The Carpenters' composer Roger Nichols dead at 84

Perth Now

23-05-2025

'We've Only Just Begun' composer Roger Nichols has died aged 84.
The multi-instrumentalist behind the Carpenters' biggest hits passed away "peacefully" on May 17.
No cause of death is known.
His songwriting partner Paul Williams confirmed on Instagram: "The first song, Roger Nichols and I wrote was called 'It's hard to say goodbye…' Sadly, we hit the nail on the head. Roger Nichols passed away peacefully four days ago, at home with his beautiful family …his wife Terry and the daughters he was so proud of, Claire and Caitlin at his side. They were his dream come true. His greatest joy."
Together, the pair penned the music and lyrics to the Carpenters' hits, also including 'Rainy Days and Mondays' and 'I Won't Last a Day Without You'.
Their songs were also performed by the likes of Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Petula Clark, and The Monkees.
In a touching tribute, Roger's daughter, Claire, wrote on Instagram: "My mom, Terri, and my sisters, Caroline and Caitlin, are all so proud of the man he was, and are in awe of the legacy he leaves."
'We've Only Just Begun' was originally a jingle for a Crocker National Bank commercial.
Richard Carpenter, 78, approached songwriter Paul and asked if he had a complete version of the track after seeing the advert on TV.
He didn't, but soon extended it, and the Carpenters ended up recording and releasing it in 1970.
It's one of their biggest hits and was also nominated for the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Contemporary Song.
Brother-sister duo the Carpenters were fronted by the late Karen Carpenter, who tragically died in February 1983, aged just 32.