The
Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo consisting of siblings
Karen and
Richard Carpenter. Producing a distinctively soft musical style, they became among the
best-selling music artists of all time. During their 14-year career, the Carpenters recorded 11 albums, 31 singles, five television specials, and a
short-lived television series. Their career ended in 1983 by Karen's death from
heart failure brought on by complications of
anorexia. Extensive news coverage surrounding the circumstances of her death increased public awareness of
eating disorders.