The Carpenters

Bio

The Carpenters were the pop duo of siblings Richard Carpenter and Karen Carpenter, both born in New Haven, Connecticut. Richard, born October 15, 1946, played piano and arranged; Karen, born March 2, 1950, sang and played drums. The family moved to Downey, California, in 1963. Herb Alpert signed them to A&M in 1969, and "(They Long to Be) Close to You" reached No. 1 in 1970, followed by hits such as "We've Only Just Begun" and "Superstar." Karen died on February 4, 1983, in Downey.

The band

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  Karen Carpenter

  Karen Anne Carpenter was the lead singer and drummer of the Carpenters. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 2, 1950, moved to Downey, California, in 1963, and died there on February 4, 1983.