The Carpenters story is one that is filled with thrilling overwhelming success and the sadness of a life cut short. This story will be recreated by two of Ireland's finest young singers, Ceara Grehan and Derek Ryan, at Strule Arts Centre on Saturday, April 12.
With their light, airy melodies and meticulously crafted, clean arrangements, the Carpenters contrasted with the pop/rock of the '70s, yet they became one of the most popular artists of the decade.
Between 1970 and 1984, the Grammy award-winning duo had ten gold singles, nine gold albums, one multi-platinum album and 17 singles in the Billboard Top 20, 12 in the Top 10, three No.1 songs and six songs at No.2.
Signed to A&R Records in 1979, The Carpenters were soon turning out hit after hit. By the early 70's the duo were at the top of their game. Close to You became an international hit, beginning a five-year period where the duo was one of the most popular recording acts in the world. An impressive string of Top Ten hits, including Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, Hurting Each Other, Goodbye to Love, Yesterday Once More, and Top of the World ensued.
After 1975's number four hit, Only Yesterday, the group's popularity began to decline. For the latter half of the '70s, the duo was plagued by personal problems. Richard had become addicted to prescription drugs. Karen, meanwhile, became afflicted with anorexia nervosa, a disease she suffered from for the rest of her life.
On top of their health problems, the group's singles had stopped reaching the Top Ten and by 1978, they weren't even reaching the Top 40. Karen's health continued to decline, forcing the duo out of the spotlight.
Karen had an extreme case of anorexia and she fought to overcome the disease throughout the last two years of her life. Her body couldn't take anymore. On February 4, 1983, Karen died from a cardiac arrest, which was caused by her anorexia. She was only 32 years old.
At the height of their popularity, the Carpenters became one of the most popular groups in history, selling nearly 100 million records worldwide. Karen's voice is considered by many to be the finest and most expressive in popular music. They are still second on the list of 'Artists with the most No.2 hits – Elvis Presley had six, the Carpenters had five.
The tale of the Carpenters will be brought to life through the duo's hit songs sung by Ceara Grehan and Derek Ryan, two of Ireland's leading professional voices, at Strule Arts Centre on Saturday, April 12 at 8pm. Tickets priced at £12 are available from Strule Box Office on 028 8224 7831; open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5.45pm and online at www.wegottickets.com
