"Offering" by Carpenters was released on A&M Records on October 9, 1969. This was the beginning of a new era of sophisticated pop music. With their debut album Carpenters did not leave much of a mark as the album failed to chart anywhere in the world, initially that is. “Offering” was a gem of innovation, which was largely overlooked by the music buying public. The album was, however, repackaged and rereleased as "Ticket To Ride" in 1971 after the huge successes of the singles "Close To You" and "We've Only Just Begun." Jim McCrary did the fantastic photography work for this album also. This time around Karen and Richard looked more confident as the rising stars they had become. The new album cover was shot in Lake Tahoe.
--> The album’s standout track is Carpenters’ retooling of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride.” The song helped to create a buzz in the entertainment industry. Industry insiders began to take note of the female drummer who sang like an angel.
The photography for the album was done by A&M staff photographer Jim McCrary. McCrary also shot the photos for the repackaged "Ticket To Ride" album as well as the photos included in the album "A Song For You" and he did the famed "Now & Then" album cover. McCrary is best known for his photography work on Carole King's "Tapestry" album. He also shot album covers and photos for Michael Jackson, Cat Stevens, Flying Burrito Brothers, Peaches and Herb, Billy Preston, Cheech & Chong and others.
Sadly Jim McCrary passed away on April 29, 2012 at the age of 72.
The following photos were contributed by Irene Economou a longtime fan of Carpenters and member of the facebook group Karen Carpenter Avenue!
Thank you for the photos Irene!
I miss the Carpenters' music, especially Karen's haunting voice. I just found my favorite, "Crescent Noon" on YouTube and have been playing it non-stop for the last hour. It touches my heart like few other songs.
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