About The Song
(They Long to Be) Close to You is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was first recorded by Richard Chamberlain in 1963, but it became a much bigger hit when it was released by The Carpenters in 1970. The Carpenters’ version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and stayed there for four weeks. It also reached number one in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The song is about the power of love and the need for human connection. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the melody is beautiful and haunting. Karen Carpenter’s vocals are pure and angelic, and her brother Richard’s piano playing is exquisite.
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists over the years. It is a song that will continue to be loved and enjoyed for generations to come.
The Carpenters were a brother-and-sister duo from Downey, California. They consisted of Karen Carpenter ( vocals and drums) and Richard Carpenter (keyboards, vocals, and arranger). The Carpenters were one of the most successful and popular soft rock groups of the 1970s. They had a string of hit singles, including “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, “Top of the World”, “Yesterday Once More”, and “Sing”.
Karen Carpenter had a unique and instantly recognizable voice. She was a gifted vocalist with a wide range and a natural vibrato. Her voice was both powerful and fragile, and it perfectly suited the Carpenters’ soft rock sound.
Richard Carpenter was a talented arranger and songwriter. He had a gift for creating lush, melodic arrangements that perfectly complemented Karen’s vocals. He also wrote several of the Carpenters’ biggest hits, including “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, “Top of the World”, and “Yesterday Once More”.
The Carpenters’ music was a perfect blend of pop, soft rock, and adult contemporary. Their songs were catchy and melodic, but they also had a sophisticated and timeless quality. The Carpenters’ music appealed to a wide range of listeners, and they remain one of the most popular and beloved soft rock groups of all time.
Impact and legacy
The Carpenters had a major impact on the music industry. They were one of the most successful and popular soft rock groups of the 1970s, and their music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. The Carpenters’ music has been covered by many artists over the years, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
The Carpenters were also pioneers in the use of synthesizers in pop music. Richard Carpenter was one of the first pop musicians to use a synthesizer, and he used it to create a unique and distinctive sound for the Carpenters’ music. The Carpenters’ use of synthesizers helped to popularize the instrument and paved the way for its use in many other genres of music.
The Carpenters’ impact on the music industry is undeniable. They were one of the most successful and popular soft rock groups of all time, and their music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. The Carpenters were also pioneers in the use of synthesizers in pop music, and they helped to popularize the instrument and pave the way for its use in many other genres of music.
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The Carpenters were an American musical duo consisting of siblings Karen Carpenter (1950–1983) and Richard Carpenter (born 1946). They achieved mainstream success during the 1970s with their soft rock sound, which incorporated Karen’s contralto vocals and Richard’s arranging and songwriting skills.
The Carpenters are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. They have won three Grammy Awards, and their music has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
Some of their most popular songs include “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Top of the World”, and “Rainy Days and Mondays”.
The Carpenters’ music is known for its gentle melodies, lush harmonies, and Karen’s warm, expressive vocals. Their songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and longing, and they have a timeless quality that continues to appeal to listeners of all ages.
Karen Carpenter was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 2, 1950. She began singing at a young age, and she and Richard started performing together as children. Karen attended Long Beach State University, where she studied music.
Richard Carpenter was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on October 15, 1946. He began playing the piano at a young age, and he showed a talent for arranging and songwriting. Richard attended California State University, Long Beach, where he studied music.
The Carpenters formed their professional musical partnership in 1969. They released their debut album, Offering, in 1969. The album was a commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun”.
The Carpenters went on to release a string of successful albums in the 1970s, including Close to You (1970), Carpenters (1971), A Song for You (1972), and Now & Then (1973). They also released several hit singles during this period, including “Yesterday Once More”, “Top of the World”, and “Rainy Days and Mondays”.
The Carpenters’ popularity began to decline in the late 1970s. Karen Carpenter struggled with anorexia nervosa, and her health began to deteriorate. She died on February 4, 1983, at the age of 32.
Richard Carpenter continued to record and perform as a solo artist after Karen’s death. He has also released several albums of Carpenters’ music.
The Carpenters’ music is still enjoyed by millions of people around the world. They were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994, and they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
The Carpenters’ legacy is one of beautiful music, timeless appeal, and enduring popularity. Their songs continue to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages, and they will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
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Barbara Desetto