The Carpenters released this song in 1971 after hearing Bette Midler sing this on The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson.  Their version became the most popular and would land in the number 1 spot on the Billboard Contemporary Adult chart.

It was written by Delaney and Bonnie and originally released in 1969, though it did not really catch fire until Karen Carpenter performed a vocal that was praised for its intensity and emotional charge.  As usual, the duo of Karen and Richard touched a song a turned it into gold.

It has been covered by others over the years of course, and though my version is inspired by the one by Ruben Studdard, I’ve done my best to make it my own.  I hope you enjoy it.