The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

I've only just found out that the composer and arranger Roger Nichols died a week ago at the age of eighty-four. He's probably best remembered for composing songs that went on to be hits for The Carpenters, like 'We've Only Just Begun', 'Rainy Days And Mondays' and 'I Won't Last A Day Without You'. I recall that the album released in 1968 and entitled 'Roger Nichols And The Small Circle Of Friends' has been referenced and discussed more than a few times on the forum over the years and here's one of the tracks from it which he co-wrote with lyricist Paul Williams.

The first time I became aware of Roger Nichols was when I heard his cover version of 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' on an A&M sampler album of Bacharach songs released in the early 70s.

Little known cover version by Herb Alpert....nice chord change.
R.I.P. Roger Nichols....Genius songwriter.

'blue'

blueonblue wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 7:03 am Little known cover version by Herb Alpert....nice chord change.
R.I.P. Roger Nichols....Genius songwriter.

'blue'

Listening to Herb Alpert's version made me want to hear the original again.

Another great track from that fine album.....



'blue'

Blue, I like the instrumental break in the middle of that track.

Here's the Crocker Bank television commercial from 1970 featuring lyricist Paul Williams singing part of the newly written 'We've Only Just Begun' which led to Richard Carpenter enquiring as to whether it was a complete song. The rest as they say.......