One of the most moving songs ever recorded. The fact it was a 'work lead' done in one take makes it even more extraordinary and testament to the insane purity of Karen's voice.
Yeah…she was just 32 years old when she passed. Such phenomenal God given talent. When the Carpenters first began Karen did all the drumming while singing and it seemed so effortless, it actually took a lot of coaxing to get her out from behind the drums to sing up front and she never was truly comfortable with it. She had spectacular jazz chops on the drums and her voice was one in a million… the Carpenters did a Burt Bacharach song medley spanning his career as a composer and Karen had to handle all the drum rhythm changes from song excerpt to excerpt while singing flawlessly. It’s amazing to watch…I recommend it.
Young Lady : 1st off, what YOU are hearing, is from the Posthumous album from the Fall of '83, " Voice Of The Heart " . --------In May of '82, as a very ill Karen , weighing 92lbs, returned from NYC to LA, Richard brought her to A & M studio, to record what is called a " WORK LEAD " --------that is, the vocal, with Rich on Piano, just so he could then figure out how to arrange, orchestrate, & then, produce the song. " Now ", was the final work lead, & the very last time Karen ever stepped up to the mic., & sang. On the song that you hear, accompanying her, are The OK Chorale, from Long Beach State University. ----------After Karen died, Richard went back to the studio, arranged this song, orchestrated, & brought the chorale in, to sing backgrounds. He had Karen's voice, & all else, was added in the studio after she was gone. He did that, with several more songs from Work Leads, & other songs just never finished. -----------------MJL< 76 y/o
I’ve been a fan since 1970 and saw them in concert twice , owned all their albums but that last line may have been the most beautiful line she ever sang . Somehow very fitting .
Hi Dani: I appreciate your comments. It makes me happy when someone from a younger generation could appreciate The Carpenters, and Karen in particular. I was working in the Chevron USA Plant in El Segundo, California on that day when Karen left us (February 04, 1983) - It was a sad moment for me...and almost 40 years later, I still feel sad about her passing. She is one of the very few individuals over the years that brings tears to my eyes when she sings. I enjoy many female vocalists, but Karen was different...and very special. With Karen's voice, it is no wonder that Richard oftentimes is overlooked, but without Richard...the Carpenters sound would never had existed. I am glad that Richard to this day... is still in the music industry; and he even released a new album (?) this January 2022. Yes, Karen was very special...and her voice...and performances reach deeper. Thank you, Dani. I think you are special, too. :)
Dani, you said it so well. How could this magically talented, beautiful woman not see in herself what we saw and what you are seeing. Absolutely heartbreaking. But we have her gift of song for all time. RIP, God's Angel.
HI Danni, I think the whole Karen Carpenter story is just so haunting and so very , very sad. To this day, her voice has this angelic and smooth and soothing feel that I don't know if I have ever heard anything like it since. It is just simply so beautiful and it is so sad that we will not ever hear it again . Sometimes , things are just not fair.
When Karen passed away, 32 seemed "old" to me because I was only in junior high at the time. Now that I'm 53, it seems even more tragic because Karen was just a baby. 32 was over twenty years ago for me and it's an age when you really start to put everything together. All the gifts that she still had to give is what is such a shame in my opinion.
I know what you mean about how ages can sound so different than how they actually feel. 32 is way too young. She had so much more to see and do, so very sad.
It almost sad in a way that her voice wasn’t more affected by her disease, it might have been the trigger she needed to get the help she so desperately needed. 🙏🏻 for a soul so tortured on this earth.
Why didn’t I notice that you hadn’t reacted to this one before??!! You must have read my mind because I was just watching reactions to this song last night. I’ve been a fan of the Carpenters since I was a young child and I’m 35 now, and this song remains my favourite song of all time (and that’s saying a lot!!!). I must have heard it a million times and it gets me every single time. It’s good that you can talk openly about people’s struggles. The Carpenters music has help me through so much of my own.
Hi Andrew! I think its so important that we openly talk about real issues that people have. It's not easy to do, but its so important and you never know who you could help. Sending love!
Dani many thanks for reacting to this song. I don't think I have heard it in a very long time. Karen had one of the most beautiful voices ever and she made me tear up especially knowing it was her last recording.
Dani, thanks for reacting to this beautiful haunting song and for your thoughtful comments. My wife and I really loved the Carpenters. We've Only Just Begun came out 5 days after we got married and meant a lot for us then as it does now. We even got to see them in concert a couple of years later. To lose Karen at such a young age was heartbreaking. A beautiful spirit gone to soon. Again, thanks for the reaction.❤
Karen recorded the vocals in one take on this one. Now was recorded in April of 1982 while she was on a break from her treatment. Richard finished it after she passed away less than a year later. That is why the backing vocals don't sound as much like many of the other Carpenter's songs.
Surprisingly, her anorexia never ruined her voice. It was absolutely gorgeous! This was just a rough studio take and was arranged and orchestrated by her brother after her death. Obviously, the video shown is a creative compilation of other performances.
With anorexia Nervosa and bulimia, perhaps Karen Carpenter's eating disorders (both psychological well as physical conditions) may have started out with concern over her weight; however, the problem actually began years prior when as a perfectionist in most areas of her life, she experienced having a lack of total control from a young age. Everyone was always laying out their expectations for her, telling Karen what to do, and how to think and feel; especially her overpowering mother who showed a greater amount of love, favoritism, and affection toward her brother Richard, over her. Karen Carpenter eventually discovered the one area in which she could have full control of her own life, and that was concerning her food intake - what, when, where, and how much she would eat and purge. When Karen first began to lose weight and began to receive compliments on how good she was looking, that encouraged her to keep going...until she went too far. That is when body dysphoria deceptively took full control over every aspect of her existence, especially in her mind. Unfortunately, by then Karen had entered into full-blown anorexia Nervosa, which very few professionals knew about at the time. Karen Carpenter severely abused laxatives, thyroid medication, and other substances, which sadly contributed to the failing of her organs; and ultimately led to her cardiac arrest at just 32 years old. Karen Carpenter was one of a kind. She is the one God chose to bless with that beautiful gifted voice from heaven. If only she had known just how much she truly was loved by Him. I pray that she knows it now and that she is living her eternity in Paradise with the LORD of Love, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. I cannot help but think that because Karen Carpenter was so famous all around the world, her unfortunate condition(s) caused medical professionals to research eating disorders further and that today, literally, MILLIONS of lives have been treated and saved because Karen was basically the forerunner. Every generation misses her greatly.
Karen is so loved -no drugs booze cursing swear words smoking -she is an angel -no sleeping around no nothing and she thought she wasnt good enough -Karen is my hero -i love her
Danni if you get a chance please react to "someday" by the carpenters. I believe it is truly one of their best. Karen was only nineteen when she sang this gem, I know you will enjoy this . Love your reactions.
I totally agree with you. Even at 19 years old when she recorded Someday we all knew how special that voice was. The very last note she sings gives me chills.
Karen had low self-esteem and a journalist criticizing her appearance triggered that insecurity. Before she died, she was starting to eat normally again, but it was too late. The damage had been done.
Dani, I sincerely thank you for speaking words of wisdom to your viewers. Your approach to the topic of Karen’s demon(s) and of the somewhat wider psychological and emotional afflictions that warp so many of our lives was admirable. Your articulation and sincerity in this regard were and are valuable to other fellow travelers. Thank you! ❤
Thank you!!! I think this topic is so important and not spoken about enough. I think these kind of issues are running rampant within our society and it saddens me that there is such a stigma around it. So many people are suffering silently.
Dani I agree with your observation about irony being a part of this song, as what she’s singing seems so at odds with what we’ve heard she was going through in the last days of her life. She was trying to wrap up her divorce from her husband, who lied to her before they married about his vasectomy when he knew she wanted to begin having children right away after they married. And he refused to have it reversed despite her pleas, but just kept milking her for money until she ran out of any ready cash and she finally faced the music and they agreed on a divorce. I believe she received the final papers to sign the morning she collapsed and died at her parents’ house in Downey.
The best female singer of all time her voice was like listening to an angel she sang about love like so few people could ever do and then she gets it finally and then she dies so very vey sad it makes you wonder why true love is so hard to truly find all I know is if you find it treat it better then silver or gold !
Im on my late 60s, so remember KC very well on the radio and TV specials. She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard, her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert in 1969 which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice or drum training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". Every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard. They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she received 4 Grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. She never knew true love, nor how good she really was. Check other songs such as 'Superstar'(1971), 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays', 'I Can Dream Cant I', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Need To Be In Love', 'Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had low self-image, and could never seem to please her mother. She had a few friends including Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, not who she thought, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday"].
Karens voice is so hauntingly beautiful and full of beauty. She was the very best. Shes so missed. Anorexia is such a complicated disease. My friends Mom passed away from Anorexia. ❤❤❤❤
To think she didn't really know what was to happen shortly after recording this song. Or did she? Richard knew something was not right. This song carries a lot of emotion, as you said, Dani. Artists aren't alone in feeling it. I think anyone who knows what was happening in her life at this time will be moved. Her passing from a diabetic coma was too tragic and senseless. It serves to remind us that no matter who you are or what position you hold in life, everyone needs help of some kind. We should all try to be there for that someone when it comes.
Great reaction, as usual. Knowing your enthusiastic admiration for Elvis Presley and Tom Jones as great singers, admiration that I always shared. I remember When I was 10 y.o. I could not wait 8 pm to watch Tom Jones show at BBC Channel every Thursday back in 1968,1969, 1970. I've seen you Tom Jones reaction videos like 200 times so far; I loved them all. Just taking the chance to suggest : " Tom Jones on the Midnight Special Toms tribute to his friend Elvis. March 24 1978.keep up the good job, your reactions are awesome.
What ever she looked liked, her spectacular voice never changed. She was a one off and never ever to be forgotten. Where do you hear a vocal like this nowadays. Karen is like a Vincent Van Gogh. Work it out your self ❤
KAREN'S FINAL TIME SINGING & RECORDING. IN MAY OF '82, SWHE DID A " WOEK LEAD " VOCAL WITH RICHARD ON PIANO. LATER IN '83, AFTER KAREN DOED, RICHARD TOOK THAT LEAD VOCAL, & ARRANGED THE MUSIC, & ADDED THE VOICES OF THE OK CHORALE, FROM LONG BEACH STATE UNIVERSITY. " NOW " IS ON THE POSTHUMOUS ALBUM, " VOICE OF THE HEART " , RELEASED IN THE FALL OF 83. KAREN NEVER SANG AGAIN , AFTER THIS WORK LEAD FROM MAY 20TH, OF '82. SHE HAD LESS THAN 9 MONTHS , TO LIVE. ---------------MJL, 77 Y/O
The impression I always got from Karen, even though in 1983 and being a musically inclined 6-year-old, really hit me hard when the report was televised. Such a terrible loss 😔
Dani ..... You well really want to read this .....This is well worth you reading and reacting to ..... The Las Vegas show starts really at 3.45 ..... This song will melt your heart ..... { NOTE } ..... No sir ..... No-body showed him how to be Elvis ..... To move ..... To Sing .... Play guitar or anything ..... I know ..... I know ..... As the story of his growing up and learning from so-and-so and learning this from here or there .... They may have showed Elvis how they did things ..... But Elvis was Elvis ..... And I know NOBODY showed him that but himself ..... PEOPLE ..... You can't teach someone who they are ..... They just are ..... SEE ..... Lots of people claim this and that .... But it all was just him ..... Elvis was born to be ..... Well Elvis ..... Elvis's singing the way he sings the words are so different from anyone even now ..... It was all him ..... He was so different ..... He would change the world with his looks ..... His Style ..... His singing ..... OH ..... His singing is so perfect how he controls ever word ..... Every bit of it from the first sound to the last gasp of air to that word ..... Made him so different ..... His approach ..... Every facet of his life ..... Once Elvis showed up ..... The world woke up to his undeniable ..... Charm ..... Style ..... Outlook ..... His way he shined on to the world with his unstoppable Charisma ..... True story ..... No Brag ..... Just Fact ..... BIG N ..... React to this one ..... Listen to the part form 3:50 on to 4:12 when Elvis is introducing the song title and what he say's about B.J Thomas { Who by the way Elvis was great friends with and B.J had some great songs too as he had a southern kind of voice easy on the ears } You should do a reaction to this as any other "I can't help believing " has the Introduction that I can find ..... th-cam.com/video/O5C8nw8ncAY/w-d-xo.html ..... And this one you'll love to ..... What to see if you don't laugh yourself .. .. Then try and see ..... You will ..... Attachments area Preview TH-cam video Elvis can't stop laughing ..... Humer and class and laughter from Elvis ..... True Cissy Houston { Whitney Houston's } mom sang with Elvis ..... But only for 5 weeks Engagement and so listen to this as Cissy is the one that keeps sings and Elvis says " Sing it baby " As Elvis can't stop laughing ..... Just listen and see that Elvis ..... Elvis had a laugh that could spread like wild fire once it starts .... See if you don't laugh too ..... th-cam.com/video/WoqVFEE1UBY/w-d-xo.html
@Dani Atkinson- It was a very sad ending to this brilliant artists. You mentioned in this video that Karen looked very thin. She was so thin. She got down to only about 70 to 80 pounds before she died.
Yes hello it's me again hey there Carpenters is a legend that we should be happy for that brought music into this world worker beautiful songs other than not happy Halloween calling to check your next video I don't hear your voice in it so I don't know there's something on your end or my end but I can hear you talk and everybody else but I can't hear you here so I'll just leave a comment from Canada Toronto Scarborough Ontario from Carlos Supertramp Garnett God bless you and family Carl
Karen died of Anorexia Nervosa on February 4, 1983. She died because her mother Agnes couldn't get over the fact that she opened her mouth and that voice came out. She overshadowed the golden child Richard and her mother could never accept that. I am in no way denigrating Richard. He is an absolute talent. He was just the favored child and Agnes couldn't accept that Karen and that golden voice overshadowed him.
Elvis tie in: the drummer on that song was none other than Ronnie Tutt, Elvis' live drummer who died on October 16th, 2021 just a couple weeks before you uploaded this video. In fact you see him when the drums come in....
Karen lived her life, desperate for love & approval from her Mother-------love she never did get. Then, seeking love from a man, also proved disastrous for her. She envied the thin, willowy look of the women of the 60's, like Michelle Phillips, Maryanne Faithful, & Jane Asher, to name a few. She was 5'4", 115 lbs, at her healthy weight. Her self image really took a hit when she was forced to come out from the drums, & face an audience. All of that, combined with the feeling of one thing she COULD control, & the pressure of performing, put her on the downward spiral of BOTH anorexia & binge-purge, eating. -----------------MJL< 76 y/o
Dani, it took me years to listen to this song. I can, now. It’s so haunting because of the lyrics and what was to come in a short time. Now that you know Tori I can share this as it is very Short but very well done. It’s one of Tori’s covers that gives me chills. Joe th-cam.com/video/SzMksf518_k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5-bMnajlKxRkOGbQ
Thanks Dani for this lovely reaction .. Very emotional in the context of it being Karen's last song .. For some reason it looks like there are a couple of scenes from Belinda Carlisle's "Summer Rain" video included in the video for this song, including one right near the end .. Not sure why that would be ? .. Cheers, Wayne
It’s a fan edited video Wayne. The same guy has done a few videos for album tracks where there was no official video. Many of them have clips from other music videos or films. So it probably was. Hope that helps.
She recorded this song in one take! She never got to perform it live because she died before it was ever released!
One of the most moving songs ever recorded. The fact it was a 'work lead' done in one take makes it even more extraordinary and testament to the insane purity of Karen's voice.
That her last song was a “One Take Karen” song is chilling. I felt the same when I found that out.
Yeah…she was just 32 years old when she passed. Such phenomenal God given talent. When the Carpenters first began Karen did all the drumming while singing and it seemed so effortless, it actually took a lot of coaxing to get her out from behind the drums to sing up front and she never was truly comfortable with it. She had spectacular jazz chops on the drums and her voice was one in a million… the Carpenters did a Burt Bacharach song medley spanning his career as a composer and Karen had to handle all the drum rhythm changes from song excerpt to excerpt while singing flawlessly. It’s amazing to watch…I recommend it.
Feb 4 1983
Haunting is the word. Hearing her beautiful voice again after all these years is a lovely but sad experience.
Even though Karen was deathly sick, she still had THAT VOICE!
NO ONE TOUCHES THIS VOICE!!!!!! SIMPLY PUT, THE BEST!!!!👍👍👍
Young Lady : 1st off, what YOU are hearing, is from the Posthumous album from the Fall of '83, " Voice Of The Heart " . --------In May of '82, as a very ill Karen , weighing 92lbs, returned from NYC to LA, Richard brought her to A & M studio, to record what is called a " WORK LEAD " --------that is, the vocal, with Rich on Piano, just so he could then figure out how to arrange, orchestrate, & then, produce the song. " Now ", was the final work lead, & the very last time Karen ever stepped up to the mic., & sang. On the song that you hear, accompanying her, are The OK Chorale, from Long Beach State University. ----------After Karen died, Richard went back to the studio, arranged this song, orchestrated, & brought the chorale in, to sing backgrounds. He had Karen's voice, & all else, was added in the studio after she was gone. He did that, with several more songs from Work Leads, & other songs just never finished. -----------------MJL< 76 y/o
I’ve been a fan since 1970 and saw them in concert twice , owned all their albums but that last line may have been the most beautiful line she ever sang . Somehow very fitting .
You were SO extremely lucky to hear The Carpenters in a live concert!
Dani, yours is the best of all reactions to Karen's voice and music. Thank you and bless you for keeping her voice and spirit alive.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I am crying right now. I know you understand.
Karen STILL had that marvelous VOICE!
The purest female voice I've ever heard.
Truly!
Even Olivia Newton-John said so!
@@mikewrasman5103 Frank Sinatra said she was the only person he would pay to see
Of all time. The purest voice of all time. Heaven sent if only for a short time.
Please continue to keep the memory and legacy of this woman alive for your generation and beyond. We need her voice NOW more than ever.
This song is so doubly sad. Thinking that she’d finally truly found someone to love. Then she dies. 😢 Beautiful voice.
She was going through a divorce.
Karen Carpenter had the purest voice in the world. Her singing always made me smile. A suggestion: Crescent Noon.
Her music makes me smile and cry....her death were her Mother's fault.
Hi Dani:
I appreciate your comments. It makes me happy when someone from a younger generation could appreciate The Carpenters, and Karen in particular. I was working in the Chevron USA Plant in El Segundo, California on that day when Karen left us (February 04, 1983) - It was a sad moment for me...and almost 40 years later, I still feel sad about her passing. She is one of the very few individuals over the years that brings tears to my eyes when she sings. I enjoy many female vocalists, but Karen was different...and very special. With Karen's voice, it is no wonder that Richard oftentimes is overlooked, but without Richard...the Carpenters sound would never had existed. I am glad that Richard to this day... is still in the music industry; and he even released a new album (?) this January 2022. Yes, Karen was very special...and her voice...and performances reach deeper. Thank you, Dani. I think you are special, too. :)
Dani, you said it so well. How could this magically talented, beautiful woman not see in herself what we saw and what you are seeing. Absolutely heartbreaking. But we have her gift of song for all time. RIP, God's Angel.
She did this in one take. Her voice was always beautiful, no matter what she was going through.
That's why Karen Carpenter was known as One Take Karen!
So beautiful. Sad that she never realized how precious she was. Always trying to be BETTER for her fans. R I P Angel. We miss you.
Thank you Dani. 👌
HI Danni, I think the whole Karen Carpenter story is just so haunting and so very , very sad. To this day, her voice has this angelic and smooth and soothing feel that I don't know if I have ever heard anything like it since. It is just simply so beautiful and it is so sad that we will not ever hear it again . Sometimes , things are just not fair.
When Karen passed away, 32 seemed "old" to me because I was only in junior high at the time. Now that I'm 53, it seems even more tragic because Karen was just a baby. 32 was over twenty years ago for me and it's an age when you really start to put everything together. All the gifts that she still had to give is what is such a shame in my opinion.
I know what you mean about how ages can sound so different than how they actually feel. 32 is way too young. She had so much more to see and do, so very sad.
Once again the most beautiful voice of all time, & beutiful arrangement by Richard
Tremendous reaction. Best female voice ever...no belting it out or screaming! Smooth and pleasant to our ears...Thanks so much Dani!
It almost sad in a way that her voice wasn’t more affected by her disease, it might have been the trigger she needed to get the help she so desperately needed. 🙏🏻 for a soul so tortured on this earth.
LOVELY Karen! She was the very BEST female voice of all time! She had a beautiful soul..... rest in peace dear Karen!
Why didn’t I notice that you hadn’t reacted to this one before??!! You must have read my mind because I was just watching reactions to this song last night. I’ve been a fan of the Carpenters since I was a young child and I’m 35 now, and this song remains my favourite song of all time (and that’s saying a lot!!!). I must have heard it a million times and it gets me every single time.
It’s good that you can talk openly about people’s struggles. The Carpenters music has help me through so much of my own.
Hi Andrew! I think its so important that we openly talk about real issues that people have. It's not easy to do, but its so important and you never know who you could help. Sending love!
Dani many thanks for reacting to this song. I don't think I have heard it in a very long time. Karen had one of the most beautiful voices ever and she made me tear up especially knowing it was her last recording.
Dani, thanks for reacting to this beautiful haunting song and for your thoughtful comments. My wife and I really loved the Carpenters. We've Only Just Begun came out 5 days after we got married and meant a lot for us then as it does now. We even got to see them in concert a couple of years later. To lose Karen at such a young age was heartbreaking. A beautiful spirit gone to soon. Again, thanks for the reaction.❤
Karen recorded the vocals in one take on this one. Now was recorded in April of 1982 while she was on a break from her treatment. Richard finished it after she passed away less than a year later. That is why the backing vocals don't sound as much like many of the other Carpenter's songs.
Surprisingly, her anorexia never ruined her voice. It was absolutely gorgeous! This was just a rough studio take and was arranged and orchestrated by her brother after her death. Obviously, the video shown is a creative compilation of other performances.
Another hidden gem by Carpenters that doesn't get covered often is "Leave Yesterday Behind". Give it a listen.
With anorexia Nervosa and bulimia, perhaps Karen Carpenter's eating disorders (both psychological well as physical conditions) may have started out with concern over her weight; however, the problem actually began years prior when as a perfectionist in most areas of her life, she experienced having a lack of total control from a young age.
Everyone was always laying out their expectations for her, telling Karen what to do, and how to think and feel; especially her overpowering mother who showed a greater amount of love, favoritism, and affection toward her brother Richard, over her.
Karen Carpenter eventually discovered the one area in which she could have full control of her own life, and that was concerning her food intake - what, when, where, and how much she would eat and purge.
When Karen first began to lose weight and began to receive compliments on how good she was looking, that encouraged her to keep going...until she went too far. That is when body dysphoria deceptively took full control over every aspect of her existence, especially in her mind.
Unfortunately, by then Karen had entered into full-blown anorexia Nervosa, which very few professionals knew about at the time. Karen Carpenter severely abused laxatives, thyroid medication, and other substances, which sadly contributed to the failing of her organs; and ultimately led to her cardiac arrest at just 32 years old.
Karen Carpenter was one of a kind. She is the one God chose to bless with that beautiful gifted voice from heaven. If only she had known just how much she truly was loved by Him. I pray that she knows it now and that she is living her eternity in Paradise with the LORD of Love, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
I cannot help but think that because Karen Carpenter was so famous all around the world, her unfortunate condition(s) caused medical professionals to research eating disorders further and that today, literally, MILLIONS of lives have been treated and saved because Karen was basically the forerunner. Every generation misses her greatly.
Your reaction shows so much empathy. Thank you!
Excellent reaction, Dani, thank you. I agree with your thoughts.
Karen is so loved -no drugs booze cursing swear words smoking -she is an angel -no sleeping around no nothing and she thought she wasnt good enough -Karen is my hero -i love her
Danni if you get a chance please react to "someday" by the carpenters. I believe it is truly one of their best. Karen was only nineteen when she sang this gem, I know you will enjoy this . Love your reactions.
I totally agree with you. Even at 19 years old when she recorded Someday we all knew how special that voice was. The very last note she sings gives me chills.
Awesome song I heard this the first time. 👍👍👍
Lovely. I never heard this one before.
Karen had low self-esteem and a journalist criticizing her appearance triggered that insecurity. Before she died, she was starting to eat normally again, but it was too late. The damage had been done.
Dani, you HAVE to hear "You're the One" by the Carpenters to fully appreciate the depth of talent they had (have). Thanks much, Edward
If this song doesnt make you cry I dont know what will such a feeling and a beautiful angelic voice RIP KC
i'm an old guy now. Miss that voice every day. Weird. And this song... is just so heartbreakingly sad. Thanks for the nice reaction, Ms. Atkinson.
Right you are, hauntingly beautiful!
Dani, Thank you for your reaction to The Carpenters. I do miss Karen and her amazing voice.
Dani, I sincerely thank you for speaking words of wisdom to your viewers. Your approach to the topic of Karen’s demon(s) and of the somewhat wider psychological and emotional afflictions that warp so many of our lives was admirable. Your articulation and sincerity in this regard were and are valuable to other fellow travelers. Thank you! ❤
Thank you!!! I think this topic is so important and not spoken about enough. I think these kind of issues are running rampant within our society and it saddens me that there is such a stigma around it. So many people are suffering silently.
Omg what a voice ❤❤❤
Dani I agree with your observation about irony being a part of this song, as what she’s singing seems so at odds with what we’ve heard she was going through in the last days of her life. She was trying to wrap up her divorce from her husband, who lied to her before they married about his vasectomy when he knew she wanted to begin having children right away after they married. And he refused to have it reversed despite her pleas, but just kept milking her for money until she ran out of any ready cash and she finally faced the music and they agreed on a divorce. I believe she received the final papers to sign the morning she collapsed and died at her parents’ house in Downey.
The best female singer of all time her voice was like listening to an angel she sang about love like so few people could ever do and then she gets it finally and then she dies so very vey sad it makes you wonder why true love is so hard to truly find all I know is if you find it treat it better then silver or gold !
Im on my late 60s, so remember KC very well on the radio and TV specials. She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard, her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert in 1969 which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice or drum training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". Every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard. They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she received 4 Grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. She never knew true love, nor how good she really was. Check other songs such as 'Superstar'(1971), 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays', 'I Can Dream Cant I', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Need To Be In Love', 'Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had low self-image, and could never seem to please her mother. She had a few friends including Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, not who she thought, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday"].
Thank you for your sensitive and caring reaction!💕🇨🇦🙏
You are quite a remarkable young lady..I could see how deeply this touched you. Thank You
karens just the greatest of all time,an angel.
Heaven sent!
All the feels.....
Thanks much for the song and your little bit sincere talk.
Done in one take!
Richard Carpenter is beyond awesome as a music arranger. Richard Carpenter is the BEST pop music arranger EVER!
Thank you for posting this and your thoughts! She was one in a million.😢
Thanks Danni Karen had as Elvis said the most beautiful voice
Karen has me blubbering... As usual!
Thank you Dani for the beautiful and emotional reaction. Karen had the voice of an angel, and passed away much too soon.
My ICON
Omg ❤❤❤ I am
Karens voice is so hauntingly beautiful and full of beauty. She was the very best. Shes so missed. Anorexia is such a complicated disease. My friends Mom passed away from Anorexia.
❤❤❤❤
To think she didn't really know what was to happen shortly after recording this song. Or did she? Richard knew something was not right. This song carries a lot of emotion, as you said, Dani. Artists aren't alone in feeling it. I think anyone who knows what was happening in her life at this time will be moved. Her passing from a diabetic coma was too tragic and senseless. It serves to remind us that no matter who you are or what position you hold in life, everyone needs help of some kind. We should all try to be there for that someone when it comes.
I got to meet her she was so beautiful inside and outside I miss her
Truly a poignant performance. Vocal perfection.
Dani, you have provided such a good insight and also provided a wonderful tribute to Karen! Thanks for sharing with us!
Great day ❤❤❤ I am amazed of this voice it's dope 👌👌👌 ain't no other words for it 😢😢😢😢
Dani the reaction to your face alone is tearing me up
I think she was singing about Jesus and didn't know it... because that's who she's with now.
Great reaction, as usual. Knowing your enthusiastic admiration for Elvis Presley and Tom Jones as great singers, admiration that I always shared. I remember When I was 10 y.o. I could not wait 8 pm to watch Tom Jones show at BBC Channel every Thursday back in 1968,1969, 1970. I've seen you Tom Jones reaction videos like 200 times so far; I loved them all. Just taking the chance to suggest : " Tom Jones on the Midnight Special Toms tribute to his friend Elvis. March 24 1978.keep up the good job, your reactions are awesome.
Thank you, Miguel!! That means a lot to me! That is so cool that you have those memories of waiting to watch Tom Jones as a kid!
Karen was SO sick! However, she still had that tremendous coltralto voice!
In real life it was sad sad because she had begun to pick up
A little weight🎉 and get better, she felt better…
What ever she looked liked, her spectacular voice never changed. She was a one off and never ever to be forgotten. Where do you hear a vocal like this nowadays. Karen is like a Vincent Van Gogh. Work it out your self ❤
Dani, if you want to listen to a treat, please listen to Karen's duet with Ella Fitzgerald. Two fantastic female voices!
Angelic
It would be nice to see your reaction to the Carpenters song "I Won't Last a Day Without You"
KAREN'S FINAL TIME SINGING & RECORDING. IN MAY OF '82, SWHE DID A " WOEK LEAD " VOCAL WITH RICHARD ON PIANO. LATER IN '83, AFTER KAREN DOED, RICHARD TOOK THAT LEAD VOCAL, & ARRANGED THE MUSIC, & ADDED THE VOICES OF THE OK CHORALE, FROM LONG BEACH STATE UNIVERSITY. " NOW " IS ON THE POSTHUMOUS ALBUM, " VOICE OF THE HEART " , RELEASED IN THE FALL OF 83. KAREN NEVER SANG AGAIN , AFTER THIS WORK LEAD FROM MAY 20TH, OF '82. SHE HAD LESS THAN 9 MONTHS , TO LIVE. ---------------MJL, 77 Y/O
It's extremely melancholy!!
The impression I always got from Karen, even though in 1983 and being a musically inclined 6-year-old, really hit me hard when the report was televised. Such a terrible loss 😔
Dani ..... You well really want to read this .....This is well worth you reading and reacting to ..... The Las Vegas show starts really at 3.45 ..... This song will melt your heart ..... { NOTE } ..... No sir ..... No-body showed him how to be Elvis ..... To move ..... To Sing .... Play guitar or anything ..... I know ..... I know ..... As the story of his growing up and learning from so-and-so and learning this from here or there .... They may have showed Elvis how they did things ..... But Elvis was Elvis ..... And I know NOBODY showed him that but himself ..... PEOPLE ..... You can't teach someone who they are ..... They just are ..... SEE ..... Lots of people claim this and that .... But it all was just him ..... Elvis was born to be ..... Well Elvis ..... Elvis's singing the way he sings the words are so different from anyone even now ..... It was all him ..... He was so different ..... He would change the world with his looks ..... His Style ..... His singing ..... OH ..... His singing is so perfect how he controls ever word ..... Every bit of it from the first sound to the last gasp of air to that word ..... Made him so different ..... His approach ..... Every facet of his life ..... Once Elvis showed up ..... The world woke up to his undeniable ..... Charm ..... Style ..... Outlook ..... His way he shined on to the world with his unstoppable Charisma ..... True story ..... No Brag ..... Just Fact ..... BIG N ..... React to this one ..... Listen to the part form 3:50 on to 4:12 when Elvis is introducing the song title and what he say's about B.J Thomas { Who by the way Elvis was great friends with and B.J had some great songs too as he had a southern kind of voice easy on the ears } You should do a reaction to this as any other "I can't help believing " has the Introduction that I can find ..... th-cam.com/video/O5C8nw8ncAY/w-d-xo.html ..... And this one you'll love to ..... What to see if you don't laugh yourself .. .. Then try and see ..... You will ..... Attachments area Preview TH-cam video Elvis can't stop laughing ..... Humer and class and laughter from Elvis ..... True Cissy Houston { Whitney Houston's } mom sang with Elvis ..... But only for 5 weeks Engagement and so listen to this as Cissy is the one that keeps sings and Elvis says " Sing it baby " As Elvis can't stop laughing ..... Just listen and see that Elvis ..... Elvis had a laugh that could spread like wild fire once it starts .... See if you don't laugh too ..... th-cam.com/video/WoqVFEE1UBY/w-d-xo.html
if you want to be surprised at The Carpenters then react to "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft". Trippy 👽
@Dani Atkinson- It was a very sad ending to this brilliant artists. You mentioned in this video that Karen looked very thin. She was so thin. She got down to only about 70 to 80 pounds before she died.
Don't recall hearing this one before
I wish Karen loved herself, as much as we all loved her!
Yes hello it's me again hey there Carpenters is a legend that we should be happy for that brought music into this world worker beautiful songs other than not happy Halloween calling to check your next video I don't hear your voice in it so I don't know there's something on your end or my end but I can hear you talk and everybody else but I can't hear you here so I'll just leave a comment from Canada Toronto Scarborough Ontario from Carlos Supertramp Garnett God bless you and family Carl
Karen died of
Anorexia Nervosa on
February 4, 1983. She died because her mother Agnes couldn't get over the fact that she opened her mouth and that voice came out. She overshadowed the golden child
Richard and her mother could never accept that. I am in no way denigrating
Richard. He is an absolute talent. He was just the favored child and Agnes couldn't accept that Karen and that golden voice overshadowed him.
😇
Dani listen to her version of the rainbow connection please
The video where Karen is so thin is from the Touch Me When We’re Dancing video.
Elvis tie in: the drummer on that song was none other than Ronnie Tutt, Elvis' live drummer who died on October 16th, 2021 just a couple weeks before you uploaded this video. In fact you see him when the drums come in....
Karen lived her life, desperate for love & approval from her Mother-------love she never did get. Then, seeking love from a man, also proved disastrous for her. She envied the thin, willowy look of the women of the 60's, like Michelle Phillips, Maryanne Faithful, & Jane Asher, to name a few. She was 5'4", 115 lbs, at her healthy weight. Her self image really took a hit when she was forced to come out from the drums, & face an audience. All of that, combined with the feeling of one thing she COULD control, & the pressure of performing, put her on the downward spiral of BOTH anorexia & binge-purge, eating. -----------------MJL< 76 y/o
Dani, it took me years to listen to this song. I can, now. It’s so haunting because of the lyrics and what was to come in a short time. Now that you know Tori I can share this as it is very Short but very well done. It’s one of Tori’s covers that gives me chills. Joe
th-cam.com/video/SzMksf518_k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5-bMnajlKxRkOGbQ
Your such a sweetheart..
Now is a melancholy song, maybe because this is Karen Carpenter's final song.
I think Karen knew she was going to pass -that is the most beautiful song -
She was known as One Take Karen.
Just my opinon - no one ever gave her peace ✌️✌️✌️✌️ thats all anyone wants - just peace ✌️✌️✌️✌️
You could tell by her thin face that dear, sweet Karen was extremely sick.
Please react to Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett. He's appearing on Bandstand.
She had no one to tell her, like you just did. So freakin' sad.
Thanks Dani for this lovely reaction .. Very emotional in the context of it being Karen's last song .. For some reason it looks like there are a couple of scenes from Belinda Carlisle's "Summer Rain" video included in the video for this song, including one right near the end .. Not sure why that would be ? .. Cheers, Wayne
It’s a fan edited video Wayne. The same guy has done a few videos for album tracks where there was no official video. Many of them have clips from other music videos or films. So it probably was. Hope that helps.
@@andrewlowery6030 Thanks for that helpful info Andrew .. Much appreciated .. Wayne
Because Mommy Carpenter criticized Karen's weight.