1970 Soft Rock Track Won an Oscar for 'Best Original Song' and Became a Hit Cover
In 1970, director Cy Howard released the romantic comedyLovers and Other Strangers that became a box office and critical success. Alongside its stellar cast, the film also released its title track that earned an Oscar 52 years ago and was then covered by one of the '60s popular music duos.
"For All We Know" was a soft rock track written specifically for the film by Fred Karlin and sung by Larry Meredith. The song's lyrics were created by Robb Wilson, also known as Robb Ryer, and JamesArthur Griffin, also known as Jimmy Griffin, from the popular rock band Bread. The track, alongside the movie, was nominated for multiple Oscars and won Best Original Song for "All We Know."
Lovers and Other Strangers was adapted from a 1968 Broadway play by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna. Its storyline focused on Susan Henderson (Bonnie Bedelia) and Mike Vecchio (Richard Castellano) having kept their secret of living together for over a year from their traditional families. When they finally announce a proper engagement, their families' own troubles take center stage.
What should be a happy occasion turns into drama as Susan's father has been sleeping with his wife's best friend. Mike's brother and his wife are considering divorce, and his parents are trying their best to stop them from going through with it. The film was a hit among critics, with Richard Castellano as Frank Vecchio earning an Oscar nomination.
Related: 1969 Chart-Topping Track Won an Oscar For ‘Best Original Song' 56 Years Ago Today
The film was also the big screen debut of Diane Keaton, who played the role of Joan Vecchio, with Sylvester Stallone having appeared in an uncredited role as one of the groomsmen. Jerry Stiller also appeared in an uncredited role as a character named Jim.
While the film and its title track gained recognition, the hit song surged in popularity when it was covered by the brother-and-sister duo of the '60s, The Carpenters. Richard Carpenter had heard the song while watching a movie on tour and felt it was perfect for the duo. The track ended up becoming a hit for them in 1971 and entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at No. 3 and No. 1 on the US easy listening charts.
Richard originally met with Jose Feliciano to play the guitar intro after the musician expressed he was a nig fan of the duo. After Feliciano recorded his part, his manager called Richard and demanded that he be removed from the track. With no other choice, Richard agreed and replaced the guitar part with Earle Dumler's oboe. At the time their cover was released, the film track was up for an Oscar, but the duo wasn't allowed to perform the track on stage. Instead, they requested British singer Petula Clark to perform it.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 7:53 AM.