The Carpenters: They Had Only Just Begun

Sometimes pop songs are made into commercials---and sometimes, it’s the other way around.

On this date in 1970, The Carpenters were sitting at #2 on the U.S. charts with the song “We’ve Only Just Begun”. Not the product of divine inspiration, but rather the kind of creative spark that comes from watching late night TV.

That’s what Richard Carpenter was doing when he saw a commercial for Crocker Bank—and a snippet of songwriter Paul Williams doing the vocals for this wedding-themed spot for the bank.
Carpenter recognized Williams and called to ask if there was a full length version. Although there wasn’t, Mr. Williams decided to say “Yes!”------and began to write in earnest the rest of the song! Roger Nichols had written the melody.


Here’s the ad—and Paul Williams with the story:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dctl8x405GE


Now, here are the Carpenters performing the entire song:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI&feature=related


I must admit that I am something of a Carpenters fan. Cheesy, I know, but I was growing up during that time—and this Carpenters tune (along with many others) were on the radio all the time. Collectively, they became part of the soundtrack of our lives.

Not the epitome of cool, but the harmonies were good—and the voice of Karen in particular was unique and compelling.

“We’ve Only Just Begun” was named by Rolling Stone magazine as #405 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”


If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com