Karen and Richard Carpenter...talk about a hit making duo record companies did not know how to package. A top notch female drummer who really did not want to be up front singing and her brother creating musical hit arrangements, backing vocals and playing piano. That's talent! Gone at 32, far too soon. RIP Karen.
Karen Carpenter is one of the few people that makes me hope for an afterlife where we can meet people who have passed over. She never received the love and respect she deserved in life, I hope that somehow she is able to feel it now. The millions who love and admire her so deeply, even after all these years. Her voice touches my very soul.
Well put. The Carpenters were way too square for me when I was a kid. Only in my later years, did I start to appreciate what a truly angelic voice she had. Such a tragic loss, she did deserve so much more.
I really can't explain it, but I can't listen to Karen Carpenter without becoming teary eyed and overcome with melancholy. It's almost as if she's singing the funeral for a world in decline, and for a nation being overwhelmed by it's own greatness. Just like Karen was overwhelmed personally. In other ways, her music is intensely commemorative of my childhood and growing up in a world that was still relatively innocent, but losing it's innocence rapidly.
I'm 32 yrs old, I just noticed that there was a woman called Karen Carpenter. Her voice is beautiful and it touches my soul. I'm crying right now. I wish I could give her a hug now. What a story. Rest in peace I bet she's receiving love in heaven. ❤
It was a tragic story. On a tour of England, Paul McCartney invited them to the studio where he was recording an album for his brother. Paul told her she was his favorite female voice. Later that day they went and did press for their show and an interviewer asked her what she thought about a reviewer noticing she had “big hips”. Imagine going from that high to being told that in a couple hours.
Her voice is almost haunting. After over 30 years after her death there still is not one female recording artist that can match the range and emotion in her voice. She is truly missed and will never be forgotten.
+D Jones Karen was actually one of Madonna's inspirations and influences so it's not a surprise you hear a little Karen in Madonna- I have heard the same thing is some of Madonna's ballads when she goes into her lower register.
+Steve Owen At their prime, both Karen and Madonna, respectively, were both beautiful and sounded great. But Karen has Madonna beat in that Karen not only could play several instruments (drums AND piano, at least according to her Wikipedia entry), but it was one of the main components to her performances... so, at least for me, she provided a more "complete package" than Madonna. I don't think I've come across any of Madonna's performances on-screen or elsewhere where she was playing an instrument.
@@OTCRock4one nowadays we have to use automated voices. There isn't anyone who can really sing like people did in the past. Something is happening to people's vocal cords.
The best voice in music history. Period! Doesn't scream/yell, sing 72 grace notes every other bar. She doesn't make herself more important than the song itself. She wraps her voice around the song and gently brings out the emotions of us all. Insane tone quality. Just beautiful beyond description. NO ONE has ever done this as well as Karen. Almost brings me to tears anytime I hear her sing. Bar none, the best ever!
Jennifer, it's been four years since you posted your remarks which I agree with. Are you still on TH-cam? My life as I am sure yours as many others has changed greatly over just 4 short years. When I read comments from folk posted several years back, I often wonder whatever happened to them. Hope you're well.
Especially juxtaposed to who she was as an individual, the very surprising difficulty she had in finding someone that would treat her well... The one guy that she did manage to find to make this happen results in a terrible and short-lived marriage. Like these sad songs just came to life through her sad existence that drove her to such a horribly premature and awful death.
21 years old here. 21. I had trouble tying my shoes at 21. Her voice had the depth of living hundreds of years. Both sadly and in joy. Karen is a timeless, eternal talent -- her singing unmatched, her drummimg extraordinary.
Very well said! Her Voice still shocks me.Karen would open her mouth to sing and a much older so perfected voice came out.Been a fan since day one but she still stops me in my tracks every time I hear her sing.
Hi Tim... That's cool that you got to see them live. I never did. I was wondering if you ever got to see them live and in person on a tv show where they lip-sync'd. The reason I'm asking is because I have never seen a tv show in person and always wondered what the studio audience hears when it's performed this way? Do they hear the recording being played over the speakers AND hear all the instruments on stage playing? Or ???
I have not witnessed lip synching on a tv show but I am sure that the mics in the studio would be totally off and the audience would hear the recording
I doubt if she was the first ever .. but she was one of the greatest singers of all time, and a superb drummer. So she certainly is one of the BEST ever!!
The pure, flawless and angelic tone of Karens voice evokes the most exquisite pain and heartbreak. Those qualities combined with the heartfelt lyrics and beautiful instrumentals formed the genius of the Carpenters.
+HatefulHal Talent like the Carpenters is so special. They should be cherished. We are all flawed and broken in some way. So let's have compassion for one another, especially when the persons bring joy and pleasure to the world!
+Stephen Hardy I doubt we lost any music from her unfortunate death. They were years past their prime.. It's still very sad though. Such a beautifully voice-driven group is not really seen today.
As beautiful as her voice is and as talented her singing style is, she is still very greatly under rated. Without exaggeration, she is quite possibly the best, ever !
I was 13 years old, and I remember being SO excited to see the Carpenters perform this song for the first time on The Carol Burnette Show. I LOVED Carol Burnette and the Carpenters...so it was a memorable night.
That is what I loved about her voice not just soothing, but every word was "understood" to the highest degree to make your heart sing and calm your soul.
31 years ago yesterday we all lost Karen. As time goes on, it hurts even more to hear her voice; so much music lost in all those years since. Her singing was unmistakable; everyone knew Karen's voice, it was so, so special. I hope the angels appreciate Karen's singing as much as we did.
The cleanest and most beautiful female voice of the last 100 years. Plus she was a competent drummer! Can you imagine? I can't walk and chew gum at the same time!!
THe best vocal performance I have ever heard. Oh sure, there are the modern day primas that have vocal ranges and warbling dynamics that can summon beagles from Madagascar, but to draw feeling & emotion from one's soul, this is tough to beat.
+Marty Howe exactly... today's female singers get off on hearing themselves sing! and when they are "more into the song" they sing louder! that is why their talent is suspect... they do not get that a GREAT LEGENDARY ONE IN A BILLION VOICE AND ONE IN A LIFETIME VOICE like karen carpenter that like karen was the EPITOME of, a singer is supposed to SING TO YOU NOT AT YOU!.....
+Steve H. She had an incredible voice, but sometimes Richard is overlooked. He new the keys her voice was suited to & he arranged all the songs so that her natural tone & range could be used to its fullest. She had an absolutely Haunting low end to her voice that resonates so well. And Richard new that, & did the song arrangements so it would Really bring that out. When Richard was in rehab, Karen did a solo album with a different producer that didnt realize what keys the magic range of her voice was in. It was a big disappointment for most. It didnt even Sound like her. He had her singing in keys WAY too high for her voice & she sounded like everybody else. She had that magical resonance that is so rare. I doubt if there will ever be another Karen. Still miss her.
+STEVE SIMMS Very informative post. I remember when I got one of their "best of" albums that gave some explanations for the songs on it. I was amazed to find out the original released recording for Superstar was the first take and she was reading the words from a cocktail napkin. I just sounded so good that they didn't see a need to do any more takes. I wonder how often that happens. A few years ago, I listened to Cher's version and it sounded pretty hideous in comparison.
I watched this show, then walked down Withers Road to Pak 'n' Sak and bought the 45 single. I was breathless during the performance. I was then, as I am now - completely gobsmacked by her voice and my reaction.
Karen Carpenter, I think, had the most beautiful voice in the history of pop music. So pure, so flawless and so emotionally powerful. Hearing her sing is so achingly beautiful it makes your heart hurt. She was our Superstar. I miss her so very much.
Amazing voice. I can listen to Karen over and over. Saddest day was when she died. I had never seen my Dad cry before. It is an image I will never forget.
Someone said that music lovers the world over had a piece of their heart ripped out the day Karen died. I felt that way too. The more years that go by the more I appreciate the uniqueness of her voice. A treasure lost.
Watching Karen sing AND play a drum kit just melts my heart....damn what a woman. She is so beautiful, her voice is beautiful and she plays drums. I think I'm right in saying this is all mime....no leads, no mics...it's a recording. That was normal in those days. Hands up....I'm completely smitten....Karen Carpenter has captured my heart!
A rare contralto voice with perfect pitch, perfect tempo on percussion, the soul to use them both in perfect harmony, and the uncanny talent to perform both at the same time. Popular music has never had another gifted musician like Karen Carpenter.
I grew up listening to the Carpenters, and never realized Karen also played the drums...what a magnificent talent she had. Was a very sad day when she died....
One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs. Karen had such a way conveying this, and many other songs, with that quality. Even in my childhood, when they first came out, I could sense the loneliness and sadness in Karen's voice.
By far my favorite of the Carpenters' songs. Such a great haunting melody and chord changes. I do wish they did these performances without lip syncing back then, which this is. There are some truly "live" clips of the Carpenters showing that they could definitely play and sing magnificently live.
The TV show contracts, back then, probably made it a legal requirement for nearly all guest musicians to mimic their own pre-recorded hits in front of the TV studio audience. The lack of microphones and connecting cables is telling. Keyboard, bass, guitar, and horn playing can be mimicked, but drumming cannot be faked. She had to hit 'em.
I was in junior high when they came on the scene and I remember Karen behind the drums. A girl playing the drums was quite unique first of all. And they were phenomenal, they hit it big and fast once they came out with Close to You and We've Only Just Begun (which became a popular wedding song). Seems every song they sang was so good and playing on the radio or tv, it was such great music, takes me back.
The Carpenters were incredible. Karen’s gorgeous voice and drumming skills and Richard’s compositions and piano playing. Just unreal. The best!!! Love and miss you Karen. ❤❤❤
My dear Karen was one woman in a million. Todays' most popular female acts could study her diction and delivery till the day they die and still not come close to her natural talent. Gone but never forgotten.
I've said it over and over again that Karen Carpenter had the most perfect pitch ever when she sang. I am so pleased to read these comments from so many that understood how perfect she was. There will never be another like her. I am so sad when I see and hear her beautiful voice. We were fortunate to have had her even if it was for so short a while.
Wonderful. I especially love this song because it's so melancholy and sad.A great song to listen to late at night when you're feeling down. There was never another singer like Karen Carpenter and there will never be another.
I love the Carpenters! All of their songs are calm, hopeful upbeat and soothing and give me a warm feeling inside and many of them make me want to sing and dance!
My friend who died at a young age bought tons of tickets to one of the concerts and just gave them out at no cost. That is the type of person he was. So giving. He loved the carpenters as l do. I miss his spirit and l miss the Karen.
As a young teenager in the 70's I had a huge crush on her. Her voice just drew you in so that nothing else mattered. Rip Karen, you're truly missed. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
THIS was the song that made me a true believer in Karen & Rich. Any way it's put, this is a Masterpiece, pure & simple. Late summer, 1971,I was 24 y/o, heading to 25, & reeling from a love affair that ended with sadness & heartbreak. ------------------------Wolfsky9
She really put all she had into her music. That combined with an incredible singing talent made it an explosive combination. Obviously a very sensitive human being which would explain what happened to her later on.
Karen met Cubby O’ Brien, the show’s drummer on one of her performances here and was so impressed with him, she offered him to be her backing drummer on tour. He accepted and did so for the next 10 years, until she died.
My father was stationed in Incirlik AFB in Adana Turkey. We PCSd there in 1971 ... the air force let us watch tv shows from the states ... i remember watching this with my mother ... she loved Karen Carpenter. She cried when Karen Carpenter died ... what a long time ago that was. I hope everybody who enjoyed that day, that performance, remembers only the joy
Never get tired of listening to Karen. She’s such a beautiful soul and such a tragic loss. We met her back in the “college” shows as a shy teenage girl just discovering her talent. And right before our very eyes, we saw her develop into a beautiful young lady, nurturing and growing that gift into super stardom. I truly believe, had just a couple things been different in life, she would still be with us. I hate to think how lonely and painful things were for her. I think she knew and that’s why she spent that last night at her parents.I’m glad she finally got that 100% mother love and not being second best to Richard in those final moments. I’m glad Karen got that in the end!! 💜💜💜💜we love and miss you Karen. Thank you for all the beautiful songs to remember you 💜💜💜💜
Karen and the Carpenter's were more than a Singer and a Music Group, they were a Voice for Millions of People...they were speaking for us through their music...we didn't just hear it we FELT their music, WE LOVED & LIVED IT, With them, grieving with them❤
I remember watching this when it originally aired. I was in 2nd grade or so. I recall thinking to myself: "A woman playing drums!" Pretty uncommon. I was too young to appreciate this song then. Today it knocks me out!
She was an enigma: angelic voice, while playing great drums, and wearing a bright yellow southern belle dress, live on the Carol Burnett show! The audience was like whaaaaat???
How many drummers in this century have been able to sing like this???? Karen Carpenter is a once in a lifetime legend! Her vocals are perfect and her talent is to this day is unmatched.
![Carpenters on Johnny Cash 1970 - Rainy Days & Mondays [HQ]](/img/n.gif)
Karen and Richard Carpenter...talk about a hit making duo record companies did not know how to package. A top notch female drummer who really did not want to be up front singing and her brother creating musical hit arrangements, backing vocals and playing piano. That's talent! Gone at 32, far too soon. RIP Karen.
Karen Carpenter is one of the few people that makes me hope for an afterlife where we can meet people who have passed over. She never received the love and respect she deserved in life, I hope that somehow she is able to feel it now. The millions who love and admire her so deeply, even after all these years. Her voice touches my very soul.
What a lovely comment. Thank you so much!
Amen, please Dear Lord!
Ditto...love her❤
I watch her on TH-cam almost daily. It breaks my heart. She was such a beautiful lady ❤️
Well put. The Carpenters were way too square for me when I was a kid. Only in my later years, did I start to appreciate what a truly angelic voice she had. Such a tragic loss, she did deserve so much more.
I really can't explain it, but I can't listen to Karen Carpenter without becoming teary eyed and overcome with melancholy. It's almost as if she's singing the funeral for a world in decline, and for a nation being overwhelmed by it's own greatness. Just like Karen was overwhelmed personally. In other ways, her music is intensely commemorative of my childhood and growing up in a world that was still relatively innocent, but losing it's innocence rapidly.
+hartley81848184 Agree. This type of music is no more, and how sad this is!
+hartley81848184 I thinkb you put it very well. I understand and agree.
so well said.
+hartley81848184 every generation has said its losing its innocense....your getting older and your mortality is setting in...which is a good thing
Mike Edwards I'll ponder that thought.
I'm 32 yrs old, I just noticed that there was a woman called Karen Carpenter. Her voice is beautiful and it touches my soul. I'm crying right now. I wish I could give her a hug now. What a story. Rest in peace I bet she's receiving love in heaven. ❤
I am crying too... thank you
I'm not! 😳😥😣😢😭
m.th-cam.com/video/ZdbGDLC4qhI/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUPd2UncmUgYWxsIGFsb25l
It was a tragic story. On a tour of England, Paul McCartney invited them to the studio where he was recording an album for his brother. Paul told her she was his favorite female voice. Later that day they went and did press for their show and an interviewer asked her what she thought about a reviewer noticing she had “big hips”. Imagine going from that high to being told that in a couple hours.
@@alexanderh.5814 Someone should have told the reviewer they have a big mouth, though I know Karen would not have done it!
Her voice is almost haunting. After over 30 years after her death there still is not one female recording artist that can match the range and emotion in her voice. She is truly missed and will never be forgotten.
+Larry Diaz SO true!! shes a treasure.
+Larry Diaz I hear a bit of Karen in Madonna when Madonna sings love songs.
+D Jones You just compared Karen Carpenter to Madonna.
Way to totally miss the boat.
+D Jones Karen was actually one of Madonna's inspirations and influences so it's not a surprise you hear a little Karen in Madonna- I have heard the same thing is some of Madonna's ballads when she goes into her lower register.
+Steve Owen At their prime, both Karen and Madonna, respectively, were both beautiful and sounded great. But Karen has Madonna beat in that Karen not only could play several instruments (drums AND piano, at least according to her Wikipedia entry), but it was one of the main components to her performances... so, at least for me, she provided a more "complete package" than Madonna. I don't think I've come across any of Madonna's performances on-screen or elsewhere where she was playing an instrument.
STILL second to none......Karen Carpenter. Hauntingly beautiful.
One of the greatest voices of anyone who ever lived. Karen Carpenter.
Yes the best.
And notice she doesn't sing thru her nose with auto-tune like women nowadays...
I absolutely agree. She was a Super star to me.
a great drummer as well.
@@OTCRock4one nowadays we have to use automated voices. There isn't anyone who can really sing like people did in the past. Something is happening to people's vocal cords.
Almost 50 years later and millions are still coming to listen to Karen, what a beautiful voice and wonderful interpretations
Absolutely!!! Saw them in concert 3 times!!!❤❤❤
I never got to meet or see them perform, but I would bet a beautiful soul too, they always seemed SO nice!
The best voice in music history. Period! Doesn't scream/yell, sing 72 grace notes every other bar. She doesn't make herself more important than the song itself. She wraps her voice around the song and gently brings out the emotions of us all. Insane tone quality. Just beautiful beyond description. NO ONE has ever done this as well as Karen. Almost brings me to tears anytime I hear her sing. Bar none, the best ever!
Agree.
No “almost”!
Completely agree with you! THE BEST SINGER EVER, PERIOD!
Agreed. She is the *best ever.* ❤
yes! and I miss her!
A women on the drums singing like an angel !!!
Such a pure voice. It breaks my heart to listen to her sometimes.
Jennifer Mellem-Teegarden it does me also.
Jennifer, it's been four years since you posted your remarks which I agree with. Are you still on TH-cam? My life as I am sure yours as many others has changed greatly over just 4 short years. When I read comments from folk posted several years back, I often wonder whatever happened to them. Hope you're well.
me too..
Especially juxtaposed to who she was as an individual, the very surprising difficulty she had in finding someone that would treat her well... The one guy that she did manage to find to make this happen results in a terrible and short-lived marriage. Like these sad songs just came to life through her sad existence that drove her to such a horribly premature and awful death.
For Me along with
Minnie Rippertin
“Loving You”
21 years old here. 21. I had trouble tying my shoes at 21. Her voice had the depth of living hundreds of years. Both sadly and in joy. Karen is a timeless, eternal talent -- her singing unmatched, her drummimg extraordinary.
Wow, she was 21??? I was never sure of her age during her career, I’m amazed
Very well said! Her Voice still shocks me.Karen would open her mouth to sing and a much older so perfected voice came out.Been a fan since day one but she still stops me in my tracks every time I hear her sing.
Yes
21 playing drums and singing
Just awesome in 71 and now 2023. Timeless
Timeless Perfection!
I saw them live in Carnegie Hall in May of 1971 and she played the whole show from the drums and sang like an angel!!! Love her talent.....
Hi Tim... That's cool that you got to see them live. I never did. I was wondering if you ever got to see them live and in person on a tv show where they lip-sync'd. The reason I'm asking is because I have never seen a tv show in person and always wondered what the studio audience hears when it's performed this way? Do they hear the recording being played over the speakers AND hear all the instruments on stage playing? Or ???
I have not witnessed lip synching on a tv show but I am sure that the mics in the studio would be totally off and the audience would hear the recording
Tim Jackson so awesome. i love when they have her behind the drums
You were blessed. Since I was a child, I missed that golden opportunity.
I envy you.
she is the first singing female drummer am i right? RIP dear karen the world never forget how beautiful you are
No Honeycombs drummer
I doubt if she was the first ever .. but she was one of the greatest singers of all time, and a superb drummer. So she certainly is one of the BEST ever!!
@@zx7-rr486 she wasn't, look up the honeycombs. But she is certainly the best
She has the best voice of anyone. No one will ever compare to her.
Sheels1976 absolutely
the best voice of anyone ? her voice is nice but not the best voice of anyone. you must not have heard many singers
don't take such a personal stance' you are merely a passing entity displaying your opinionated response to my preference...
Darren Stubley I love that :)
Lip sync to record?
The pure, flawless and angelic tone of Karens voice evokes the most exquisite pain and heartbreak. Those qualities combined with the heartfelt lyrics and beautiful instrumentals formed the genius of the Carpenters.
+Stephen Hardy I agree. They were /are both selfish bastards.
+HatefulHal Talent like the Carpenters is so special.
They should be cherished. We are all flawed and broken in some way. So let's have compassion for one another, especially when the persons bring joy and pleasure to the world!
+Stephen Hardy I doubt we lost any music from her unfortunate death. They were years past their prime.. It's still very sad though. Such a beautifully voice-driven group is not really seen today.
+blogegog When you have talent like that you are never past your prime.....
+Miketheman926 I agree 100%!!!!
Seeing Karen play the drums while singing Superstar has made me appreciate her talents more as an artist.
As beautiful as her voice is and as talented her singing style is, she is still very greatly under rated. Without exaggeration, she is quite possibly the best, ever !
Green Glory
Green Glory
Underrated ?? Never heard that before. We all know she is def in the top 3 voices of all time.
Yeah? You see and hear how she's promoted over madonna and the other current hores?
lol
Not in the Rock n Roll hall of fame! How is that possible?
@@clark6g I wonder if she ever got a Life Time Achievement award from any award show. This is a travesty.
I fell in love with her in 1970-never got over it.
A voice like that comes around only once in 10,000 years.
Frank Sinatra once said that Karen Carpenter is the only singer he would pay money to hear sing
Righteous Brother
If true ,amazing
There is a Barbra Streisand,And there was a Whitney Houston
I'd pay money to have her resurrected and fully restored to go back to showing the world how to sing properly.
@JJ Bonneville, I sense a little envy there? Even in your wildest dreams you can never even hold a candle to Old Blue Eyes!😆
Really? Sinatra rarely praised anyone.
How about Keely Smith and Judith Durham? Richard from Alabama (ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!)
Nothing makes me cry, no films or anything. But Karen has done it so many times
Did you ever stub your toe
KAC3 absolutely. Like I posted above, she brings back feeling I thought were dead and buried. Magical.
Harley no, but once I was riding my bike and I hit a deep rut and my nuts were driven into the gooseneck. Wow.
The most beautiful female singing voice I’ve ever heard. Angelic
I think Eva Cassidy would be a strong contender. Another once-in-a-lifetime talent who died too young
me too Dawn!
This amazing woman is missed. Her voice is stunning, no one like her till this day.
I was 13 years old, and I remember being SO excited to see the Carpenters perform this song for the first time on The Carol Burnette Show. I LOVED Carol Burnette and the Carpenters...so it was a memorable night.
This comes when you understood every word in the song. Miss her so much.
That is what I loved about her voice not just soothing, but every word was "understood" to the highest degree to make your heart sing and calm your soul.
Karen is the best. Thank God we have TH-cam and her recordings to enjoy.
No female artist will ever be like her. She’s pure originality.
so true
❤❤❤ zij is de beste.
Life is crazy! Carol Burnett is still alive and will be turning 87 in April, and our beloved Karen has been gone for 37 years. 😓
I was only 15 when this song came out, but it left a permanent mark on my life!
One of the best female singers of all time!!
The most beautiful voice ever existed.
31 years ago yesterday we all lost Karen. As time goes on, it hurts even more to hear her voice; so much music lost in all those years since. Her singing was unmistakable; everyone knew Karen's voice, it was so, so special. I hope the angels appreciate Karen's singing as much as we did.
La meilleure chanteuse pop ...on a pas fais mieux depuis ...Karen for ever !
yes, i agree with it all. Her voice was one of a kind, even to a kid as I was in the early 70s, it subconsciously sticks, even after 42 years!
Those of us who loved her "cleanly", are forever heartbroken. Karen would have gone to much higher gains, no doubt.
sweet smokey voice.she was the best female artist of all time in my opinion.she never gets old to me or has ever died she lives on.
The cleanest and most beautiful female voice of the last 100 years. Plus she was a competent drummer! Can you imagine? I can't walk and chew gum at the same time!!
People like me that understand real music know she is the best singer ever.theres always going to be your disbelievers till the end of time.
THe best vocal performance I have ever heard. Oh sure, there are the modern day primas that have vocal ranges and warbling dynamics that can summon beagles from Madagascar, but to draw feeling & emotion from one's soul, this is tough to beat.
Beagles from Madagascar??! I love it. But yes, I agree, she could really tug at your emotions with her singing.
+Marty Howe exactly... today's female singers get off on hearing themselves sing! and when they are "more into the song" they sing louder! that is why their talent is suspect... they do not get that a GREAT LEGENDARY ONE IN A BILLION VOICE AND ONE IN A LIFETIME VOICE like karen carpenter that like karen was the EPITOME of, a singer is supposed to SING TO YOU NOT AT YOU!.....
+Marty Howe @Marty. LOL that was awesome. :) Karen was and is still a national treasure.
+Steve H. She had an incredible voice, but sometimes Richard is overlooked. He new the keys her voice was suited to & he arranged all the songs so that her natural tone & range could be used to its fullest. She had an absolutely Haunting low end to her voice that resonates so well. And Richard new that, & did the song arrangements so it would Really bring that out. When Richard was in rehab, Karen did a solo album with a different producer that didnt realize what keys the magic range of her voice was in. It was a big disappointment for most. It didnt even Sound like her. He had her singing in keys WAY too high for her voice & she sounded like everybody else. She had that magical resonance that is so rare. I doubt if there will ever be another Karen. Still miss her.
+STEVE SIMMS Very informative post. I remember when I got one of their "best of" albums that gave some explanations for the songs on it. I was amazed to find out the original released recording for Superstar was the first take and she was reading the words from a cocktail napkin. I just sounded so good that they didn't see a need to do any more takes. I wonder how often that happens. A few years ago, I listened to Cher's version and it sounded pretty hideous in comparison.
Karen has the highest respect as i see things , she is renowned as the greatest female vocalist and possibly the greatest vocalist this century
It's really, really cool she's playing drums. I know that was her first love. Pretty awesome.
total badass. Shes always recognized for her death and voice but she was an awesome drummer too!
Yeah! I don't know if she have played in all Carpenter's sessions, but it's fantastic. She really use to play the drums very well.
Drummer of the year in 1975!
When I saw her behind the drums at Lake Tahoe in 1974, I feel in love. I was 13.
Mine did too!
I watched this show, then walked down Withers Road to Pak 'n' Sak and bought the 45 single. I was breathless during the performance. I was then, as I am now - completely gobsmacked by her voice and my reaction.
Her voice is one of the best of all time. There is no debate. God help me, I love it so.
There has never been and never will be A voice as sweet clear and Sure of soul as Karen Carpenter ... Ever Again
Karen Carpenter is the 'VOICE"!
Karen Carpenter, I think, had the most beautiful voice in the history of pop music. So pure, so flawless and so emotionally powerful. Hearing her sing is so achingly beautiful it makes your heart hurt. She was our Superstar. I miss her so very much.
Amazing voice. I can listen to Karen over and over. Saddest day was when she died. I had never seen my Dad cry before. It is an image I will never forget.
Someone said that music lovers the world over had a piece of their heart ripped out the day Karen died. I felt that way too. The more years that go by the more I appreciate the uniqueness of her voice. A treasure lost.
God, she had a beautiful voice. Quite possibly the best female voice of our age.
Yes you usually this in Sopranos female singers Karen was a Alto I'm told
russell she was technically a contralto.
@@jameshowland7393 👍
Karen Carpenter made better use of her voice in thirty seconds than most singers will ever achieve in their entire lifetime.
Watching Karen sing AND play a drum kit just melts my heart....damn what a woman. She is so beautiful, her voice is beautiful and she plays drums. I think I'm right in saying this is all mime....no leads, no mics...it's a recording. That was normal in those days. Hands up....I'm completely smitten....Karen Carpenter has captured my heart!
A rare contralto voice with perfect pitch, perfect tempo on percussion, the soul to use them both in perfect harmony, and the uncanny talent to perform both at the same time. Popular music has never had another gifted musician like Karen Carpenter.
I know dis song, growing-up, listening 2 Luthor Vandross.
RESPECT 2 Karen Carpenter!
So much control in her voice and still kicking ass on the drums.
As a teen in the 70s I totally fell in love with this woman.
Get in line, buddy! 😉
I grew up listening to the Carpenters, and never realized Karen also played the drums...what a magnificent talent she had. Was a very sad day when she died....
Karen had the amazing ability to touch people's hearts, and she continues to do it to this day.
One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs. Karen had such a way conveying this, and many other songs, with that quality. Even in my childhood, when they first came out, I could sense the loneliness and sadness in Karen's voice.
Leon Russell wrote that hauntingly beautiful song,but I bet that he would have acknowledged that Karen got the most emotion out of that vocal.
An amazing soul and presence! Always missed RIP Karen.
Karen Carpenter was the best. She makes me cry, and I don't have eyeballs.
Blue what happened to your eyeballs?
She could rip a tear from a stone really. So great was Karen.
Blue Her voice is so incredible, it moves me to tears. Or it would, if I had eyes! Yohohoho!
I'm-only 3 and a half years old and I love Karen Carpenter. She reminds me of when I was young
Karen IS my favorite female singer. The girl sang like an ANGEL.
A beautiful lady with a golden voice,taken from us way too soon.
By far my favorite of the Carpenters' songs. Such a great haunting melody and chord changes. I do wish they did these performances without lip syncing back then, which this is. There are some truly "live" clips of the Carpenters showing that they could definitely play and sing magnificently live.
The TV show contracts, back then, probably made it a legal requirement for nearly all guest musicians to mimic their own pre-recorded hits in front of the TV studio audience. The lack of microphones and connecting cables is telling. Keyboard, bass, guitar, and horn playing can be mimicked, but drumming cannot be faked. She had to hit 'em.
I was in junior high when they came on the scene and I remember Karen behind the drums. A girl playing the drums was quite unique first of all. And they were phenomenal, they hit it big and fast once they came out with Close to You and We've Only Just Begun (which became a popular wedding song). Seems every song they sang was so good and playing on the radio or tv, it was such great music, takes me back.
Karen the pioneer of lady drummers, she rocks
one in a million voice...emotional, melancholy, haunting and perfect
Beautiful.
Her voice is unlike any other I've ever heard, so haunting, yet it draws you inexorably in. There are few that have ever come close to matching her.
The Carpenters were incredible. Karen’s gorgeous voice and drumming skills and Richard’s compositions and piano playing. Just unreal. The best!!! Love and miss you Karen. ❤❤❤
My dear Karen was one woman in a million. Todays' most popular female acts could study her diction and delivery till the day they die and still not come close to her natural talent. Gone but never forgotten.
I've said it over and over again that Karen Carpenter had the most perfect pitch ever when she sang. I am so pleased to read these comments from so many that understood how perfect she was. There will never be another like her. I am so sad when I see and hear her beautiful voice. We were fortunate to have had her even if it was for so short a while.
Wonderful. I especially love this song because it's so melancholy and sad.A great song to listen to late at night when you're feeling down. There was never another singer like Karen Carpenter and there will never be another.
She makes me cry. She can bring back feelings I buried a long time ago.
She was a beautiful voice taken way to early
This so beautiful. Her voice is so amazing,
I guess she didn't realize how great she was. What a voice! What soul! I enjoyed watching the various movies and docs on them. What talent!
I love the Carpenters! All of their songs are calm, hopeful upbeat and soothing and give me a warm feeling inside and many of them make me want to sing and dance!
My friend who died at a young age bought tons of tickets to one of the concerts and just gave them out at no cost. That is the type of person he was. So giving. He loved the carpenters as l do. I miss his spirit and l miss the Karen.
Remember when the Carpenters were so damn big - we forgot all about the Beatles?
Oh my. What memories. I was 9 years old when she passed away. Even then I was blown away by that voice.
Wow it's so rare to see Karen play the drums for this song!
As a young teenager in the 70's I had a huge crush on her. Her voice just drew you in so that nothing else mattered. Rip Karen, you're truly missed. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
Her voice was the warmest ever, her drumming was fenomenal... Died too soon
THIS was the song that made me a true believer in Karen & Rich. Any way it's put, this is a Masterpiece, pure & simple. Late summer, 1971,I was 24 y/o, heading to 25, & reeling from a love affair that ended with sadness & heartbreak. ------------------------Wolfsky9
She really put all she had into her music. That combined with an incredible singing talent made it an explosive combination. Obviously a very sensitive human being which would explain what happened to her later on.
Beautiful song. '70-'74 best years for music ever IMO
I cant explain it eaither....
But I start to cry every time i hear her sing......
Those two were so talented, I'm sure they had proud parents. Hate that she had all that inner pain. So much talent.
Karen met Cubby O’ Brien, the show’s drummer on one of her performances here and was so impressed with him, she offered him to be her backing drummer on tour.
He accepted and did so for the next 10 years, until she died.
A great smooth voice. Loved by millions
Oh Karen, after you there is nothing else.
How true!
Karen Carpenter,Whitney Houston & Freddie Mercury are three voices you'll never replace!! R.I.P. I miss them
This really takes me down memory lane. I was only 12 at the time. I'm sure we watched the show. My folks loved Carol Burnett.
Same here, I was 13, my parents always watched it also. Shame tv and music today doesn't have as much class and style as it did then.
general burkhalter I agree. I love going down memory lane more often the older I get. TH-cam is much less stressful than Facebook, haha!
+general burkhalter I miss everything about the 70's.
My father was stationed in Incirlik AFB in Adana Turkey. We PCSd there in 1971 ... the air force let us watch tv shows from the states ... i remember watching this with my mother ... she loved Karen Carpenter. She cried when Karen Carpenter died ... what a long time ago that was. I hope everybody who enjoyed that day, that performance, remembers only the joy
2019
Still listening to Karen's beautiful voice..
What talent she had!
Never get tired of listening to Karen. She’s such a beautiful soul and such a tragic loss. We met her back in the “college” shows as a shy teenage girl just discovering her talent. And right before our very eyes, we saw her develop into a beautiful young lady, nurturing and growing that gift into super stardom. I truly believe, had just a couple things been different in life, she would still be with us. I hate to think how lonely and painful things were for her. I think she knew and that’s why she spent that last night at her parents.I’m glad she finally got that 100% mother love and not being second best to Richard in those final moments. I’m glad Karen got that in the end!!
💜💜💜💜we love and miss you Karen. Thank you for all the beautiful songs to remember you 💜💜💜💜
Beautiful song written by the great Leon Russell....
Bonnie Bramlett collaborated with Leon on this one. Great song.
Karen and the Carpenter's were more than a Singer and a Music Group, they were a Voice for Millions of People...they were speaking for us through their music...we didn't just hear it we FELT their music, WE LOVED & LIVED IT, With them, grieving with them❤
karen had the sweetest voice.....the carpenters were very talented and their music was/is awesome!!!
I remember watching this when it originally aired. I was in 2nd grade or so. I recall thinking to myself: "A woman playing drums!" Pretty uncommon. I was too young to appreciate this song then. Today it knocks me out!
She was an enigma: angelic voice, while playing great drums, and wearing a bright yellow southern belle dress, live on the Carol Burnett show! The audience was like whaaaaat???
When I hear the Carpenters, Karen’s voice is really just Mesmerizing-Soulful-Beautiful
Ive allways loved to hear her Sing
Crushing. Rest in peace, Karen. The GOAT in heaven.
How many drummers in this century have been able to sing like this???? Karen Carpenter is a once in a lifetime legend! Her vocals are perfect and her talent is to this day is unmatched.