Karen and Richard Carpenter are from Downy, California.

In 1965 Richard began a band called the “The Richard Carpenter Trio “.

With Karen on Drums, his friend Wes Jacobs on Bass and Richard on Piano.

By 1967 Jacobs left the band to study Classical Music and then joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Also, in 1967 Karen graduated from High School.  Richard and Karen became a duo with Karen singing lead and Richard arranging and producing their Music.

Karen had only a three-octave voice, but Richard found a way with new technologies to strengthen her voice. 

In a short while the duo were on their way to Musical Stardom. 

In the beginning they recorded some Beatle Cover songs on their first album (Ticket to Ride)

A short while later they met ” Bert Bacharach ” who advised them and made some arrangements of their songs.

The Carpenters became a household name, but many critics accused them of being too clean cut. (I guess you can’t please everyone.)

In 1983 Karen passed away from “Emetine Cardiotoxicity as a consequence of Anorexia Nervosa.

Richard is still busy in the Music Industry arranging and producing

Music for various artists and shows.

Be well. Be safe.

Enjoy