Richard Carpenter

Best known as half of the chart-topping 1970s soft rock duo the Carpenters with his sister Karen, Richard Carpenter contributed smooth vocal harmonies, lush arrangements, piano/keyboards, and occasional songwriting to Karen's distinctive lead vocals and drums. With light, airy melodies and meticulously crafted arrangements that appealed to a variety of audiences, the Carpenters became one of the most popular acts of the decade, winning four Grammy Awards and scoring 12 Top Ten hits. Among their three number one singles was the classic "(They Long to Be) Close to You" off 1970'...