(They Long To Be) Close To You: The Enduring Appeal Of A Classic Song

The History of the Song

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” was first recorded by Richard Chamberlain in 1963. However, it was the iconic version by The Carpenters that propelled the song to fame in 1970. The song went on to become one of the duo’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “(They Long to Be) Close to You” tell the story of someone who is deeply in love with another person and longs to be close to them. The simple yet heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, making the song a timeless classic.

The Music

With its lush orchestration and Karen Carpenter’s angelic vocals, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a masterpiece of soft rock. The song’s melody is instantly recognizable and has a soothing, comforting quality that has endeared it to generations of listeners.

The Legacy

Despite being released over 50 years ago, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” continues to be a beloved song that is frequently covered by artists across genres. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of its melody and lyrics.

The Impact

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” has had a lasting impact on popular music, influencing countless artists and songwriters. Its success paved the way for The Carpenters to become one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s, and the song remains a staple of soft rock radio to this day.

The Emotional Connection

One of the reasons why “(They Long to Be) Close to You” has resonated with so many listeners is its ability to evoke deep emotions. Whether it’s longing, love, or nostalgia, the song has a way of touching the hearts of those who hear it, making it a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

The Cultural Impact

Throughout the years, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials,

Who played trumpet on Carpenters close to you?
When he heard the Carpenter’s version, he realized Richard Carpenter had nailed it. Ernie from KranjBy the way, Herb Alpert contributed the trumpet solo to the track. Don from San Antonio, TxThe Circle Jerks used “Fairy Dust” when they covered this for the brilliant track “Golden Shower of Hits (Jerks on 45)”.
Who wrote for The Carpenters?
The late Leon Russell (who wrote the Carpenters classic “Superstar” and two other songs they recorded, “A Song for You” and “This Masquerade”) once said, “Well, Karen Carpenter was just a singularly amazing singer.
Who originally sang close to you?

“(They Long to Be) Close to You”

Label A&M

Songwriter(s) Burt Bacharach Hal David

Producer(s) Jack Daugherty

The Carpenters singles chronology
Did Tom Burris attend Karen Carpenters Funeral?
Carpenter’s funeral was held February 8, 1983, at Downey United Methodist Church. Approximately one thousand mourners attended, including her friends Dorothy Hamill, Olivia Newton-John, Petula Clark and Dionne Warwick. Her estranged husband, Thomas Burris, also attended and placed his wedding ring into her casket.
Did Karen Carpenter have perfect pitch?
Karen’s vocal prowess was astounding. They found she had perfect pitch. … Though Richard and Karen were not the first artists to cut the song – among the others were Dionne Warwick and Richard Chamberlain – the Carpenters’ version was by far the most popular, and the song has become synonymous with the duo.
Is Richard Carpenter still alive today?
Richard Carpenter, 49, still lives in Downey, Calif., near his mother. In 1984, the year after Karen died, he married his cousin Mary Rudolph and is now the father of four.
Who did Herb Alpert discover?
In all, Alpert has recorded over forty albums and produced for many other artists, including Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, Stan Getz, Michel Colombier, Gato Barbieri and Alpert’s wife, GRAMMY winning vocalist Lani Hall, to name a few.
Did Herb Alpert play on close to you with the carpenters?
The recording of “Close to You” is part of A&M legend, with stories of staffers breaking company policy and ruining takes by slipping into studio C to hear what all the fuss was all about. Alpert was so thrilled with the end result that he played the recording over the phone to Bacharach, who was stunned and delighted.
Who played with the Tijuana Brass?
Alpert used to tell his audiences that his group consisted of “Four lasagnas, two bagels, and an American cheese”: John Pisano (electric guitar); Lou Pagani (piano); Nick Ceroli (drums); Pat Senatore (bass guitar); Tonni Kalash (trumpet); Herb Alpert (trumpet and vocal); and Bob Edmondson (trombone).
Where was Karen Carpenters Funeral?
Karen Carpenter’s funeral service took place on February 8, 1983, at the Downey United Methodist Church. Dressed in a rose-colored suit, Carpenter lay in an open white casket. Over 1,000 mourners passed through to say goodbye, among them her friends Dorothy Hamill, Olivia Newton-John, Petula Clark, and Dionne Warwick.
How many of the Carpenters songs were written by Paul Williams?
Paul Williams co-wrote 2 of The Carpenter’s biggest hits

He wrote hits for Barbra Streisand, Three Dog Night, and The Muppets. He also co-wrote two of The Carpenters’ classic hits: “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” During an interview with Music Radar, he discussed writing “We’ve Only Just Begun.”