Richard Carpenter (born October 15, 1946) was one half of the successful pop duo The Carpenters. With the lyricist he met in college, John Bettis, Carpenter composed many of The Carpenters' hits, such as "Top of the World", "Yesterday Once More", "Only Yesterday", and "Goodbye to Love". Richard Carpenter is considered one of the most gifted musical arrangers of the 20th century.