Richard Carpenter Luncheon – May 18, 2012

Pianist, Arranger, Songwriter Richard Carpenter gained worldwide fame in the 1970s as half of the Grammy-winning duo, the Carpenters. Richard and his sister Karen combined their talents on a long string of hits, including such classics as “ Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Superstar,” “Top Of The World” and “Yesterday Once More.” By any measure, the Carpenters are among the most popular acts in recording history.

Their worldwide sales top 100 million copies. Their many honors include three Grammy Awards, the first American Music Award ever presented for favorite Pop Group and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Carpenter has been generous with his time and money. He is founder and prime benefactor of the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, at the duo’s alma mater, California State University at Long Beach, which bestowed upon him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, in May 2000.