Roger Nichols, the brilliant songwriter behind timeless hits for The Carpenters and other renowned artists, passed away on May 17, 2025, at the age of 84. His longtime collaborator, Paul Williams, confirmed the news through a heartfelt Instagram post.
🎼 A Musical Legacy That Resonates Through Time
Born in 1940 in Missoula, Montana, Roger Nichols was a composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his ability to craft poignant melodies. He collaborated with lyricists like Paul Williams, Tony Asher, and Bill Lane to create songs that have stood the test of time.
One of his most notable achievements is the song “We’ve Only Just Begun,” which started as a bank commercial jingle and evolved into a major hit for The Carpenters. The song received a Grammy nomination and became a staple at weddings and special occasions.
Nichols also composed other famous tracks like “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “I Won’t Last a Day Without You,” and “Out in the Country” (Three Dog Night). His works were performed by prominent artists such as Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Petula Clark, and Art Garfunkel.
🧑🎤 Life and Career
Nichols began his music career at A&M Records, where he met Paul Williams. Together, they created numerous hits in the 1970s. However, in the 1980s, Nichols chose to step away from the music industry to focus on his family and a peaceful life in Montana
He lived with his wife, Terry, and daughters, Claire and Caitlin. Nichols had passions for fishing, jewelry making, and sports. His daughter described him as a devoted father and a significant inspiration in her life.
🕊️ Farewell Message
Paul Williams shared: “Roger, I can picture thousands of proud dads and their beautiful daughters that walked down the aisle to your gorgeous music… You brought love and beauty into this world, and we will never forget you.”