Her brother Richard is a genius in producing the arrangements and doesn't get enough credit. But he played a huge part in the success of The Carpenters.
Carpenters won a grammy for Close to You for Pop Vocal Performance beating out Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Waters, The Jackson Five's ABC, The Beatles Let It Be, & Chicago,. They also won best new artist over Elton John. Carpenters where also nominated for Album of the Year "Close to You". Record of the Year , Song of the year "We've Only Just Begun" Legendary Composer Burt Bacharach gave the song to the Carpenters after two other well known artist failed to make it a hit (Richard Chamberlain, Dionne Warwick) the Carpenters took this song to number 1 with Richard's brilliant arrangement which was hi lighted a couple years ago on the CBS morning Show available on you tube. Richard Carpenter perfected multi layering overdubbing as all vocals on this track were Karen & Richard. Yet it s Karen's one-of-a-kind-goat voice that steals the show. RIP Karen.
This song was the breakthrough hit for the Carpenters. Their debut single, a remake of the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," had been only a mid-chart hit, peaking at #54 in the spring of 1970. Herb Alpert, who had signed the duo to his label, A&M Records, strongly urged Richard Carpenter to follow up "Ticket" with "Close to You," a Burt Bacharach/Hal David song that had been covered by other artists but had never become a hit. Alpert sensed that this might be the right song for Karen and Richard. The duo's recording became the definitive version of the song. Released in May 1970, by late July, it peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a position it held for four consecutive weeks, becoming the second biggest hit of 1970 (behind only Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"). The arrangement is Richard's. All vocals are by Karen and Richard. There are no other background singers. It's just their two voices, singing all the parts, overdubbed and layered on top of one another. This is the single edit. The full-length album cut (from the "Close to You" album) includes a false ending and extended coda. This recording earned the Carpenters a Grammy Award at the following year's ceremony, for Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. The duo also walked away with that year's Grammy for Best New Artist. In 2000, the recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Karen and Richard Did all of the background voices/harmonies by dubbing their voices in different inflections/tones/ranges....Close to you reached #1 and was their first of many big hits... Karen Carpenter amazingly otherworldly was only 20 years old at the time with that voice and storytelling ability....
She was an angel with a great voice. Her brother is still alive. He dedicated a beautiful instrrumental song to her a few years ago. She died of complications from anorexia nervosa.
The first time I heard Karen's voice this was the song. It was the hit that made the Carpenters a household name. And now every time I hear this song I'm back again on a autumn day in 1970 sitting in my buddy's 69 Dodge Charger cruising along with the radio putting this out and both of us loving that gorgeous voice and those corny but sweet lyrics...
If you love Karen, you will also adore Linda Ronstadt. (Look her up on Wikipedia) Just like Karen, she has an amazing voice with a clean, pure nice sounding tone, but also with a lot of power and projection that belts out songs beautifully. Linda was huge; the first ever female singer to sell out arenas and stadiums, and was the highest paid female rock/pop singer during that time. Her and Karen are the two most impressive sounding female vocalists of the 70s and all time. Linda has done so many genres and styles during her career with her powerfully versatile voice: she’s done rock,pop, folk, country, Latin/mariachi, American songbook standards, light opera, punk/new wave, soul/motown…
When I was younger and listening to Carpenters albums I kinda wrote off 'This Masquerade' 'Look to Your Dreams' 'Ordinary Fool' 'Little Altar Boy' 'One More Time' 'A Place to Hideaway' 'Somebody's Been Lying' 'I can Dream Can't I' 'Ave Maria' 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' and yes even'Close to You'. But we all grow up. These songs are lightly sprinkled on each Carpenters album among all the radio friendly top 40 pop trax which built the Carpenters success story. Older now I have come to appreciate these songs as a masterclass in Richard's skill as an arranger and of course it goes without saying Karen's stellar vocal abilities & interpretations of lyrics...one has to keep in mind most of these songs were recorded when she was in her early twenties. What an incredible gift she was given to share for all eternity. Such a talent that she could make you feel every word in every song. Maybe it was from here deeply rooted desire to feel love from her mother that made her dig so deep to find the emotional connection to her music It's no wonder that 45 years after it was recorded that Carpenters 'Christmas Portrait' is in the top 40 all genre charts on tunes in good company right behind Bing Crosby & Nat King Cole's Christmas albums for artist who have passed. Carpenters' sound lives on and will for decades to come. RIP Karen.
This was a must play at every High School dance back in the 70's. Many couples fell in love to this beautiful song. You're so right young man, Karen was one of a kind. And Richard was a musical genius. Enjoy your reactions. Keep up the good work Chase.
Wishful going to ride music back then we sure could write music back then don't you think rest in peace Karen you were taken from us too soon we love you dear see you in heaven
@ Chase Vickerss It's definitely good to see young people listen to and appreciate great music from artists who had to actually have talent back in the 60' 70's and part of the 80's as for Karen, it was straight up talent, no auto-tune and no back woods tricks just one take Karen. Karen Carpenter easily has one of the smoothest greatest singing voices of all time. I would encourage you check out these Carpenters songs called " Ordinary Fool" and " Bless the beast and the children " I promise you they won't disappoint.
"Close to You" is one of my favorite Carpenters songs. With Christmas coming up you should check out some of The Carpenters Christmas songs. "Christmas Waltz" and "Sleigh Ride" are two of my favorites.
Ave Maria & Little Altar Boy are vocal stunners with Karen's voice attached to the lyrics, she never sounded better then on these two songs.Worth a listen.
Have you listened to Masquerade by the Carpenters? It's smooth as silk. The piano and flute are really nice. They're the perfect compliment to that gorgeous voice.
Close to you, Yesterday Once More and Sing are three my personal meaningful songs from Carpenters. They really carried those memories and my feelings when I was a kid. Very nice to see you love them too!
As a teenager, I felt the need to hide my admiration for The Carpenters from my peer group, as no doubt they'd not have thought it in the least bit "cool" - especially if they knew that I'd bought a couple of their LPs. The one consolation was that it was great smooching music when I was alone with my girlfriend!! Kudos to you for reacting to this song.
As a 59 yr old i love how you get it and feel the music your reaction was so amazing and real new subscriber to your channel love your reaction so real !!!!
@@chasevickerss I know it's been a couple of months since you reacted to "Close to You," but I hope you see my comment. I've been looking at your Karen Carpenter journey today, and I'm really impressed with you, your sincerity, maturity, and energy! I'm a new subscriber as of today! I'm 68 years old and had the BIGGEST crush on Karen when I was a teenager, LOL! Glad to see some of the younger generation rediscovering her and brother Richard. I would LOVE to see you react to two other Carpenter songs called "Yesterday Once More" (very beautiful nostalgic-type song) and "Mr. Postman" (a very lively, fun song). Thank you, God bless you, and by the way, I also appreciate your "Jesus loves you" in your description box! HE is what life is ALL about!
John lennon said kid amazing voice to Karen but she was so insecure she didn't believe it petula clark said if John lennon said it,it's true god bless both of them
Merry Christmas Darling is a holiday favorite.
Just when you think they are done they come back and give you that little hug with their harmonies.
Great song by the Carpenters! A fan favorite! ❤❤
Her brother Richard is a genius in producing the arrangements and doesn't get enough credit. But he played a huge part in the success of The Carpenters.
Carpenters won a grammy for Close to You for Pop Vocal Performance beating out Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Waters, The Jackson Five's ABC, The Beatles Let It Be, & Chicago,. They also won best new artist over Elton John. Carpenters where also nominated for Album of the Year "Close to You". Record of the Year , Song of the year "We've Only Just Begun" Legendary Composer Burt Bacharach gave the song to the Carpenters after two other well known artist failed to make it a hit (Richard Chamberlain, Dionne Warwick) the Carpenters took this song to number 1 with Richard's brilliant arrangement which was hi lighted a couple years ago on the CBS morning Show available on you tube. Richard Carpenter perfected multi layering overdubbing as all vocals on this track were Karen & Richard. Yet it s Karen's one-of-a-kind-goat voice that steals the show. RIP Karen.
And well deserved
This song was the breakthrough hit for the Carpenters. Their debut single, a remake of the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," had been only a mid-chart hit, peaking at #54 in the spring of 1970. Herb Alpert, who had signed the duo to his label, A&M Records, strongly urged Richard Carpenter to follow up "Ticket" with "Close to You," a Burt Bacharach/Hal David song that had been covered by other artists but had never become a hit. Alpert sensed that this might be the right song for Karen and Richard. The duo's recording became the definitive version of the song. Released in May 1970, by late July, it peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a position it held for four consecutive weeks, becoming the second biggest hit of 1970 (behind only Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"). The arrangement is Richard's. All vocals are by Karen and Richard. There are no other background singers. It's just their two voices, singing all the parts, overdubbed and layered on top of one another. This is the single edit. The full-length album cut (from the "Close to You" album) includes a false ending and extended coda.
This recording earned the Carpenters a Grammy Award at the following year's ceremony, for Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. The duo also walked away with that year's Grammy for Best New Artist. In 2000, the recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.
so cute how Chase is always touching his bangs......lol
Karen and Richard Did all of the background voices/harmonies by dubbing their voices in different inflections/tones/ranges....Close to you reached #1 and was their first of many big hits... Karen Carpenter amazingly otherworldly was only 20 years old at the time with that voice and storytelling ability....
Hurting each other is another good carpenter song
She was an angel with a great voice.
Her brother is still alive.
He dedicated a beautiful instrrumental song to her a few years ago.
She died of complications from anorexia nervosa.
The first time I heard Karen's voice this was the song. It was the hit that made the Carpenters a household name. And now every time I hear this song I'm back again on a autumn day in 1970 sitting in my buddy's 69 Dodge Charger cruising along with the radio putting this out and both of us loving that gorgeous voice and those corny but sweet lyrics...
If you love Karen, you will also adore Linda Ronstadt. (Look her up on Wikipedia) Just like Karen, she has an amazing voice with a clean, pure nice sounding tone, but also with a lot of power and projection that belts out songs beautifully. Linda was huge; the first ever female singer to sell out arenas and stadiums, and was the highest paid female rock/pop singer during that time. Her and Karen are the two most impressive sounding female vocalists of the 70s and all time. Linda has done so many genres and styles during her career with her powerfully versatile voice: she’s done rock,pop, folk, country, Latin/mariachi, American songbook standards, light opera, punk/new wave, soul/motown…
It's nice to hear a love song.
Thank you, Chase! 💎 Indeed her voice was crystal clear... even when she was ill. Her brother's musical arrangements are just as brilliant and skilled.
When I was younger and listening to Carpenters albums I kinda wrote off 'This Masquerade' 'Look to Your Dreams' 'Ordinary Fool' 'Little Altar Boy' 'One More Time' 'A Place to Hideaway' 'Somebody's Been Lying' 'I can Dream Can't I' 'Ave Maria' 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' and yes even'Close to You'. But we all grow up. These songs are lightly sprinkled on each Carpenters album among all the radio friendly top 40 pop trax which built the Carpenters success story. Older now I have come to appreciate these songs as a masterclass in Richard's skill as an arranger and of course it goes without saying Karen's stellar vocal abilities & interpretations of lyrics...one has to keep in mind most of these songs were recorded when she was in her early twenties. What an incredible gift she was given to share for all eternity. Such a talent that she could make you feel every word in every song. Maybe it was from here deeply rooted desire to feel love from her mother that made her dig so deep to find the emotional connection to her music It's no wonder that 45 years after it was recorded that Carpenters 'Christmas Portrait' is in the top 40 all genre charts on tunes in good company right behind Bing Crosby & Nat King Cole's Christmas albums for artist who have passed. Carpenters' sound lives on and will for decades to come. RIP Karen.
the background singers are Karen and RIchard
she is beyond amazing as a drummer too check that out
This was a must play at every High School dance back in the 70's. Many couples fell in love to this beautiful song. You're so right young man, Karen was one of a kind. And Richard was a musical genius. Enjoy your reactions. Keep up the good work Chase.
Wishful going to ride music back then we sure could write music back then don't you think rest in peace Karen you were taken from us too soon we love you dear see you in heaven
@ Chase Vickerss It's definitely good to see young people listen to and appreciate great music from artists who had to actually have talent back in the 60' 70's and part of the 80's as for Karen, it was straight up talent, no auto-tune and no back woods tricks just one take Karen. Karen Carpenter easily has one of the smoothest greatest singing voices of all time. I would encourage you check out these Carpenters songs called " Ordinary Fool" and " Bless the beast and the children " I promise you they won't disappoint.
🫶🏼
I asked already in another reaction, but please react to “This Masquerade”! You won’t be disappointed!
WILL DO THANK YOU !
"Close to You" is one of my favorite Carpenters songs. With Christmas coming up you should check out some of The Carpenters Christmas songs. "Christmas Waltz" and "Sleigh Ride" are two of my favorites.
Ave Maria & Little Altar Boy are vocal stunners with Karen's voice attached to the lyrics, she never sounded better then on these two songs.Worth a listen.
LOVE this song!
This could have ended up being a teenybopper song, but she sang it with sincerity and without any unnecessary flourish.
She is also playing the drums. She was also a very talented drummer.
That’s actually Hal Blaine. Karen’s drumming was initially too forceful for the studio.
Have you listened to Masquerade by the Carpenters? It's smooth as silk. The piano and flute are really nice. They're the perfect compliment to that gorgeous voice.
Close to you, Yesterday Once More and Sing are three my personal meaningful songs from Carpenters. They really carried those memories and my feelings when I was a kid. Very nice to see you love them too!
Karen would not believe she special, or even that she was that good of a singer.
😢
Please react to SING by the Carpenters and FOR ALL WE KNOW and TOP OF THE WORLD and HIDEAWAY !
This song is Genius. Karen voice is Magical 🎶
And she’s playing the Drums on this song too.
She was known as an Excellent Drummer.
well said man, i kinda totally agree. a complete one off.
As a teenager, I felt the need to hide my admiration for The Carpenters from my peer group, as no doubt they'd not have thought it in the least bit "cool" - especially if they knew that I'd bought a couple of their LPs. The one consolation was that it was great smooching music when I was alone with my girlfriend!! Kudos to you for reacting to this song.
As a 59 yr old i love how you get it and feel the music your reaction was so amazing and real new subscriber to your channel love your reaction so real !!!!
Thank you so much!!
@@chasevickerss I know it's been a couple of months since you reacted to "Close to You," but I hope you see my comment. I've been looking at your Karen Carpenter journey today, and I'm really impressed with you, your sincerity, maturity, and energy! I'm a new subscriber as of today! I'm 68 years old and had the BIGGEST crush on Karen when I was a teenager, LOL! Glad to see some of the younger generation rediscovering her and brother Richard. I would LOVE to see you react to two other Carpenter songs called "Yesterday Once More" (very beautiful nostalgic-type song) and "Mr. Postman" (a very lively, fun song). Thank you, God bless you, and by the way, I also appreciate your "Jesus loves you" in your description box! HE is what life is ALL about!
@@johnbattles1002 THANK YOU SO MUCH! WILL DO! YES, JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!
*wonderful* react, as always xo :)
try ordinary fool
Please do a Reactions video to "This Masquerade" by the Carpenters.
Try Carpenters Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft please 🙏.
Love your channel!
Christmas is Karen Carpenter.
Please give a thought to "Christ is Born"
Truly it's enough to make you weak
Son, you are correct. Never another boice like Karens.
I looked quickly and was trying to figure out what "look" meant. It says 100k 😅😅😂😂😊
Try her drum solo
Chase the back ground singers ARE Richard and Karen over dubbed
John lennon said kid amazing voice to Karen but she was so insecure she didn't believe it petula clark said if John lennon said it,it's true god bless both of them