The Carpenters Biography

Brother and sister singing duo, The Carpenters, started their musical careers early. Richard was already a talented pianist at twelve and, although Karen was a little slower to discover her love for playing the drums, she progressed quickly. Along with a friend, the Carpenters won a 'Battle of the Bands' competition at the Hollywood Bowl, when Karen was just sixteen.

At this time named Spectrum, the Carpenters were signed by RCS Records in 1967. However, this was not a particularly successful relationship and, by 1969, the band had changed their name to The Carpenters and signed with A&M Records.

Their first album, 'Offering', was released in 1969 and, in the following year, the first single was released from it, entitled 'Ticket To Ride'. It was with the single, 'Close To You', later that year, that the duo would make a name for themselves.

By 1971 The Carpenters had hit the big time, touring the world and appearing on their own TV show, 'Make Your Own Kind Of Music'. By 1974 they were performing at the White House.

Behind the scenes the personal lives of the siblings were less than happy. Richard had developed a serious addiction to sleeping tablets and Karen had been suffering from the eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, for many years. After collapsing on stage at a concert in Las Vegas, in the mid 1970s, Karen was admitted to hospital but treatment did little to help her.

By 1979 Richard had voluntarily entered rehab, but Karen’s disease had conquered her. In 1983 Karen was found dead by her mother; years of starving herself and taking laxatives had put too much strain on her body, and she died of heart failure.

Today Richard continues to write, produce and tour.