(They Long to Be) Close to You

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"(They Long to Be) Close to You" is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was first recorded by Richard Chamberlain and released as a single in 1963 as "They Long to Be Close to You." However, it was the single's flip side, "Blue Guitar," that became a hit.

In 1965, Dionne Warwick released her version. Again, this side of the single lost out in terms of popularity to its flip side, and "Here I Am" became the hit.

In 1970, it was released by the Carpenters, and became their breakthrough hit. The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks.

In 1972, the song became a hit once again when released as a duet by Jerry Butler and Brenda Lee Eager.

In 1976, another hit version was released by B.T. Express.

The song has since been covered by many artists, including The Cranberries, Barenaked Ladies, Les Mouches and Hikaru Utada.

Preceded by: "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" by Three Dog Night	Billboard Hot 100 number one single July 25, 1970	Succeeded by: "Make It With You" by Bread