The Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo consisting of siblings Karen (1950–1983) and Richard Carpenter (b. 1946) and and were born in New Haven, Connecticut, and moved to Downey, California, in 1963. 

 

They produced a distinct soft musical style, combining Karen's contralto vocals with Richard's arranging and composition skills.

 

During their 14-year career, the Carpenters recorded ten albums, along with numerous singles and several television specials.

 

The duo toured continually during the 1970s, which put them under increased strain; Richard took a year off in 1979 after he had become addicted to Quaaludes, while Karen suffered from anorexia nervosa.

 

Their career together ended in 1983 when Karen died from heart failure brought on by complications of anorexia. Extensive news coverage surrounding these circumstances increased public awareness of eating disorders. Though the Carpenters were criticized for their clean-cut and wholesome conservative image in the 1970s, their music has since been re-evaluated, attracting critical acclaim and continued commercial success.