Biography for
Richard Carpenter (III) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

15 October 1946, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Birth Name

Richard Lynn Carpenter

Nickname

R.C.

Height

6' (1.83 m)

Mini Biography

Richard Carpenter, who was best known as 1/2 of "The Carpenters". His sister, Karen had a voice of the heart by performing big hits such as "Close To You", "Rainy Days on Mondays", "We've Only Just Begun", and other megahits. Their dominance, ran out of steam in late 1976 due to poor record sales. Karen, was struggling with her weight for years, until she succumbed to heart failure on 4 February 1983. Richard still performing in other projects.

IMDb Mini Biography By: <James14802@aol.com>

Spouse

Mary Carpenter

(19 May 1984 - present) 5 children

Trivia

Was one-half of one of the most successful pop/rock duos of the 1970s, The Carpenters, with his sister Karen Carpenter.

His first three daughters were born on: Kristi Lynn Carpenter (b. August 17, 1987) - Traci Tatum Carpenter (July 25, 1989) - Mindi Karen (July 7, 1992)

Released a solo album in 1997 - Richard Carpenter: A Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor.

In April 1998, the RIAA certified a number of Carpenters albums gold (Voice of the Heart and An Old Fashioned Christmas), platinum (Christmas Portrait (1978) and Horizon (1975)) and multi-platinum (Close To You (1970), Now and Then (1973) and Yesterday Once More (1973) - all at two million). Furthermore, it was certified that A Song For You (1972) had sold three million copies, The Carpenters (1971) had sold four million copies, and The Singles 1969-1973 (1973) sold seven million copies.

In 1998, when he was 52 years old, his wife gave birth to a son, Collin.

Regretted being a a part of The Karen Carpenter Story (1989) (TV).

Started his own band in the mid 60s called "The Dick Carpenter Trio" along with his sister Karen Carpenter.

Is angry about how his sister Karen Carpenter's anorexia was medically handled.

Loves to play piano.

Met his future wife in 1975, and finally married her in 1984.

His wife had their first child when he was 40.

on February 22, 1983 Richard received a letter of sympathy from Richard Nixon after his sister Karen Carpenter's death.

Wrote songs with John Bettis for the Carpenters.

Had a British father.

His five children are: Kristy Lynn, Tracy Tatum, Mindi Karen, Collin Paul and Taylor Mary.

Helped open the Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California, where he occasionally performs.

Wears contact lenses.

Went to college at California State University Long Beach in southern California

Dedicated his 2nd solo album to his mother.

Still writes and produces music at A&M Records.

Became a multi-millionaire in his early 20's.

The Carpenters are the best-selling and most successful foreign artists in Japan. Their record sales have passed those of Michael Jackson and the Eagles.

After his sister's death, he has made two unsuccessful solo albums, and has produced new 'greatest hits' compilations of Carpenters music. The songs on the new compilations are usually remixed.

Had lived in Downey, California for the majority of his life. During 2000 he moved his family from Downey and now lives in Thousand Oaks, California

His mother is Agnes Carpenter, and his father is Harold Carpenter.

His red 1972 Ferrari's driver license plate was "SONG 4U"

He is on the honorary board of ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)

Was born in the same year and town as President George W. Bush

Some of his musical inspiration is: Burt Bacharach, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Les Paul, Mary Ford, Spike Jones, Perry Como

Has loved automobiles all his life, and started a great collection of rare cars from the 50s and 60s. His warehouse "Yesterday Once More" keeps models of these cars.

Participates in the Celebrity Ambassador Program for "Alliance For The Arts", a Thousand Oaks fund-raising group for the arts

In 2003, he donated a Yamaha concert grand piano to the "Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza"

In 2004 he donated $3 million to the "Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza". In recognition of the gift, a 3.1 acre park located in front of the "Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza" facing Thousand Oaks Boulevard will be named "Mary and Richard Carpenter Plaza Park." $2 million dollars of the donation will support the general program at T.O.C.A.P., and the remaining $1 million dollars will be used to establish the "Richard Carpenter Scholarship Program".

Richard's $3 million pledge to the non-profit organization, "Alliance For The Arts", was the largest individual gift ever received by the "Alliance For The Arts" and the largest in Ventura County for the arts

In Thousand Oaks, California, Richard and Mary are recognized as "Distinguished Grand Patrons of the Arts", for their contribution to the arts

Regrets making the song "Mr. Guder"

He was managed by Sherwin Bash from 1970 - 1975

He was managed by Terry Ellis from 1975 - 1976

He was managed by Jerry Weintraub from 1976 - 1983

He and his sister, Karen Carpenter, were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6931 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Personal Quotes

The "Carpenters" didn't just hit, they exploded.

Even though I was calling people saying "She doesn't look well", I still didn't think she'd actually pass away.

Where Are They Now

(February 2004) Has just released another Carpenter's album, entitled "Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition".

(April 2004) Produced the 13th studio album of Carpenters music entitled "As Time Goes By", which was actually made in 2001, but was finally released in the USA during April 2004.

(February 2005) His cover of "Top of the World" can be heard on Aquafina commercials.

(May 2004) Started his own official website. Richard Carpenter news, biography, and pictures are available and he is graciously answering fan's questions and e-mails through the website.

(January 2005) the album "Singles 1969-1981" was produced for SACD by Richard Carpenter and released on January 11, 2005