Which act won Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group at the first AMAs?

The Carpenters won Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group at the first American Music Awards. The sibling duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter received the inaugural award at the ceremony held on February 19, 1974.

By that point, the Carpenters had become one of America’s biggest pop acts. Karen’s warm contralto lead vocals and Richard’s arranging, keyboard work, and harmonies created a polished sound that crossed pop, soft rock, adult contemporary, and easy-listening audiences. Their run of hits included “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Top of the World.”

The result is sometimes confused with the separate soul/R&B group category, which the Temptations won at the same ceremony. The Carpenters’ award was in the pop/rock field; Gladys Knight & the Pips and Tony Orlando & Dawn were the other nominees listed for that category. The group’s official name was “Carpenters,” although “The Carpenters” is common usage.