They Were ‘On Top Of The World’: The Real Story Of The Carpenters

Trio

Richard, Karen, and Richard’s school friend Wesley Jacobs, formed a trio in 1965. They specialized in the Jazz genre. Karen played the drums, Richard was on the piano, and Wesley played the bass and tuba. Karen was an inexperienced singer at the time, but she began taking vocal lessons and gained the confidence necessary to perform.

Trio

Battle of the Bands

The trio signed a contract with RCA records after winning the Battle of The Bands at Hollywood Bowl in 1966. They were able to do several recordings but they were dropped by the label who did not believe the singles would be successful. Karen joined Richard at college in 1967 and the trio continued to record in Joel Osborn’s studio.

Battle Of The Bands