The story of songs

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN by The Carpenters. John Lewis wasn’t the first to create heart-tugging adverts that appeal to the heart more than the wallet. Meet Crocker Bank who – in 1970 – were eager to attract younger customers to the bank. They commissioned songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols to come up with the goods: a soundtrack to a TV advert, showing a couple getting married, then heading off into the sunset. Williams also did vocal duties. As he explained, “we added a song, not a sales pitch.” The melody caught the ear of Richard Carpenter, who requested the full version. The success of the song had really only just begun: The Carpenters hit number two in the States with their version, Williams went on to pen music for The Muppet Christmas Carol and Bugsy Malone and the bank’s profits reaped the rewards – as well as countless pleas for it to be played at customers’ own weddings.