alpert (of Tijuana Brass fame) signed the duo under the name "Carpenters" in 69. Their first album, "Offering", produced a minor hit having a slow version of The Beatles "Ticket To Ride. inches It was their second album, "Close To You" which put Karen and Richard "on the map. very well

On the charts, the Carpenters had twenty Top forty hits on the weekly Billboard charts, with three likely to number one. Here's a look at the Carpenters twenty biggest hits, based on Billboard's Weekly Top 40 Charts.

1 . (They Lengthy To Be) Close To You - 1970 - Originally saved by Richard Chamberlain in 1963, the Carpenters very first hit went to number one for four weeks.

2 . Top Of The Globe - 1973 - When Lynn Anderson went to #3 on the country charts, this version was released from the "A Song For You" album.

3. Please Mr. Postman - 1975 - A number one single for The Marvellettes around 1962, the Carpenters also went to number one.

4. We've Only Begun - 1970 - Richard heard this track on a TV commercial for Crocker Bank in California together with decided it would be a good song for them to record. It turned out to get their signature song.

5. Superstar - 1971 rapid Written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett, Richard noticed Bette Midler perform the song on "The This evening Show" and he couldn't wait to arrange and record that.

6. Rainy Days And Mondays - 1971 instructions Composed by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, this particular song appeared on their album "Carpenters. "

7. Harming Each Other - 1972 - Originally recorded by Jimmy Clanton, Chad Allen and The Expressions (Guess Who) and also the Walker Brothers, before the Carpenters got a hold of the idea.

8. Yesterday Once More - 1973 - Written by Rich Carpenter and John Bettis for the "Now And Then" album.

9. For All We Know - 1971 - Through the film "Lovers And Other Strangers.

10. Sing - 1973 - The Carpenters version of this song helped popularize a song written for "Sesame Street.

11. Just Yesterday - 1975 - Their last Top 10 strike came from the "Horizon" album.

12. Goodbye To Love aid 1972 - Renowned electric guitarist Tony Peluso adds the funky guitar work on this song.

13. I will not Last A Day Without You - Co-written by Robert Williams, it was also recorded by Maureen McGovern.

fourteen. It's Going To Take Some Time - 1972 - Written and noted by Carole King in 1971.

15. There's A Kind Of Stillness (All Over The World) - 1976 - A #4 hit for Herman's Hermits in 1967, the Craftsmen took it to #12.

16. Touch Me Whenever We're Dancing - 1981 - Officially, the Carpenters last Top 20 single, following a three year hiatus through the charts.

17. Solitaire - 1975 - Written and recorded by Neil Sedaka in 1972.

18. I Need To Maintain Love - 1976 - Richard has reported this was Karen's favorite song.

19. Calling Occupants Associated with Interplanetary Craft (The Recognized Anthem of World Get in touch with Day) - 1977 - Originally recorded by Klaatu in 1976, the Carpenters version boasts using a one hundred sixty member musical crew.

20. All You Get From Love Is the love Song - 1977 - From the "Passage" album, Ben Scott, the saxophonist on the Carole King hit "Jazzman", can be heard here.

Although Karen and Richard expected a squeaky clean image, both had their discuss of personal problems. Richard had to take a break in 1979 being treated for his addiction to Quaaludes. Karen, who had been fighting her weight for years, suffered from anorexia nervosa, since 75, and refused to seek treatment.

Karen's whirlwind romance as well as marriage to real estate developer, Thomas Burris, in 80, only lasted a year, before the couple separated. Karen lastly sought treatment for her anorexia, in 1981, where it had been discovered that she had been taking ten times her every day dosage of thyroid medication.

In 1983, Karen came back home to her mother, in Downey, following an argument along with Richard about her deteriorating condition. Two days later, Karen suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead on Feb 4, 1983 at the age of 32.

During their reign, the actual Carpenters were the number one selling music artists of the 1970's. These people won three Grammy Awards, including, Best New Performer in 1970. They also hosted several TV specials and they experienced their own variety series, "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" four decades ago.

There have been a number of documentaries done about the Carpenters. "The Karen Carpenter Story", a 1988 TV movie, was depending on her life.