The Carpenters’ Song ‘Close To You’ Is A Tender Classic From The 70s

Jul 28, 2020

One of the most tender songs of the 1970s, the Carpenters' "Close To You" is still popular 50 years after it hit the airwaves. The beautiful lyrics of “On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true," are poetic and touch the lives of those who listen to them. Anyone listening can't stop themselves from singing or swaying along to the music.

The Carpenters weren't new to top ten hits. By 1971, they were already at the top of the charts. They recorded ten songs in their time together. As one of the most celebrated musical duos of their time, these two crooners made beautiful music together.

Siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter have sold more than 90 million records worldwide. The band's sound was smooth combined with Karen Carpenter's angelic voice. Karen had a contralto vocal range. This vocal range is extremely rare as it's the lowest type of female voice. Not many female singers can boast they could hit Carpenter's notes.

Richard and Karen started singing and performing together in 1965. They officially became the "Carpenters" in 1968. This musical powerhouse of the 1970s produced many hits. Songs "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun" were certified gold singles. They were both featured on the best-selling album "Close to You." This album placed 175 on the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

The two toured throughout the 1970s. They were under intense pressure as a performing band. Richard stepped away for a year in 1979 when he became addicted to drugs. Karen suffered from anorexia nervosa.

They continued touring together in the early 1980s. The two won three Grammy awards over their time performing together. It all came to a halt when Karen Carpenter passed away in 1983 due to complications of anorexia. Their clean-cut, sweet image and iconic voices remain popular even today.

The Carpenter's "Close to You" is one of the most popular love songs to this day. Tell us how you feel listening to Richard and Karen Carpenter lend their iconic voices to this sweet song.