CARPENTERS - PLEASE MR. POSTMAN

Released: November 8, 1974

Charts:  UK: #2   US: #1 (1 week)

"Please Mr. Postman" is a song written by Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman, and was originally performed by The Marvelettes as their debut single for the Tamla (Motown) label. It became Motown's first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. The song achieved renewed success in 1975 when Carpenters covered it, taking their version to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making it a number-one hit once again.

Carpenters were no strangers to recording covers before "Please Mr. Postman." In fact, they had dedicated an entire side of their 1973 album “Now & Then” to covers of classic oldies, presented as part of a medley with a faux old-time radio DJ tying the songs together. Carpenters' version of "Please Mr. Postman" has a 1950s rock & roll vibe. Released in late 1974, it reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Easy Listening charts in January 1975. It was the duo's 10th and final million-selling single. Their “Horizon” album, released in June 1975, achieved Platinum status. 

Carpenters filmed the music video for their cover of "Please Mr. Postman" at Disneyland, where they joyfully interacted with costumed characters and smiled for the cameras. The choice of Disneyland as the location holds sentimental value, as both Richard Carpenter and his songwriting partner, John Bettis, had worked there before finding success. Ironically, they were let go from their jobs for playing too many contemporary hits, despite now being celebrated musicians. 

"Please Mr. Postman" was Carpenters' last #1 hit. Although they continued to chart, their sales steadily declined. During this time, they faced significant personal struggles—Richard battled addiction, and Karen suffered from anorexia. After a hiatus, they reunited, but tragically, Karen passed away from heart failure in 1983 at the age of 32, just eight years after their final chart-topping single.