Today, Roger Nichols, Grammy-nominated co-writer of “We’ve Only Just Begun,” passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his beloved wife Terry and daughters Claire and Caitlin. While his name may not be as instantly recognized as the Carpenters or Paul Anka, Nichols’ songwriting legacy helped shape the sound of American pop in the 1970s—and beyond. Here are five lesser-known facts about the man behind some of pop’s most enduring melodies.
1. “We’ve Only Just Begun” Was Born From a Bank Commercial
The iconic Carpenters ballad was never meant to top charts. It started as a jingle for Crocker Bank, with Paul Williams singing. Richard Carpenter heard it on TV and called to ask if it was a full song. It wasn’t—but Nichols and Williams said yes anyway, finishing it just in time to change pop history.
2. His 1968 Debut Album Was a Who’s Who of Future Legends
Roger Nichols and the Small Circle of Friends wasn’t a hit on the Billboard 200, but it featured contributions from Van Dyke Parks, Randy Newman, and Lenny Waronker. Engineered by Bruce Botnick and produced by Tommy LiPuma, the album became a cult classic and caught the ear of A&M co-founder Herb Alpert.
3. He Quietly Scored Major Commercial Successes
Nichols co-wrote Paul Anka’s “Times of Your Life,” which originated in a Kodak commercial. The sentimental ballad hit #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. Like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” it was a perfect example of Nichols’ ability to turn quiet moments into universal anthems.
4. He Was a Celebrated Songwriter in Japan
Though retired from the mainstream spotlight, Nichols enjoyed a loyal fanbase in Japan. His 1995 release Be Gentle With My Heart—a Japan-only CD featuring re-recordings of his classics—cemented his enduring international appeal. Paul Williams even guested on vocals for “Rainy Days and Mondays.”
5. Music Ran in the Family, But So Did Jewelry
Beyond songwriting, Nichols was also a successful jeweler. Creativity clearly ran in his blood—his brother, Ted Nichols, composed for Hanna-Barbera and served briefly as musical director for the iconic animation studio.
Roger Nichols’ passing marks the end of an era for those who remember the gentle pop craftsmanship of the ’70s. But as Paul Williams beautifully wrote in tribute, Nichols gave the world “love and beauty”—and for those walking down the aisle to “We’ve Only Just Begun,” dancing to “Times of Your Life,” or reflecting to “Rainy Days and Mondays,” his music is anything but forgotten.