“Close To You” #1 7/25/1970

Sometimes songs have to float around for years before they become a hit. Originally a 1963 B-side for Richard Chamberlain (TV’s Dr. Kildare), others tried this Bacharach/David tune as well. Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield and even Herb Alpert recorded it without success. Finally Alpert gave the song to the Carpenters, newly signed to his A&M label. Richard Carpenter and Herb worked out the arrangement. That was the magic touch, as it became the siblings’ first #1 single. Hal Blaine and Joe Osborn of the Wrecking Crew played drums and bass. Though arranged with him in mind, Alpert wasn’t available and did NOT do the trumpet solo. Chuck Findley, who also played the solos on “Raindrops...” for B.J. Thomas, had that honor.