High School Class of '65 here. The Carpenters were my first favorite group. Looking back I took their excellence for granted. Now in my mid-70s, I have given music a second chance. Yes to Home free, but also to Floor Jansen of Nightwish fame, to Lara Fabian that makes me regret not taking any classes on speaking in French and Morgan James. I love how the young folks, (Michael, that includes you) are learning about the great voices of yesteryear - The Righteous Brothers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt. I will put my vote in for some Norah Jones and Nina Simone for singers that can move our emotions. Thank You for allowing us to be with you on this journey.
My favorite voice ever...I love that song...Try these Carpenters classics Rainy Days and Mondays, A Song For You, Close To You, This Masquerade....and so many more
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 made you listen to her. She had no professional voice training. John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant that she had a lovely voice. 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. KC was a one of a kind female vocalist with the voice of an angel. She was never happy with way she looked. She had a few friends, her good friend was Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia.
"The honesty and the truth in her voice is fantastic." What a wonderful comment. We all know she's technically astounding, so hearing you say something more than that was a great surprise :)
In 1969, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett started writing this song, friends such as Eric Clapton, Leon Russel, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge and I think a couple of others all added to it. Bette Midler sang it first on the Tonight Show, but it really took off when The Carpenters did it in 1970. They changed one line from the original "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again" to "I can hardly wait to be with you again." Their version was the signature version, and I really think no one has done it better.
The song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett of Delaney and Bonnie. They may have recorded it but the Carpenters made it famous. Great choice. Great reaction. Try Rainy Days and Mondays.
@@jamesanderson5268 GROUPIE (Superstar) about Eric Clapton who was touring with Delaney and Bonnie. The Carpenters made some line changes to soften it up for the kiddies: "see you again" rather than "sleep with you again" plus a few chord changes that Russell and company didn't care for.
Effortless is the only word that comes to mind regarding Karen Carpenter. The song was recorded by other artists prior to The Carpenters, most notably, by Cher. It was written by Leon Russell and Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett. I’m not that smart, I looked it up on Wiki Mike. Great to hear this and of course, your reaction.
Try the Carpenters version of "This Masquerade". You might remember The George Benson hit of the same name. Written and also performed by Leon Russell.
One of the greatest female voices of all time. Sadden by the thought of the loss of future songs by them because of her passing. Great reaction. You have a blessed day
I remember Cher singing this. The Sonny and Cher show had Carpenters on and Cher sang their songs. Seems like their songs were featured in a few movies too. Really popular and beautiful songs. I found some video of Karen playing drums in her performances.
Karen recorded the vocals in a single take, after Richard wrote the lyrics on a napkin for her to sing. Karen's voice is unmatched. Perfection. She is also a brilliant drummer. Try: Close to You, Sing, For All We Know.
One of the iconic songs of The Carpenters pure gold the voice of Karen Carpenter and the arrangements of Richard Carpenter beautiful rest in peace Karen Carpenter
The song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett. It was originally done by Delaney and Bonnie, and the original name of the song was "Groupie." It was supposedly about Eric Clapton.
There is a video on TH-cam from one of the Carpenters later television specials where she sings a medley with Ella Fitzgerald. It is tragic because she is SO thin and sick, but you can see the appreciation Ella has for her voice when they are singing together. Two singers that always sang PERFECTLY in tune. Right in the center of the note. Karen was also known as being a "one take" artist. She came in to the recording studio and often sang it perfectly the first time and that was it.
I took a quick peek through Wikipedia. I was a sophomore in high school when the Carpenters covered this song, 1971. A little more reading: Luther Vandross was 1983 and Ruben Stoddard was 2003. The Carpenters heard Bette Midler sing it before Richard arranged it and unspiced portion of the lyrics. It truly is a timeless song, sung by others -- since 1969!
Written by the great Leon Russell ( who also wrote Masquerade- made famous by George Benson) and Bonnie Bramlett. Carpenters recorded this around 1970?
She had such a hard life. I read the book and it was sad. RIP Karen! That said Richard was a superb arranger but his family only believed he was the only one with talent.
Wikipedia says Superstar was originally written and released by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, with credit also going to Delaney Bramlett in 1969. This Carpenters cover was released in 1971, and Luther Vandross cover came out in 1983. I only knew the Carpenters version. This video took me back to driving home from my girlfriend's house ... i forgot it was a reaction. Thanks!
My voice is in the same range, but that’s it-I have nowhere near her beautiful tone and power, but at least it means that I can sing along! She has always been my ideal in terms of singing voice.
One of my favorite stories about Karen Carpenter: She was in a restaurant with (I think) some friends, in Los Angeles, and as it turned out, John Lennon was eating at another table. As Karen and her friend were leaving, John walked up to her and said, "I just want to say, love, I think you've got a fabulous voice!" Then he went away. Karen was absolutely floored. She was a very everyday, humble person. Couldn't believe John Lennon complimented her. Totally agree with you...the honesty and the truth of her voice is amazing, "Superstar" was one of her absolute best. You might try "A Song for You" as well...similar. Raw and vulnerable.
Watching these Carpenter videos particullarly Karen’s vocals really brings to mind how super talented she was compared to todays artists. Really she was the best back then and now.
Love your honesty, I feel some reactors like everything, I am referring to your steely dan gaucho reaction, and I love the carpenters, Karen's voice is pure silk, I have a request, another great singer, engelbert humperdinck singing live from 1997 in Los Angeles the song is unchained melody. Love you reactions... love and peace from atlantic canada
Karen's voice was velvet... satin. Her first love was as the drummer "behind the scenes" so to speak but with a beautiful voice like that, she had to be heard. Such a loss 💖 Song facts: It's about a woman who falls for a rock star, has a tryst with him, but then in a bout of delusion awaits his return, apparently falling for it when he said he loved her. It was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett who recorded it in 1969. Richard Carpenter was nominated for a Grammy for his arrangement of the song which they released in 1971. Luther Vandross recorded it in 1984 😉
The fantastic original is called Groupie ( Superstar) by Delaney & Bonnie. The Carpenter’s version is less sexual than the original. Such a beautiful version. No one has that Karen melancholy & vocal depth.
One of the great voices of all time. A beautiful alto while most female soloists were sopranos. Cass Elliot of the Mamas and Papas was another great alto.
Written in 1969. A duo named Delaney and Bonnie sang it first. Was made famous and Sung by Carpenters in 1971 and Luther Vandross in 1983. I looked it up Rita Coolidge had the idea of it because of groupies. Great reaction.
Check out the Carpenters version of Masquerade. It came out I think about 2 years before George Benson's version and also A Song For You which was also recorded by Donnie Hathaway. Karen and Richard at their finest. Great arrangements by Richard.
The Carpenters did it originally. Luther redid the song later. There must be dozens who recorded the song, including Cher, Rita Coolidge, Joe Cocker, Vikki Carr, and Luther Vandross, to name a few. However, it is Karen's voice that made this song a Big Hit.
The song Superstar was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell in 1969. It was recorded by Karen Carpenter in 1971. Although others have covered the song, Karen's vocals and interpretation remain the best to this day.
To answer our question about who was the first to record this, here's a couple of excerpts from Songfacts.com that explain it pretty well ... "Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett wrote this song, which is about a woman who falls for a rock star, has a tryst with him, but then in a bout of delusion awaits his return, apparently falling for it when he said he loved her. ... Delaney & Bonnie were the first to record this song, releasing it as the B-side of their 1969 single "Comin' Home." At the time, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)." Rita Coolidge then began performing the song on Joe Cocker's 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. A young Better Midler started performing the song later in the year, and Richard Carpenter heard the song for the first time when Bette Midler performed it on The Tonight Show. Richard knew it could be a hit for the Carpenters, so he reworked the song in their style and recorded it, resulting in the most successful version." Their version peaked at #2 on the charts ... Luthor Vandross peaked at #87. So, I believe Richard Carpenter was correct ... theirs was the most successful version. Further (from Songfacts.com) ... "Superstar" was recorded by Karen on her first take, singing the lyrics that had been scribbled by Richard onto a napkin. It took a while for Karen to warm up to the song. "For some reason that tune didn't hit me in the beginning," she recalled in a 1981 interview. "It's the only one. Richard looked at me like I had three heads. He said: 'Are you out of your mind?' When I heard his arrangement of it I fell over, and now it's one of my favorites too."
I’m Super excited for you to dive into more Carpenter’s. They were my absolute all time group way back then. I had many of their albums, still do in fact, although it’s been many years since I’ve listened to them, so it’s time to dust them off and between watching your Carpenters journey, and my albums become reacquainted with their wonderfully beautiful songs. Thanks so much for reacting to them, I’m here for it. Be safe!
The Carpenters are the originators of this song. Long before Luther Vandross did it. You should react to "Goodbye to Love" by The Carpenters. Beautiful song. Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it
Richard Carpenter does write a lot of the Carpenters music, and he's quite proficient at it. However, they are covering this one. This is originally written by Leon Russell, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Karen makes every song she sings golden. Thanks for the great video!
Karen was one of a kind. Beautiful calming voice. Gone far too soon. Glad you are doing some more of the Carpenter's music. Will suggest "Rainy Days & Mondays", "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "For All We Know", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.
Speaking of 70's..please take a listen to *Donny Osmond - Go Away Little Girl - 1971.* He was the teen heartthrob of over half the young girls in America in the 70's. Me included 😁 He has also still been putting music videos out as recently as this year. He was 13 when he sang this cover of Go Away Little Girl which was first sung by Bobby Vee in 1962. However, Donny had the biggest hit with it. It went to #1 on the charts September 1971 about 4 months before Donny turned 14. He and Michael Jackson were contemporaries, with Michael being about a year older than Donny even though Donny had been performing for longer than Michael. Donny made his 1st appearance on tv on The Andy Williams show at the age of 5 in 1963. Donny and Michael became friends since they were 2 teenagers surrounded by older brothers and adults. They had so much in common because of this experience that it made it easy for them to become friends. Donny went solo before Michael did but then Donny & his sister, Marie, landed a tv show. Later on while Michael's solo career was taking off, Donny decided that having a family meant more to him. He still did music but his main concentration was on building and nurturing a family. He performs in Vegas often but he did make a splash as the Peacock on the 1st season of The Masked Singer.
May I suggest watching the Kennedy Center Honors clip with Aretha making a surprise appearance at the ceremony for her friend Carole King. Not a dry eye in the house!
Luther recorded his version 12 years after the Carpenters. I had read that he liked Karen Carpenter and his version came out months after Karen had passed away in 1983.
Another song is "If I were a Carpenter" is great. It was also sung by June Carter and Johnnie Cash. But I don't know it's origin, or who recorded it first.
Listen to "Yesterday Once More", it is probably my second favorite Carpenters song. My all -time favorite is off their Christmas Portraits album, called " Merry Christmas Darling" but that gets played alot during the holiday season, so you most likely have heard it. She also does a beautiful "Ave Maria" on that album as well.
From what I've read that song was a first take. She did several recording but they ultimately went with the very first recording which was being read off a napkin as she was singing it. Hauntingly, genuine voice. Best I've ever heard
Amen my friend!!! I absolutely love your comments regarding songs done by newer artists that turn out to be from legendary artists from back in the day. I grew up listening to the Carpenters. Karen’s contralto voice with harmony from her brother Richard are LEGENDARY!!!
I .loved watching the Carpenters. It is so sad to see this very talented young woman to an ea ting disorder. A new approach to the disease could possibly mean that we COULD BE HEARING THEM TODAY. Can you just imagine HEARING an older KAREN Carpenter ??
![Home Free - Stand By Me [Home Free's Version] REACTION VIDEO](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vVh4E3Mmtwg/mqdefault.jpg)
Not only does she have an incredible voice, but she’s an amazing drummer
We’ve only just Begun is a carpenters classic
High School Class of '65 here. The Carpenters were my first favorite group. Looking back I took their excellence for granted. Now in my mid-70s, I have given music a second chance. Yes to Home free, but also to Floor Jansen of Nightwish fame, to Lara Fabian that makes me regret not taking any classes on speaking in French and Morgan James. I love how the young folks, (Michael, that includes you) are learning about the great voices of yesteryear - The Righteous Brothers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt.
I will put my vote in for some Norah Jones and Nina Simone for singers that can move our emotions. Thank You for allowing us to be with you on this journey.
My favorite voice ever...I love that song...Try these Carpenters classics Rainy Days and Mondays, A Song For You, Close To You, This Masquerade....and so many more
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 made you listen to her. She had no professional voice training. John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant that she had a lovely voice. 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. KC was a one of a kind female vocalist with the voice of an angel. She was never happy with way she looked. She had a few friends, her good friend was Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia.
The magical voice of Karen Carpenter ❤️
Karen Carpenter has a voice that can bring me to tears. Part of it is because her talent was so profound and her life was so tragic.
A favorite of mine....so hauntingly beautiful. Really showcases Karen's sultry voice
A Song for You, is a stunning song. You will love it
"The honesty and the truth in her voice is fantastic." What a wonderful comment. We all know she's technically astounding, so hearing you say something more than that was a great surprise :)
The voice of an angel, taken too soon, and now singing for the angels. I cherish the memory of the one time I saw them in concert.
Trbble pup...me too. The only good thing my parents did for me and my sister.
In 1969, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett started writing this song, friends such as Eric Clapton, Leon Russel, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge and I think a couple of others all added to it. Bette Midler sang it first on the Tonight Show, but it really took off when The Carpenters did it in 1970. They changed one line from the original "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again" to "I can hardly wait to be with you again." Their version was the signature version, and I really think no one has done it better.
The song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett of Delaney and Bonnie. They may have recorded it but the Carpenters made it famous. Great choice. Great reaction. Try Rainy Days and Mondays.
I love Rainy Days and Mondays!!!!!
Oh my gosh yes
The song was originally named "The Groupie" while there were writing it. I think it was a good name change.
@@jamesanderson5268 GROUPIE (Superstar) about Eric Clapton who was touring with Delaney and Bonnie. The Carpenters made some line changes to soften it up for the kiddies: "see you again" rather than "sleep with you again" plus a few chord changes that Russell and company didn't care for.
Effortless is the only word that comes to mind regarding Karen Carpenter. The song was recorded by other artists prior to The Carpenters, most notably, by Cher. It was written by Leon Russell and Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett. I’m not that smart, I looked it up on Wiki Mike. Great to hear this and of course, your reaction.
Try the Carpenters version of "This Masquerade". You might remember The George Benson hit of the same name. Written and also performed by Leon Russell.
Good to see you back again in my feed.
One of the greatest female voices of all time. Sadden by the thought of the loss of future songs by them because of her passing. Great reaction. You have a blessed day
Oh the memories. Thank you!
I remember Cher singing this. The Sonny and Cher show had Carpenters on and Cher sang their songs. Seems like their songs were featured in a few movies too. Really popular and beautiful songs. I found some video of Karen playing drums in her performances.
Such a soulful voice and one heck of a drummer. There will never be another voice like her ever.
Like I have said before...the 1950s-1970s put out the best collection of music in world history. Today we have just imitators...bad imitators.
She was an angel on earth with a voice from the heavens.
💜thank you !!
Karen Carpenter was the most spectactular singer & drummer!! Fabulous to listen to her with the Carpenters!! xx
Karen recorded the vocals in a single take, after Richard wrote the lyrics on a napkin for her to sing.
Karen's voice is unmatched. Perfection.
She is also a brilliant drummer.
Try: Close to You, Sing, For All We Know.
One of the iconic songs of The Carpenters pure gold the voice of Karen Carpenter and the arrangements of Richard Carpenter beautiful rest in peace Karen Carpenter
Carpenters original on Superstar. So smooth.mn
The song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett. It was originally done by Delaney and Bonnie, and the original name of the song was "Groupie." It was supposedly about Eric Clapton.
it was really written by singer Rita Coolidge, who wrote about it in her book
She had such a calming angelic voice and presence
There is a video on TH-cam from one of the Carpenters later television specials where she sings a medley with Ella Fitzgerald. It is tragic because she is SO thin and sick, but you can see the appreciation Ella has for her voice when they are singing together. Two singers that always sang PERFECTLY in tune. Right in the center of the note. Karen was also known as being a "one take" artist. She came in to the recording studio and often sang it perfectly the first time and that was it.
One of the very best songs ever...
I took a quick peek through Wikipedia. I was a sophomore in high school when the Carpenters covered this song, 1971. A little more reading: Luther Vandross was 1983 and Ruben Stoddard was 2003. The Carpenters heard Bette Midler sing it before Richard arranged it and unspiced portion of the lyrics.
It truly is a timeless song, sung by others -- since 1969!
My apologies to Ruben Studdard. I didn't mean to misspell your name.
My eyes are getting to 66 before I am.
I love your reactions! Calm and peaceful, just Like Karen Carpenter's voice.
Written by the great Leon Russell ( who also wrote Masquerade- made famous by George Benson) and Bonnie Bramlett. Carpenters recorded this around 1970?
🎤 🎶💕 Silky Velvety Silk 💕 My favorite female singer of all time 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸
S
So beautiful and so tragic. Heart rending. This woman.
Love Karen!! I would suggest Rainy Days and Mondays and A Song For You.
"Top of the World" is a good upbeat Carpenters song.
"Goodbye to Love" is another brilliant performance by Karen. Her ability to sing an incredibly long phrase on a single breath is astounding!
Like most artist and actors that are great, she makes it sound effortless. I would suggest Solitaire. Any song in their catalog is gold. Thank you !
Solitaire! Yes!
Yes... please! Solitaire!
A great Leon Russell song and her buttery voice ..... good lord
Luther Vandross covered this song later, but the Carpenter's ver. is my favorite, even when it first hit the charts.
Haunting.....
She had such a hard life. I read the book and it was sad. RIP Karen! That said Richard was a superb arranger but his family only believed he was the only one with talent.
Wikipedia says Superstar was originally written and released by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, with credit also going to Delaney Bramlett in 1969. This Carpenters cover was released in 1971, and Luther Vandross cover came out in 1983. I only knew the Carpenters version. This video took me back to driving home from my girlfriend's house ... i forgot it was a reaction. Thanks!
Growing up (as an alto- mostly) i loved that she was powerful in the lower range and so clean and smooth! Still love to hear anything by them ❤
My voice is in the same range, but that’s it-I have nowhere near her beautiful tone and power, but at least it means that I can sing along! She has always been my ideal in terms of singing voice.
One of my favorite stories about Karen Carpenter: She was in a restaurant with (I think) some friends, in Los Angeles, and as it turned out, John Lennon was eating at another table. As Karen and her friend were leaving, John walked up to her and said, "I just want to say, love, I think you've got a fabulous voice!" Then he went away. Karen was absolutely floored. She was a very everyday, humble person. Couldn't believe John Lennon complimented her.
Totally agree with you...the honesty and the truth of her voice is amazing, "Superstar" was one of her absolute best. You might try "A Song for You" as well...similar. Raw and vulnerable.
Watching these Carpenter videos particullarly Karen’s vocals really brings to mind how super talented she was compared to todays artists. Really she was the best back then and now.
Close to You is a beautiful song that showcases her range. The musical accompaniment is so vibrant too. My favorite Carpenter’s song.
My favorite song by the carpenter,has always been close to you
Love your honesty, I feel some reactors like everything, I am referring to your steely dan gaucho reaction, and I love the carpenters, Karen's voice is pure silk, I have a request, another great singer, engelbert humperdinck singing live from 1997 in Los Angeles the song is unchained melody. Love you reactions... love and peace from atlantic canada
Karen's voice was velvet... satin. Her first love was as the drummer "behind the scenes" so to speak but with a beautiful voice like that, she had to be heard. Such a loss 💖 Song facts: It's about a woman who falls for a rock star, has a tryst with him, but then in a bout of delusion awaits his return, apparently falling for it when he said he loved her. It was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett who recorded it in 1969. Richard Carpenter was nominated for a Grammy for his arrangement of the song which they released in 1971. Luther Vandross recorded it in 1984 😉
The best ever...period.
The fantastic original is called Groupie ( Superstar) by Delaney & Bonnie. The Carpenter’s version is less sexual than the original. Such a beautiful version. No one has that Karen melancholy & vocal depth.
The song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, who originally titled it 'Groupie'.
One of the great voices of all time. A beautiful alto while most female soloists were sopranos. Cass Elliot of the Mamas and Papas was another great alto.
Written in 1969. A duo named Delaney and Bonnie sang it first. Was made famous and Sung by Carpenters in 1971 and Luther Vandross in 1983. I looked it up Rita Coolidge had the idea of it because of groupies. Great reaction.
A great reaction thank you so much. Please react to the carpenters "Solitare"
Rainy days and Mondays is one of my favorites.
Check out the Carpenters version of Masquerade. It came out I think about 2 years before George Benson's version and also A Song For You which was also recorded by Donnie Hathaway. Karen and Richard at their finest. Great arrangements by Richard.
And Leon Russell wrote A Song For You.
My all time favorite Carpenters song. From Karen's haunting voice, to the soft bottom of the bass, it is amazing. Great reaction.
She sang it in 1971 luther over a decade later…
The Carpenters did it originally. Luther redid the song later. There must be dozens who recorded the song, including Cher, Rita Coolidge, Joe Cocker, Vikki Carr, and Luther Vandross, to name a few. However, it is Karen's voice that made this song a Big Hit.
Microphones all want Karen Carpenter for Christmas
Such a talent and such a tragic loss.
Yes! Originals.
She’s amazing. The best voice. Wver
your next Carpenters song should be "Only Yesterday" love love that song. She was such a treasure
The song Superstar was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell in 1969. It was recorded by
Karen Carpenter in 1971. Although others have covered the song, Karen's vocals and interpretation remain the best to this day.
They were the originals. Karen's voice, Richard's voice , writing and arranging! I've been wanting HF to do a Carpenter song for ever
To answer our question about who was the first to record this, here's a couple of excerpts from Songfacts.com that explain it pretty well ...
"Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett wrote this song, which is about a woman who falls for a rock star, has a tryst with him, but then in a bout of delusion awaits his return, apparently falling for it when he said he loved her.
...
Delaney & Bonnie were the first to record this song, releasing it as the B-side of their 1969 single "Comin' Home." At the time, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)." Rita Coolidge then began performing the song on Joe Cocker's 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. A young Better Midler started performing the song later in the year, and Richard Carpenter heard the song for the first time when Bette Midler performed it on The Tonight Show. Richard knew it could be a hit for the Carpenters, so he reworked the song in their style and recorded it, resulting in the most successful version."
Their version peaked at #2 on the charts ... Luthor Vandross peaked at #87. So, I believe Richard Carpenter was correct ... theirs was the most successful version. Further (from Songfacts.com) ...
"Superstar" was recorded by Karen on her first take, singing the lyrics that had been scribbled by Richard onto a napkin. It took a while for Karen to warm up to the song. "For some reason that tune didn't hit me in the beginning," she recalled in a 1981 interview. "It's the only one. Richard looked at me like I had three heads. He said: 'Are you out of your mind?' When I heard his arrangement of it I fell over, and now it's one of my favorites too."
I’m Super excited for you to dive into more Carpenter’s. They were my absolute all time group way back then. I had many of their albums, still do in fact, although it’s been many years since I’ve listened to them, so it’s time to dust them off and between watching your Carpenters journey, and my albums become reacquainted with their wonderfully beautiful songs. Thanks so much for reacting to them, I’m here for it. Be safe!
James Gang ' The Bomber '
Joe Walsh
You will love the drums in this hit from the ' 70 ' s
I'm sure you already know but Luther andross did this song too, both are great 👍
I rarely subscribe but I’m in bro! Great job!!!
Thanks for the sub!
The Carpenters are the originators of this song. Long before Luther Vandross did it. You should react to "Goodbye to Love" by The Carpenters. Beautiful song. Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it
Glad you are doing well. Hope you have a total recovery. Keep rocking my friend
Originally recorded in 1969 by Delaney and Bonnie and co written by legendary Leon Russell. The Carpenters released their version in 1971
This was a cover for The Carpenters, too. Delaney & Bonnie released the original a couple years before The Carpenters.
Richard Carpenter does write a lot of the Carpenters music, and he's quite proficient at it. However, they are covering this one. This is originally written by Leon Russell, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Karen makes every song she sings golden. Thanks for the great video!
Karen Carpenter - greatest female voice ever.
Karen was one of a kind. Beautiful calming voice. Gone far too soon. Glad you are doing some more of the Carpenter's music. Will suggest "Rainy Days & Mondays", "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "For All We Know", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.
They. Sang. Such. Sad songs. All the. Time. Wow.
Speaking of 70's..please take a listen to *Donny Osmond - Go Away Little Girl - 1971.* He was the teen heartthrob of over half the young girls in America in the 70's. Me included 😁 He has also still been putting music videos out as recently as this year. He was 13 when he sang this cover of Go Away Little Girl which was first sung by Bobby Vee in 1962. However, Donny had the biggest hit with it. It went to #1 on the charts September 1971 about 4 months before Donny turned 14.
He and Michael Jackson were contemporaries, with Michael being about a year older than Donny even though Donny had been performing for longer than Michael. Donny made his 1st appearance on tv on The Andy Williams show at the age of 5 in 1963.
Donny and Michael became friends since they were 2 teenagers surrounded by older brothers and adults. They had so much in common because of this experience that it made it easy for them to become friends. Donny went solo before Michael did but then Donny & his sister, Marie, landed a tv show. Later on while Michael's solo career was taking off, Donny decided that having a family meant more to him. He still did music but his main concentration was on building and nurturing a family. He performs in Vegas often but he did make a splash as the Peacock on the 1st season of The Masked Singer.
Wow... I love your voice
Karen had one of the sweetest voices of all time!👍🏻❤️☮️😢🙏🏼
Leon Russell wrote and performed this song, and the Carpenters did their own version. Many years later, Luther covered it
We lost one of the most beautiful voices when she died
Yes Luther Vandross sang this song too
May I suggest watching the Kennedy Center Honors clip with Aretha making a surprise appearance at the ceremony for her friend Carole King. Not a dry eye in the house!
Luther recorded his version 12 years after the Carpenters. I had read that he liked Karen Carpenter and his version came out months after Karen had passed away in 1983.
Rainy days and mondays or all of my life. A song for you etc
Another song is "If I were a Carpenter" is great. It was also sung by June Carter and Johnnie Cash. But I don't know it's origin, or who recorded it first.
Great reaction 😊, and this was recorded in one take by karen. Please react "Carpenters - Only Yesterday"
Listen to "Yesterday Once More", it is probably my second favorite Carpenters song. My all -time favorite is off their Christmas Portraits album, called " Merry Christmas Darling" but that gets played alot during the holiday season, so you most likely have heard it. She also does a beautiful "Ave Maria" on that album as well.
Try Rainy Days and Mondays, it is one of my all time favorite songs!!
From what I've read that song was a first take. She did several recording but they ultimately went with the very first recording which was being read off a napkin as she was singing it. Hauntingly, genuine voice. Best I've ever heard
Amen my friend!!! I absolutely love your comments regarding songs done by newer artists that turn out to be from legendary artists from back in the day. I grew up listening to the Carpenters. Karen’s contralto voice with harmony from her brother Richard are LEGENDARY!!!
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I .loved watching the Carpenters. It is so sad to see this very talented young woman to an ea ting disorder.
A new approach to the disease could possibly mean that we COULD BE HEARING THEM TODAY. Can you just imagine HEARING an older KAREN Carpenter ??
Ella and Karen might be the two greatest female voices in all of popular music.