Roger Nichols, a renowned composer known for creating many of The Carpenters’ cherished tracks, died at 84 on May 17, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by family.
While the announcement of his death surfaced recently, the Montana-born musician’s impact on American pop music endures through classic hits such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “I Won’t Last a Day Without You.”
Paul Williams, Nichols’ frequent collaborator and lyricist, confirmed the news via an Instagram post on Thursday, May 21, 2025. Nichols passed at home with his wife Terry and daughters Claire, Caroline, and Caitlin present. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Born as Roger Stewart Nichols on September 17, 1940, in Missoula, Montana, he relocated to Santa Monica, California, as a baby. His upbringing was rich in music, influenced by his father, a photographer and jazz saxophonist, and his mother, a classical pianist. Nichols initially focused on the violin during his school years, later shifting to basketball at UCLA on a scholarship. Coach John Wooden eventually required him to choose between sports and music, leading Nichols to pursue his passion for music.
One of Nichols’ most well-known works originated as a simple bank commercial jingle in the late 1960s. After a Crocker Bank executive heard Nichols’ debut album, “Roger Nichols and the Small Circle of Friends,” released by A&M Records in 1968, he was tasked, along with Williams, to create music for advertising. Under a tight deadline, they composed “We’ve Only Just Begun” in a few hours on the final day for submission.
Richard Carpenter recognized the potential in the commercial when he heard Williams’ jingle on television. He reached out to Williams to discuss developing the brief spot into a full song. Williams later revealed in a documentary that they already had additional verses and a bridge, but he would have composed them if necessary to secure a Carpenters recording. Their version became a significant hit in late 1970, earning Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and achieving over four million radio plays.
The hit solidified Nichols and Williams as a highly productive team in popular music. Their partnership resulted in several gold records, including “Rainy Days and Mondays” for The Carpenters and “Out in the Country” for Three Dog Night, which later made it to the Top Ten. Art Garfunkel recorded their “Travelin’ Boy,” while Barbra Streisand covered “I Never Had It So Good.” They also wrote “Times of Your Life,” which Paul Anka took to the top of the Adult Contemporary chart in January 1976.
In addition to The Carpenters, Nichols’ songs found success with prominent artists like Diana Ross, Petula Clark, Jackie DeShannon, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka, and The Monkees. His skill as a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in violin, guitar, bass, and piano, added to his compositional abilities. Nichols also worked with other lyricists, including Tony Asher, Bill Lane, and Gerry Goffin.
Williams described their working dynamic in his tribute, noting Nichols’ intense work ethic. Williams admitted to having “the attention span of a sea otter” and needing breaks after three hours, while Nichols would continue for several more hours. Williams highlighted that his lyrics were inspired by the emotion already present in Nichols’ melodies, making their collaboration seamless.
Their partnership ended in the mid-1970s as their professional paths diverged. Williams sought to focus on film scoring, while Nichols expressed a desire to return to Montana, stating he wanted to “go fishing.” Nichols eventually fulfilled this wish, purchasing a home by a river where he and his wife Terry raised their family.
Claire Nichols paid tribute to her father on Instagram, noting that she, her mother Terry, and sisters Caroline and Caitlin remain “proud of the man he was, and are in awe of the legacy he leaves.” Williams recalled visiting Nichols at his Montana home, observing that his friend had realized his dream of family life by the river.
Though he retired from active songwriting, Nichols continued recording. In 1995, he released a Japan-exclusive album titled “Roger Nichols and a Circle of Friends – Be Gentle With My Heart,” featuring vocalist Sheila O’Connell-Roussell. The Small Circle of Friends reunited in 2007 for “Full Circle,” revisiting many of Nichols’ notable works, followed by “My Heart is Home” in 2012, showing that the group’s vocal harmonies remained strong over the years.
Fans worldwide have paid tribute to Nichols’ influence on their lives. Social media posts highlighted how his songs accompanied numerous weddings and special occasions. One admirer noted the “immortality through art” Nichols achieved, stating that each time his records play, “he’ll live again somehow.” Another fan stressed Nichols’ deserving of more recognition, pointing out how talented songwriters often remain unknown while their works become classics through famous performers.
Williams shared a poignant memory from September 2024, when Nichols was enthusiastic about his daughter Caitlin’s wedding. Despite needing a wheelchair due to health issues, Nichols anticipated “wheeling down the aisle” with his daughter. Williams reflected on the many fathers and daughters who have walked down aisles or danced to Nichols’ music, especially “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
“We’ve Only Just Begun” has amassed over four million radio performances and is recognized as one of the top 50 songs of the 20th century. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 414 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Its continued popularity as a wedding staple highlights how Nichols’ compositions resonate with new generations.
