I just found out the noted songwriter Roger Nichols recently passed away.  He was most known for his partnership with Paul Williams.  They wrote songs recorded by the Carpenters and others.  I was lucky enough to read a story about Roger in our local newspaper and found out he was living and working not too far from my home in Portland, OR.  I took the 2.5 hour drive over the Bend, OR to meet him and spent about an hour visiting with him.  A year or so later I did it again and had the same results.  He was easy to chat with, told me some interest stories and made me feel right at home.  I'll also note that I have a single he put out, credited to 'Roger Nichols and a Small Circle of Friends'.  The song is "Snow Queen" and was written by none other than Carole King and Gerry Goffin.  He autographed the sleeve and I framed it and it's been hanging on my wall ever since.