Carpenters

1. Carpenters Semester Project Part 2 Music 1010 4/01/2013

2. Richard and Karen Carpenter Siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter started the American instrumental pop duo “Carpenters” in the 1970’s and went on to become one of the bestselling pop groups of all time.

3. The Early Years Richard was born October 15, 1946 followed by Karen March 2, 1950.

4. In 1965 the two started a jazz trio with friend Wes Jacobs. The trio won the Hollywood Bowl Battle of the Bands together in 1966. Karen and Richard played together on and off until 1969 when they signed with A&M records under the name “Carpenters”.

5. Between 1969 and 1983 Carpenters released 10 studio albums and 30 singles. Of those 20 singles were certified gold. They also won 3 Grammys during this time

6. During late 1979 the duo’s personal problems took over Richard checked himself into rehab for a Quaalude addiction.

7. Karen was suffering from anorexia nervosa After Before

8. On Feb. 4, 1983 at the age of 32 Karen suffered heart failure and was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later. Her death was caused by her anorexia. Karen Anne Carpenter 1950-1983

9. On October 12, 1983, the Carpenters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

10. Richard and Karen produced a distinctively soft musical style that made them among the best-selling music artists of all time. To date, Carpenters’ album and single sales total more than 100 million units.