Roger Nichols, a renowned composer best known for his work with The Carpenters, passed away at the age of 84 on May 17, 2025, at home with his family present.
The public was informed of his death this week. Nichols, originally from Montana, made significant contributions to American music with hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “I Won’t Last a Day Without You.”
Paul Williams, Nichols’ longtime collaborator and lyricist, confirmed the news on Instagram on Thursday, May 21, 2025. Williams stated that Nichols passed away at home, accompanied by his wife, Terry, and daughters Claire, Caroline, and Caitlin. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born Roger Stewart Nichols on September 17, 1940, in Missoula, Montana, he relocated to Santa Monica, California, as a child. His father, a photographer, played saxophone in jazz bands, while his mother was a classical pianist. Nichols initially studied the violin but later pursued basketball at UCLA on a scholarship. Coach John Wooden eventually compelled him to choose between sports and music, leading Nichols to focus on his musical ambitions.
One of Nichols’ most famous works originated as a jingle for a bank commercial in the late 1960s. After a Crocker Bank executive heard Nichols’ 1968 album “Roger Nichols and the Small Circle of Friends,” the bank asked him and Williams to compose music for advertising. Under a tight deadline, they quickly developed “We’ve Only Just Begun” on the final submission day.
Richard Carpenter noticed the jingle’s potential when he heard Williams singing it on TV. Carpenter contacted Williams about expanding it into a complete song. Williams later revealed in a documentary that they had more verses and a bridge ready, but he would have created them if needed to ensure a Carpenters recording. The complete version became a hit in late 1970, earning Grammy nominations and over four million radio plays.
The success solidified Nichols and Williams as a productive musical partnership, resulting in several gold records, including “Rainy Days and Mondays” for The Carpenters and “Out in the Country” for Three Dog Night. Art Garfunkel performed 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.
Nichols’ compositions extended beyond The Carpenters, reaching artists like Diana Ross, Petula Clark, Jackie DeShannon, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka, and The Monkees. His skills as a multi-instrumentalist on violin, guitar, bass, and piano contributed to his success. Nichols also collaborated with other lyricists, including Tony Asher, Bill Lane, and Gerry Goffin.
Williams described their process, noting Nichols’ dedication exceeded his own. Williams, who had a short attention span, would tire after three hours, while Nichols continued for several more. Williams said his lyrics were inspired by the emotion in Nichols’ melodies, making the collaboration seamless.
The partnership ended in the mid-1970s as their goals diverged. Williams aimed to focus on film scoring, while Nichols wanted to return to Montana for a quieter life. He eventually fulfilled this, buying a riverside home where he raised his family with his wife, Terry.
Claire Nichols paid tribute to her father on Instagram, expressing pride in his legacy. Williams recounted visiting Nichols in Montana, noting his friend’s contentment with his family life by the river.
Although retired from active songwriting, Nichols continued to record. He released a Japan-exclusive album in 1995 titled “Roger Nichols and a Circle of Friends – Be Gentle With My Heart,” featuring Sheila O’Connell-Roussell. The Small Circle of Friends reunited in 2007 for “Full Circle,” revisiting Nichols’ compositions, followed by “My Heart is Home” in 2012. These albums showcased the group’s enduring vocal harmonies.
Fans worldwide have shared tributes to Nichols’ influence. Social media responses highlighted how his music was part of many weddings and special occasions. One fan noted the “immortality through art” Nichols achieved, stating that each time his records play, “he’ll live again somehow.” Another emphasized that Nichols deserved more recognition, pointing out how some songwriters remain unknown while their works become classics.
Williams recalled a memorable moment from September 2024, when Nichols expressed excitement for his daughter Caitlin’s wedding. Despite health issues requiring a wheelchair, Nichols looked forward to “wheeling down the aisle” with his daughter. Williams reflected on the many fathers and daughters who have shared dances to Nichols’ music, particularly “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
“We’ve Only Just Begun” has achieved 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 popularity as a wedding favorite shows its enduring appeal across generations.
In his final years, Nichols lived in Montana, surrounded by family near a river, where he fulfilled a longtime dream. His legacy persists not only through recordings but through the personal moments his music has accompanied for families over the years. Roger Nichols’ compositions will continue to resonate long after his passing.
