Roger Nichols, a renowned composer known for his work with The Carpenters, died at age 84 on May 17, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.
Nichols’ influence on American music is marked by classic songs such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “I Won’t Last a Day Without You.” The songwriter, originally from Montana, left a lasting legacy.
Paul Williams, Nichols’ longtime collaborator, confirmed the death in an Instagram post on May 21, 2025. Williams noted that Nichols was with his wife Terry and daughters Claire, Caroline, and Caitlin at the time of his passing. 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. He grew up in a musically inclined household, with a father who played saxophone in jazz bands and a mother who was a classical pianist. Nichols initially played violin before pursuing basketball on a scholarship at UCLA, where Coach John Wooden prompted him to choose between sports and music, leading him to follow his passion for music.
Nichols’ most notable work began as a jingle for a bank commercial in the late 1960s. After a Crocker Bank executive heard Nichols’ album “Roger Nichols and the Small Circle of Friends,” they commissioned him and Williams to create music for the bank. The result was “We’ve Only Just Begun,” crafted under tight deadlines.
Richard Carpenter recognized the jingle’s potential and contacted Williams to expand it into a full song. Williams later admitted they had additional verses prepared and would have created more if needed to secure The Carpenters’ recording. The resulting song became a hit in 1970, earning Grammy nominations and substantial radio play.
Nichols and Williams’ partnership produced several successful records, including “Rainy Days and Mondays” for The Carpenters and “Out in the Country” for Three Dog Night. Their songs were recorded by various artists, including Art Garfunkel and Barbra Streisand. Paul Anka’s “Times of Your Life,” also penned by the duo, reached number one on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1976.
Beyond The Carpenters, Nichols’ compositions were performed by artists like Diana Ross and The Monkees. His expertise on multiple instruments, such as violin, guitar, bass, and piano, enriched his musical compositions. Nichols worked with other lyricists, including Tony Asher and Gerry Goffin, throughout his career.
Williams, in his tribute, highlighted Nichols’ dedication, contrasting it with his own shorter attention span. Williams noted that Nichols’ melodies inspired the lyrics, making their collaboration seamless.
Their collaboration ended in the mid-1970s when their career interests diverged. Williams wanted to focus on film scoring, while Nichols aspired to return to Montana. He eventually settled by a river with his family, fulfilling his desire to “go fishing.”
Claire Nichols paid tribute to her father on Instagram, expressing pride in his legacy. Williams, who visited Nichols in Montana, observed that his friend had achieved his dream of a family life by the river.
Despite retiring from songwriting, Nichols continued recording. He released a Japan-exclusive album in 1995 and reunited with The Small Circle of Friends in 2007 for “Full Circle” and later for “My Heart is Home” in 2012. These albums showcased the enduring quality of the group’s vocal harmonies.
Fans worldwide have shared tributes, noting how Nichols’ music has been a part of many significant life events. One fan remarked on the “immortality through art” that Nichols achieved, while another emphasized the recognition he deserved for his contributions to music.
Williams recalled a personal moment from September 2024, when Nichols expressed his excitement about his daughter Caitlin’s wedding. Despite health challenges, Nichols looked forward to accompanying his daughter down the aisle, a scene reminiscent of the many weddings featuring his song “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
“We’ve Only Just Begun” has achieved substantial radio play and is recognized as one of the top songs of the 20th century. Its popularity as a wedding song underscores the lasting appeal of Nichols’ work.
In his final years, Nichols lived in Montana, realizing his dream of a life by the river with his family. His music continues to resonate, providing soundtracks for personal moments across generations. Nichols’ contributions to music endure beyond his lifetime.