Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Part One covers the letters A to J

They pioneered melodic, melancholic pop and sold over 100 million records. Featuring an exclusive interview with Richard Carpenter, Graham Norton tells their remarkable story

They are, quite simply, one of the most successful recording artists in music history. They pioneered melodic, melancholic pop and their influence as songwriters, performers, and composers spans multiple generations and genres. They won three Grammy Awards and have sold over 100 million records.
In a two-part series for Radio 2, Graham Norton revisits the music and legacy of Richard and Karen Carpenter.

Avoiding a dogged chronological approach, Carpenters From A to Z features an exclusive interview with Richard in which he discusses creating their 鈥渟ound鈥�, their problematic relationship with the media and how he approached the 2018 project with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. If you think you know the Carpenters鈥� story, think again.

Featuring many of their most successful singles, album tracks and fan favourites, in Carpenters From A to Z Richard looks back on their career and lives by addressing key topics alphabetically: A for A&M Records, P for the Palladium in London and W for We've Only Just Begun.

This first programme covers the letters A to J.

鈥淚 enjoyed the interview very much鈥�, says Richard. 鈥淲hen I listen to the two of us and how we complemented each other, it鈥檚 astounding and really rare: this was a sister being born to a brother, who was put on this earth to showcase the sister. Next year will mark our 50th year with A&M Records鈥� I鈥檓 still engaging in interviews after all this time - it really says a lot about Karen and the work that we have done. I want everybody to have a listen to this and maybe reawaken their ears to the music.鈥�

Presented by Graham Norton.
Written and produced by Malcolm Prince.

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 20 Apr 2019 03:00
麻豆社 Radio 2

More episodes

Previous

Another chance to hear Richard Carpenter discuss the famed music duo

Next

Part Two starting with the letter K

See all episodes from Carpenters From A to Z

Music Played

  • Carpenters & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    Overture

    • Carpenters With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    Sing

    • The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters

    Ticket to ride

    • The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    (They Long To Be) Close To You

    • Carpenters with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    California Dreaming

    • As Time Goes By.
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    You'll Love Me

    • Carpenters From The Top (Disc 1).
    • A&M Records.
    • 006.

  • Richard Carpenter

    Dizzy Fingers

    • As Time Goes By.
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    For All We Know

  • Carpenters

    Goodbye To Love

    • The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters

    Solitaire

    • Greatest Hits.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters

    Please Mr Postman

    • The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters

    Happy

    • Horizon.
    • A&M.

  • Carpenters & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    I Need To Be In Love

    • Carpenters with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    Suntory Pop Jingle #1

    • The Essential Collection (1965 - 1997).
    • A&M Records.

  • Carpenters

    Jambalaya (On The Bayou)

    • Acuff-Rose Opryland Music: 50th Anniv.
    • Acuff-Rose Opryland.

  • Carpenters & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    Yesterday Once More

    • Carpenters With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • A&M Records.

Broadcast

  • Sat 20 Apr 2019 03:00
    麻豆社 Radio 2