I grew up in Downey, worked for the Downey Police Department, knew both Karen & Richard, lived in their “Only Just Begun” apartments for over 20years. Evelyn Wallace, their personal secretary was my best friend for over 40 years. I stumbled upon your post this day and want to say how much I am enjoying it. For me it is both sad & sweet. You did a fantastic job putting this together. Brings back great memories for me. Thank You!
I'm a 57 year old male and love my classic rock. Led Zeppelin,Van Halen and The Who to name a few but always liked the Carpenters. When I was younger I would never admit that to anyone but as you grow older you can really appreciate just how good they really were. Karen's voice just pulls you in like no other female vocalist on the face of the planet.
My name is JAMES I live in Downey for many years. I’ve known Karen and Richard Carpenter for many many many years I went to school with Karen. She taught me how to play the drums respected her in every way we had a lot of fun playing through the halls of Downey high school after practice, Richard playing on the upright piano in the bedroom And a lot of other different things when I was in the service I saw them in March 19 70 and they had a concert at the Hawaiian place where they do their concerts HIC I think it’s called anyways best performance ever took a lot of pictures lotta recordings in my keepsakes known them for a long time And I told Richard back in 1970 to make a Christmas album. Don’t want no credit just suggested the idea and ever since then it took them 18 months to make the album and became a very big classic and I’m proud of that. I’m getting very old at my age And learning that they had a very successful life Richard and Derek, a lot of trials and tribulations and Mary at his side for his wife, dedicated her life to make the carpenters what it is. I’m very proud of what they did and I hope you see this note that I gave Mr. gifford who is the band teacher at Downey Senior high school I went to his funeral And I told the audience I was the only one speaking on my behalf I thought Mr. gifford was a big influence for the carpenters, even though he said they’re not in my class, but he was in a class of his own. Mr. gifford, was very nice cordial and guiding these kids to their victory of being successful in life. People may not this bag disagree with it, but I think it might opinion Mr. giver had a lot of influence in their lives Richard and Karen, very nice cordial apple pie, and I think that they displayed that in the way they lived. I will end this comment for right now JAMES SAVAGE. 0:40 😢
Karen Carpenters voice is like the clearest most flawless crystal - or a diamond its so clear and the tone so perfect you realize a voice is an instrument-its really is a beautiful sound
The Carpenters defined my youth. Karen was a magical singer. Their songs were fabulous. The fact we are talking about them decades later shows how impactful they were.
I thought I knew most of the facts about the Carpenters. Yet watching Justin Root’s 3 part Carpenters Story Location Tour on TH-cam revealed so many things I never knew and so many photos I’ve never seen and so many places I’ve never imagined! Watching his personal tour gives you a renewed appreciation of Karen & Richard's roots and how they adjusted and handled their success, world fame and wealth. 50 years later, their musical legacy still lives and Karen's voice is as golden as ever. Thanks, Justin for all your hard work revealing these locations and memories!
Thanks for making these videos, Justin! You do a really great job and I'm always excited to find more videos about the Carpenters, because I've pretty much seen everything that's out there. I'm a Karen Carpenter impersonator and along with my partner Ned Mills who portrays Richard Carpenter, we perform our show "Carpenters Legacy" in Las Vegas and around the country. I also perform with "Legends In Concert" as their first-ever Karen Carpenter tribute artist. I loved hearing your story about how you happened to meet Randy Schmidt by chance when his book was released in 2010. Randy is a friend of ours and "Little Girl Blue" was such valuable source material for me when I started putting together our show in 2014. Thanks again for these location tour videos. I look forward to watching parts 2 and 3! By the way, I totally agree that Karen Carpenter's voice was the greatest voice to ever grace the music industry...hands down!!
you and Ned do a sensational job in your tribute shows! I have watched you on youtube. Indeed, it is eerie in a way watching them because its so realistic. Thanks to you though, more fans are born . Their music is uplifting and enjoyable. Yet, captivating and touches the soul.
@@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy it would be great fun to see your show! I am afraid i am pretty much a homebody however, but thanks for your reply. I saw you two on some interview and Ned did his J. Lewis impression, how great, i wanted to see more! Ha
I love her voice❤❤ Karen was definitely the best and most authentic voice I've ever heard. I'm so glad your back with more videos!!! Love this channel❤❤
Absolutely the best Carpenters bio I have ever seen. I could spend hours discussing this! I just went to the Newville house two weeks ago (11/22) and felt like I was at heaven’s gates. Even talked at length with the neighbor on the opposite corner who was a fantastic guy. Can’t to see part 2.
Such talent beyond compair. Karen was an artist who came to us to bless us with her voice and music. I still cry listening to rainy days and mondays... she was beautiful who just needed love. ❤
Thank you Justin. I have just finished your tour in a non - stop marathon and I am still crying, not for everything that Karen represented for my life,when at fifteen here in Bogota in 1970 I discover The Carpenters, with very basic English, but able to understand the Universal Language of Music with The Finest Voice ever. And also realizing, that the best and special era in music is over today after the passing of ONJ, and the Master Bacharach.Thank you again for the most complete homage to Karen that I have seen.
I put off viewing this as I assumed it was just another documentary about the Carpenters. I have been a huge fan since the beginning. I have seem them perform in 1972/73, read all the books, etc. I had even driven by the Newville house (visiting from Florida) back circa 2020, have multiple copies of their albums, an ultimate remastered record collection or two, etc. But today, browsing TH-cam, I had a headache and decided to lie down and watch, sure that I would be bored, but OMG! I was blown away! Even if I actually knew everything you covered, it was worth seeing the photos and the background stories! I mean, hearing the history about A&M studios! Awesome. But you had a lot of stuff I didn't know, and the headache was quickly forgotten and it was just a wonderful time watching your film! I have just far only watched the first episode, but I can't wait to complete the next two. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put these films together! What am amazing show of love for these two wonderful people, Karen and Richard.
Wow!! I watched all three! Excellent! Better than any other doc on The Carpenters. It is so respectful, detailed, & touching I used to like them since high school. Now, I love them!
Such a fascinating story. So many movies have been made, netflix, cable, old traditional antennae TV, books written, talk shows produced. But yet, this channel is good, and it's a worthy topic, so I am glad you made it. Thanks.
Great story on the Carpenters, the journey to become the Carpenters is great story. It is amazing what life presents and the desire to put yourself out there and believe in the talent you have. It is great inspiration to us all.
What a great tribute to the Carpenters by educating the younger generations about their lives. When they made a hit out of Paul Williams’ “We’ve Only Just Begun”, I was hooked for life.
Very Fantastic! I fell in love with Karen when i was about 12 or 13 many moons ago. I first recall hearing Rainy Days and it certainly got my attention. There was a lot of great music, and country and everthing in between bac then. The radio or tv or records were always on. I remember i was swinging in the back yard with my little portable radio on and i heard her voice, i stopped, got up and stood and listened to the voice. This girl was singing exactly how i felt at the time, but it was unlike anyone i had ever heard! Well, before long, the world also knew the voice and the great melodies. For Christmas i received my first record player, a suitcase type along with my first record, the Close to You album. Long story short, your documentary showing all these historic places, is the best I have ever seen! Thank you Justin so much! All of us Carpenters fans, our number keeps growing, thanks to folks like you. Most of us also agree with you when you say you want their legacy to be known for their great music and influence way above the dark cloud of the disease.
Wow! Just wow! I can't even believe this is here on TH-cam! Thank you so much Justin! Just finished part 1, and I will certainly be watching the other two parts. Lisa
I really enjoyed this video for three reasons; the delivery is very authoritative and informative; the locations in California are awesome to see and Carpenters story really comes to life. Carpenters were very important to me growing up in England in the 70s. We looked to the States for so many acts and Carpenters were so popular here and had many big hit singles and albums. We loved them and I loved them and still do. Thank you x
Born in '65, and grew up with my older sisters playing each new Carpenters release and hearing them on the radio. I've seen the various biographical pieces on them over the years, so was surprised to learn new details from you. This was very well done.
Wow..this is so great!!! You surely do your research Justin!!! Going to dig into the next parts now...so happy to see this!!! I also agree with you that Karen is the most AMAZING female vocalist of all time....HANDS DOWN!!!
Tremendous job. I love the Carpenters! Grew up studying the arrangements, which actually taught me a great deal about editing music, & singing w/ Karen. Still collecting their work to this day.
This has to be one of the best documentaries I've ever watched. From the content to the narration. Touching at times. Light hearted and even funny at other times. The chronological order is presented an away that's easy to understand. I loved the Carpenters and your love of them shines through. The question begs to be asked...I wonder how things might have turned out had Karen found a decent guy to love and live her life with? Might that happening (and he) had been able to change her self image and avoid this horrible tragedy? Very sad indeed.
Justin Root's videos are ALL extraordinary! They are the best LA Celebrity-based videos that you will ever see, and he can easily be compared to Kevin Brownlow as an expert documentarian. He is highly researched, his commentary is funny and insightful, and his camerawork looks as if the entire Cinematography Department at Universal was involved, not just Justin and his phone. Utterly brilliant! I haven't a clue how he got all those exquisite night shots of LA, with barely a soul around, making it look like a gorgeous and mysterious ghost town. He has really made me want to move there! I cannot say enough good about Justin---in a very short period, he has become LA's most important historian and urban documentarian. Watch anything----ANYTHING!---that he produces!
Thank you for sharing this informative and such interesting and thorough video on Karen and her family. I started becoming interested in the Carpenters music in my forties. I began reading some books and watching some movies and listening to their songs. I’ve become quite a fan. Karen had a lovely voice like no one else and Richard was talented in arranging and playing piano. I realized too that they grew up right in New England a different state but I’m also from NE. God had given them musical abilities! Karen she could play those drums amazing!! They really brought many many songs to our country and to others to enjoy. Maybe more people will appreciate the beauty of what they both brought together as a team from all their work and time. Look at all of the albums and hits they made. It is very sad that she struggled with her health and ended up passing so young. Karen wanted to be loved from a good husband and longed for children and it’s too bad that the man who married Karen was not a nice fella who didn’t treat her as she so deserved. I don’t know how anyone could just use another human like that and to be dishonest about who he was.But I know it happens it should not though. Her voice was such a beautiful blessing that continues to bring joy to those who still hear her and Richard’s Melodies today. Thanks for this video.
I've seen video of Agnes Carpenter talking about the move to California. She stated that Richard and Karen moved out to LA several months before they did. She recalled hearing the first time she heard them sing on the radio. She was in New Haven at the time.
I'm a 62 yr old man who, in the early 1970's had a huge crush on Karen. Growing up in East L.A. just up the fwy a bit from Downey, I used to image Karen driving past my home on her way the recording studio. My childhood back then was just a few home away from the 5 fwy(Santa Ana Fwy). Btw, if you face the Newville Ave home, at the time it was purchased and lived in by the Carpenter family, the house was much bigger. The left side of the house extended out further and contained what was referred to as a "Music/rehearsal" room. In fact, when Karen passed away, her father would sit in the room and listen to Karen's voice since the space had essentially a "quadrophonic" speaker set-up.
Thank You so much for the details of the Carpenters. Im 63 and have liked them since I wad 10 when my sister got their album with Close to You. Cant wait to see your other videos.
My cousin Brad was a huge fan of the Carpenters...i believe it was the 70's he went to see a concert.. Everyone in the crowd was cheering before she came out on stage. it was an excited build up.. the moment she came out on stage and the crowd took a look at her, and went silent. Sad that all they noticed was her extremely wide hips (pear shaped).. The silence spoke volumes.. My cousin sitting in the auditorium nearly cried. He also struggled with his weight and the reaction of the crowd, when they saw Karen hit home. Brad was greatly affected by the crowds reaction. His admiration for Karen's strength grew. but he never got over how cruel the crowd was.
Truly excellent research! It's too easy to believe they came forth into the world, fully formed, but your background information gives essential flesh and blood to a truly awesome act Thank you!
love the comment about not knowing what mimeograph was... it was what became photocopiers...you would crank this thing round and round and the original would print onto blank pages... and we used to LOVE the smell of that mimeograph fluid.
Furman park I hung out in since we lived there........but at there home it was always extremely well maintained....not like it looks like now! At Christmas it was so well decorated and beautifully for the holidays.......I should know as I always drove by during the season!! The entire cul de sac decorated at Christmas which made the street very festive and lovely! Christmas after all was a special season for Downey as the city decorated quite a bit as many neighborhoods would decorate and encourage traffic to drive with their low beams on so as not to disturb the opposite cars from getting blind w their full headlights on! Downey was famous for their Christmas neighborhood displays !!
By the way, that guy who wrote we’ve o my just begun for the Crocker bank commercial is Paul Williams. Very famous songwriter. He won an Oscar, wrote many many hits.
Very interesting to watch! Well put together! I look forward to watching the next two episodes. I hope Richard gets a chance to see this! He will love it! Somebody let him know please!
Bro excellent job so far on this project. From narration to research to film archives .I'm a fan of CARPENTERS records I'm around Karen's age and raised in soCAL so I'm familiar with most of the story. Some TH-camrs have hypothesized she was born with extra X chromosome affecting her being raised as a female by the parents. The body image problems that plagued Karen along with the unusual husky voice which is hybrid and pleasing to the ear. And at the time Karen was an extreme tomboy and female rock drummer something that in 1966 was unheard of. In that era these genetic rarities we're kept private and only doctors and parents would have knowledge. During puberty the teen would be excused from gym class( sound familiar) friends said she actually had to be taught to walk like a girl. Having Richard as a budding musician in pop music she found a niche to pursue her dreams which also complimented her brothers and parents. Along came huge pressure to be a public figure and recording artist which we all know would become her eventual downfall. This was the family secret that was the root of unhappiness mixed with big time stardom and riches. Anyway it does explain a lot. Probably never see another brother /sister duo that could have 1/10 the impact and continuing popularity of The CARPENTERS
I absolutely love the way this whole series was done. So much detail!! Even though I’m a HUGE fan, and I’ve watched nearly every video/documentary and read every book, even I learned some things I didn’t know!! I think it’s misinformation in a lot of books and documentaries that the apartments the Carpenters bought (close to you & only just begun) were the original Shoji apartments. I really need to go back to Downey and visit these places more in depth!
Thank you so much. I just enjoyed three amazing hours of facts information and entertainment. One of the best things I have watched all year.The documentary is so well put together and researched. It deserves way more views than it has. I have been a Carpenter Fan for years, this brought the story to life with such a rich variety of actual places visited. A real treat thank you so much for posting.I watched all three parts through in one go.
I love this. I grew up in Downey and we always bragged about the Carpenters being from our town. Also loved seeing all the sites like Furman park which i used to walk to all the time!
Hi Justin. This is the fourth video series I have watched of yours. I loved the Carol Burnett story, but this one tugged at my heart. I was in Junior High School when they were popular. Ironically, I too suffered with Anorexia Nervosa a few times in my life. However, this was so incredibly awesome and opened my eyes to their amazing talents, hard work and success. Speaking of talent, your talent shines through in all of your work. Someday, someone will be doing a biography of you! This is your forte and you have found your calling. Keep up the amazing job you are doing. PS. Would love to see something done on David Cassidy and more on Paul Williams. Take care. Cherie from Iowa. ❤
My favorite song by karen Carpenter is song for you it's very beautiful to listrn to especially Karen's voice is just so pleasing and beautiful to listen to ... .
Mimeograph Machines were predecessors to photocopy machines but messier. I used one in my student teacher days.I always like how Cubby Broccoli of the Mickey Mouse Club fame grew up to be a touring drummer with the Carpenters. Good job with the tour. Fascinating.
Justin. I love the passion you have for the Carpenters. I haven't even finished part one of your documentary yet, and I love it already. I look forward to the other parts. GREAT job. Well done. From one Carpenters fan to another, Thank you !!
This was my office for 15 years!! 8th and 10th floor. Before Covid! I used to go to Crocker!! Go Long Beach!! We had our senior show at the carpenter center!!
What an amazing presentation! Great naration and editing. It me goose bumps throughout. By the way, John Wayne wanted to cast Karen in True Grit, but the studio said, they already had their music start for the film....Glen Campbell. Wayne was taken aback by Karen and didn't even want to screen test her....just put her in the film.
Wow, just finished your fantastic 3-part series on two of my favorite musicians. I am blown away by the footage you have assembled! What a terrific job you’ve done. I learned so much I didn’t know and really enjoyed the detailed back story you told. Well done on a really informative and interesting series. Thank you for your hard and obviously heart-felt work.
Many thanks for putting together such a wonderful and correct piece of history here on TH-cam. You very clearly have a wonderful passion for The Carpenters and what they achieved. Having been a fan for many decades since 1975 I really appreciate what you have done in taking us to where things actually happened like The A&M lot.. terrific. Thank you.
I can tell it’s a labor of love and you are great at putting everything together. I appreciate your effort. I’ll watch parts 2 and 3 shortly. Thank you for the memories.
Hey Justin! I love that you’re doing this, thank you so much! Us Carpenters fans truly appreciate this. But as I’m watching part one, the next video after this is already part three of the Carpenters story. I’m wondering where the part two went? Peace and love to you brother!
What a beautifully presented documentary! By taking us to so many of the actual locations where the Carpenters lived, played, and recorded, you have made the story come alive. It is such a sad, heartbreaking story. Poor Karen had everything, but what she really wanted in her life. The dick she married in good faith was horrible and provided yet another heartbreak. She and Richard were and are the best. You too are the best in regards to your great storytelling. The other documentaries you have done are also interesting and full of accurate locations and information. Lot's of hard work put into all you do. Thank you so much!
Hi Justin, I just happened to find your channel and I'm sure glad that I did. I love the Carpenter's have been a fan forever! Very well done you're research and appreciate you're dedication to honouring this incredibly talented duo.
Their parents deserve credit for something: they encouraged their children to pursue music, or at least not discourage it. A lot parents think that music is not a job or something serious people do.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 70 | คู่เอก "โฟกัส vs สเตฟาน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_fVieQ89DRQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Dude - you kidding me? This is the best biography on the Carpenters I've ever seen. THANK YOU!
Wow thank you so much!
❤❤❤
RIP 🙏 Karen you are loved ❤and missed sweet angel 😇
I grew up in Downey, worked for the Downey Police Department, knew both Karen & Richard, lived in their “Only Just Begun” apartments for over 20years. Evelyn Wallace, their personal secretary was my best friend for over 40 years. I stumbled upon your post this day and want to say how much I am enjoying it. For me it is both sad & sweet. You did a fantastic job putting this together. Brings back great memories for me. Thank You!
I'm a 57 year old male and love my classic rock. Led Zeppelin,Van Halen and The Who to name a few but always liked the Carpenters. When I was younger I would never admit that to anyone but as you grow older you can really appreciate just how good they really were. Karen's voice just pulls you in like no other female vocalist on the face of the planet.
My name is JAMES I live in Downey for many years. I’ve known Karen and Richard Carpenter for many many many years I went to school with Karen. She taught me how to play the drums respected her in every way we had a lot of fun playing through the halls of Downey high school after practice, Richard playing on the upright piano in the bedroom And a lot of other different things when I was in the service I saw them in March 19 70 and they had a concert at the Hawaiian place where they do their concerts HIC I think it’s called anyways best performance ever took a lot of pictures lotta recordings in my keepsakes known them for a long time And I told Richard back in 1970 to make a Christmas album. Don’t want no credit just suggested the idea and ever since then it took them 18 months to make the album and became a very big classic and I’m proud of that. I’m getting very old at my age And learning that they had a very successful life Richard and Derek, a lot of trials and tribulations and Mary at his side for his wife, dedicated her life to make the carpenters what it is. I’m very proud of what they did and I hope you see this note that I gave Mr. gifford who is the band teacher at Downey Senior high school I went to his funeral And I told the audience I was the only one speaking on my behalf I thought Mr. gifford was a big influence for the carpenters, even though he said they’re not in my class, but he was in a class of his own. Mr. gifford, was very nice cordial and guiding these kids to their victory of being successful in life. People may not this bag disagree with it, but I think it might opinion Mr. giver had a lot of influence in their lives Richard and Karen, very nice cordial apple pie, and I think that they displayed that in the way they lived. I will end this comment for right now JAMES SAVAGE. 0:40 😢
I agree with you…..Karen Carpenter was the best of all time. The most beautiful voice I have ever heard. RIP sweet Karen.
Karen could sing like an angel, and I was blown away watching her play those drums. Such a talented, beautiful young lady.
Her acting was amazing, too!
Do you mean music videos? I'm intrigued, did she act in plays & films? Got a link or examples? Thank you!@@renarga6886
Karen Carpenters voice is like the clearest most flawless crystal - or a diamond its so clear and the tone so perfect you realize a voice is an instrument-its really is a beautiful sound
You are correct Justin, Karen was the greatest voice of all time.
The Carpenters defined my youth. Karen was a magical singer. Their songs were fabulous. The fact we are talking about them decades later shows how impactful they were.
Love The Carpenters and read Little Girl Blue.
I agree….Karen is the greatest female voice ever.
I am from SC also.
Your show is so enjoyable
I thought I knew most of the facts about the Carpenters. Yet watching Justin Root’s 3 part Carpenters Story Location Tour on TH-cam revealed so many things I never knew and so many photos I’ve never seen and so many places I’ve never imagined! Watching his personal tour gives you a renewed appreciation of Karen & Richard's roots and how they adjusted and handled their success, world fame and wealth. 50 years later, their musical legacy still lives and Karen's voice is as golden as ever. Thanks, Justin for all your hard work revealing these locations and memories!
The best Carpenter's documentary ever!!!!!! ❤️
Chris that’s the nicest compliment ever. Truly appreciate the kind words.
Thanks for making these videos, Justin! You do a really great job and I'm always excited to find more videos about the Carpenters, because I've pretty much seen everything that's out there. I'm a Karen Carpenter impersonator and along with my partner Ned Mills who portrays Richard Carpenter, we perform our show "Carpenters Legacy" in Las Vegas and around the country. I also perform with "Legends In Concert" as their first-ever Karen Carpenter tribute artist. I loved hearing your story about how you happened to meet Randy Schmidt by chance when his book was released in 2010. Randy is a friend of ours and "Little Girl Blue" was such valuable source material for me when I started putting together our show in 2014. Thanks again for these location tour videos. I look forward to watching parts 2 and 3! By the way, I totally agree that Karen Carpenter's voice was the greatest voice to ever grace the music industry...hands down!!
you and Ned do a sensational job in your tribute shows! I have watched you on youtube. Indeed, it is eerie in a way watching them because its so realistic. Thanks to you though, more fans are born . Their music is uplifting and enjoyable. Yet, captivating and touches the soul.
@@kathypellette2509 thank you so much! We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you at our show sometime. ☺️
@@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy it would be great fun to see your show! I am afraid i am pretty much a homebody however, but thanks for your reply. I saw you two on some interview and Ned did his J. Lewis impression, how great, i wanted to see more! Ha
Have you got links? Be nice to see.@@kathypellette2509
are you doing ant dates in toronto. i would love to see it. i loved karen
I love her voice❤❤ Karen was definitely the best and most authentic voice I've ever heard. I'm so glad your back with more videos!!! Love this channel❤❤
Savannah thank you so much!!!!!!!! Makes me so happy!! ❤️
Karen Carpenter and Ricky Nelson--the best ever singers, for me!
Every time I hear Karen singing I get tears in my eyes. The voice of a true angel.
My dad played violin on all their recordings. He also did Carol Burnett show. Good residuals from Carpenters.
Absolutely the best Carpenters bio I have ever seen. I could spend hours discussing this! I just went to the Newville house two weeks ago (11/22) and felt like I was at heaven’s gates. Even talked at length with the neighbor on the opposite corner who was a fantastic guy. Can’t to see part 2.
When Karen started singing "the end of the world" I just got the chill shivers all over
By far the best video on the history of the carpenter's thank you from myself Tiffany x. UK
Such talent beyond compair. Karen was an artist who came to us to bless us with her voice and music. I still cry listening to rainy days and mondays... she was beautiful who just needed love. ❤
Thank you Justin. I have just finished your tour in a non - stop marathon and I am still crying, not for everything that Karen represented for my life,when at fifteen here in Bogota in 1970 I discover The Carpenters, with very basic English, but able to understand the Universal Language of Music with The Finest Voice ever. And also realizing, that the best and special era in music is over today after the passing of ONJ, and the Master Bacharach.Thank you again for the most complete homage to Karen that I have seen.
I was always in Love with Karen Carpenter. I just wish I had a chance to meet her. Karen Carpenter will always have a place in my heart.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Beautiful, respectful presentation! Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of all three episodes. We'll done! Thank you
I put off viewing this as I assumed it was just another documentary about the Carpenters. I have been a huge fan since the beginning. I have seem them perform in 1972/73, read all the books, etc. I had even driven by the Newville house (visiting from Florida) back circa 2020, have multiple copies of their albums, an ultimate remastered record collection or two, etc. But today, browsing TH-cam, I had a headache and decided to lie down and watch, sure that I would be bored, but OMG! I was blown away! Even if I actually knew everything you covered, it was worth seeing the photos and the background stories! I mean, hearing the history about A&M studios! Awesome. But you had a lot of stuff I didn't know, and the headache was quickly forgotten and it was just a wonderful time watching your film!
I have just far only watched the first episode, but I can't wait to complete the next two. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put these films together! What am amazing show of love for these two wonderful people, Karen and Richard.
Wow!! I watched all three! Excellent! Better than any other doc on The Carpenters. It is so respectful, detailed, & touching
I used to like them since high school. Now, I love them!
Such a fascinating story. So many movies have been made, netflix, cable, old traditional antennae TV, books written, talk shows produced. But yet, this channel is good, and it's a worthy topic, so I am glad you made it. Thanks.
Great story on the Carpenters, the journey to become the Carpenters is great story. It is amazing what life presents and the desire to put yourself out there and believe in the talent you have. It is great inspiration to us all.
What a great tribute to the Carpenters by educating the younger generations about their lives. When they made a hit out of Paul Williams’ “We’ve Only Just Begun”, I was hooked for life.
Very well done, and very respectful of their legacy.
Her voice is so soothing. A voice of an Angel ❤ RIP Karen
Very Fantastic! I fell in love with Karen when i was about 12 or 13 many moons ago. I first recall hearing Rainy Days and it certainly got my attention. There was a lot of great music, and country and everthing in between bac then. The radio or tv or records were always on. I remember i was swinging in the back yard with my little portable radio on and i heard her voice, i stopped, got up and stood and listened to the voice. This girl was singing exactly how i felt at the time, but it was unlike anyone i had ever heard! Well, before long, the world also knew the voice and the great melodies. For Christmas i received my first record player, a suitcase type along with my first record, the Close to You album. Long story short, your documentary showing all these historic places, is the best I have ever seen! Thank you Justin so much! All of us Carpenters fans, our number keeps growing, thanks to folks like you. Most of us also agree with you when you say you want their legacy to be known for their great music and influence way above the dark cloud of the disease.
Wow! Just wow! I can't even believe this is here on TH-cam! Thank you so much Justin!
Just finished part 1, and I will certainly be watching the other two parts.
Lisa
I really enjoyed this video for three reasons; the delivery is very authoritative and informative; the locations in California are awesome to see and Carpenters story really comes to life. Carpenters were very important to me growing up in England in the 70s. We looked to the States for so many acts and Carpenters were so popular here and had many big hit singles and albums. We loved them and I loved them and still do. Thank you x
What a delightful presentation! Nicely done.
Born in '65, and grew up with my older sisters playing each new Carpenters release and hearing them on the radio. I've seen the various biographical pieces on them over the years, so was surprised to learn new details from you. This was very well done.
Wow..this is so great!!! You surely do your research Justin!!! Going to dig into the next parts now...so happy to see this!!! I also agree with you that Karen is the most AMAZING female vocalist of all time....HANDS DOWN!!!
Thank you so much for this!!!! I’m so glad you are enjoying it!
Tremendous job. I love the Carpenters! Grew up studying the arrangements, which actually taught me a great deal about editing music, & singing w/ Karen. Still collecting their work to this day.
This has to be one of the best documentaries I've ever watched. From the content to the narration. Touching at times. Light hearted and even funny at other times. The chronological order is presented an away that's easy to understand. I loved the Carpenters and your love of them shines through. The question begs to be asked...I wonder how things might have turned out had Karen found a decent guy to love and live her life with? Might that happening (and he) had been able to change her self image and avoid this horrible tragedy? Very sad indeed.
Justin Root's videos are ALL extraordinary! They are the best LA Celebrity-based videos that you will ever see, and he can easily be compared to Kevin Brownlow as an expert documentarian. He is highly researched, his commentary is funny and insightful, and his camerawork looks as if the entire Cinematography Department at Universal was involved, not just Justin and his phone. Utterly brilliant! I haven't a clue how he got all those exquisite night shots of LA, with barely a soul around, making it look like a gorgeous and mysterious ghost town. He has really made me want to move there! I cannot say enough good about Justin---in a very short period, he has become LA's most important historian and urban documentarian. Watch anything----ANYTHING!---that he produces!
Can really see your love and passion for Karen and Richard and their music.
Thank you for sharing this informative and such interesting and thorough video on Karen and her family.
I started becoming interested in the Carpenters music in my forties.
I began reading some books and watching some movies and listening to their songs.
I’ve become quite a fan.
Karen had a lovely voice like no one else and Richard was talented in arranging and playing piano.
I realized too that they grew up right in New England a different state but I’m also from NE.
God had given them musical abilities!
Karen she could play those drums amazing!!
They really brought many many songs to our country and to others to enjoy.
Maybe more people will appreciate the beauty of what they both brought together as a team from all their work and time.
Look at all of the albums and hits they made.
It is very sad that she struggled with her health and ended up passing so young.
Karen wanted to be loved from a good husband and longed for children and it’s too bad that the man who married Karen was not a nice fella who didn’t treat her as she so deserved.
I don’t know how anyone could just use another human like that and to be dishonest about who he was.But I know it happens it should not though.
Her voice was such a beautiful blessing that continues to bring joy to those who still hear her and Richard’s Melodies today.
Thanks for this video.
I've seen video of Agnes Carpenter talking about the move to California. She stated that Richard and Karen moved out to LA several months before they did. She recalled hearing the first time she heard them sing on the radio. She was in New Haven at the time.
Love this💓💓💓💓💓
Appreciate this so much!!
So far, really like this historical tour!😉
Absolutely excellent! all things Carpenters! Never will be anyone like them!
Amen rocker guy. John Lennon stopped her once coming out of a restaurant and told her he loved her voice. She never believed him. Long live rockers.
She was genuine. Not full of herself like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Pink, Mariah Carey.
love her voice and my favourite song is close to you!
I'm a 62 yr old man who, in the early 1970's had a huge crush on Karen. Growing up in East L.A. just up the fwy a bit from Downey, I used to image Karen driving past my home on her way the recording studio. My childhood back then was just a few home away from the 5 fwy(Santa Ana Fwy). Btw, if you face the Newville Ave home, at the time it was purchased and lived in by the Carpenter family, the house was much bigger. The left side of the house extended out further and contained what was referred to as a "Music/rehearsal" room. In fact, when Karen passed away, her father would sit in the room and listen to Karen's voice since the space had essentially a "quadrophonic" speaker set-up.
Great tribute to the greatest singer and a great arranger. Historical duo. Really enjoyed your video.
That entire park was rebuilt a couple years ago..It was closed for a long time--Thank you for keeping our city on the map
Brian I fell in love with Downey while so was doing this. I kept going back over and over, just really loved the vibe.
Thank You so much for the details of the Carpenters. Im 63 and have liked them since I wad 10 when my sister got their album with Close to You. Cant wait to see your other videos.
I just got done watching all three parts. You did a really great job with this. Love the Carpenters too. ❤❤❤
My cousin Brad was a huge fan of the Carpenters...i believe it was the 70's he went to see a concert.. Everyone in the crowd was cheering before she came out on stage. it was an excited build up.. the moment she came out on stage and the crowd took a look at her, and went silent. Sad that all they noticed was her extremely wide hips (pear shaped).. The silence spoke volumes.. My cousin sitting in the auditorium nearly cried. He also struggled with his weight and the reaction of the crowd, when they saw Karen hit home. Brad was greatly affected by the crowds reaction. His admiration for Karen's strength grew. but he never got over how cruel the crowd was.
Truly excellent research! It's too easy to believe they came forth into the world, fully formed, but your background information gives essential flesh and blood to a truly awesome act Thank you!
Thanks Justin for this Masterpiece! God Bless You and your Family!
love the comment about not knowing what mimeograph was... it was what became photocopiers...you would crank this thing round and round and the original would print onto blank pages... and we used to LOVE the smell of that mimeograph fluid.
Furman park I hung out in since we lived there........but at there home it was always extremely well maintained....not like it looks like now!
At Christmas it was so well decorated and beautifully for the holidays.......I should know as I always drove by during the season!! The entire cul de sac decorated at Christmas which made the street very festive and lovely!
Christmas after all was a special season for Downey as the city decorated quite a bit as many neighborhoods would decorate and encourage traffic to drive with their low beams on so as not to disturb the opposite cars from getting blind w their full headlights on! Downey was famous for their Christmas neighborhood displays !!
By the way, that guy who wrote we’ve o my just begun for the Crocker bank commercial is Paul Williams. Very famous songwriter. He won an Oscar, wrote many many hits.
Very interesting to watch! Well put together! I look forward to watching the next two episodes. I hope Richard gets a chance to see this! He will love it! Somebody let him know please!
Bro excellent job so far on this project. From narration to research to film archives .I'm a fan of CARPENTERS records I'm around Karen's age and raised in soCAL so I'm familiar with most of the story. Some TH-camrs have hypothesized she was born with extra X chromosome affecting her being raised as a female by the parents. The body image problems that plagued Karen along with the unusual husky voice which is hybrid and pleasing to the ear. And at the time Karen was an extreme tomboy and female rock drummer something that in 1966 was unheard of. In that era these genetic rarities we're kept private and only doctors and parents would have knowledge. During puberty the teen would be excused from gym class( sound familiar) friends said she actually had to be taught to walk like a girl. Having Richard as a budding musician in pop music she found a niche to pursue her dreams which also complimented her brothers and parents. Along came huge pressure to be a public figure and recording artist which we all know would become her eventual downfall. This was the family secret that was the root of unhappiness mixed with big time stardom and riches. Anyway it does explain a lot. Probably never see another brother /sister duo that could have 1/10 the impact and continuing popularity of The CARPENTERS
I absolutely love the way this whole series was done. So much detail!! Even though I’m a HUGE fan, and I’ve watched nearly every video/documentary and read every book, even I learned some things I didn’t know!! I think it’s misinformation in a lot of books and documentaries that the apartments the Carpenters bought (close to you & only just begun) were the original Shoji apartments. I really need to go back to Downey and visit these places more in depth!
Looking forward to watching part 2 and part 3
As i said before...i love her soo much!!!
Ditto! Thanks for the comment!
Many adds, very well produced. And I'm a Deep Purple fan.
Thank you so much. I just enjoyed three amazing hours of facts information and entertainment. One of the best things I have watched all year.The documentary is so well put together and researched. It deserves way more views than it has. I have been a Carpenter Fan for years, this brought the story to life with such a rich variety of actual places visited. A real treat thank you so much for posting.I watched all three parts through in one go.
So happy I found your channel!!!!! I have been loving the mystery episodes but then I found this too. Thank you for the awesome channel :)
I have been to Carpenter Center at Long Beach State.
I love this. I grew up in Downey and we always bragged about the Carpenters being from our town. Also loved seeing all the sites like Furman park which i used to walk to all the time!
Hi Justin. This is the fourth video series I have watched of yours. I loved the Carol Burnett story, but this one tugged at my heart. I was in Junior High School when they were popular. Ironically, I too suffered with Anorexia Nervosa a few times in my life. However, this was so incredibly awesome and opened my eyes to their amazing talents, hard work and success. Speaking of talent, your talent shines through in all of your work. Someday, someone will be doing a biography of you! This is your forte and you have found your calling. Keep up the amazing job you are doing. PS. Would love to see something done on David Cassidy and more on Paul Williams. Take care. Cherie from Iowa. ❤
My favorite song by karen Carpenter is song for you it's very beautiful to listrn to especially Karen's voice is just so pleasing and beautiful to listen to ... .
Mimeograph Machines were predecessors to photocopy machines but messier. I used one in my student teacher days.I always like how Cubby Broccoli of the Mickey Mouse Club fame grew up to be a touring drummer with the Carpenters. Good job with the tour. Fascinating.
Thank you!!
yeah, we used to get high on freshly mimeographed tests.
Thank you for this .
No thank YOU! 😁😁😁😁
Justin. I love the passion you have for the Carpenters. I haven't even finished part one of your documentary yet, and I love it already. I look forward to the other parts. GREAT job. Well done. From one Carpenters fan to another, Thank you !!
This was my office for 15 years!! 8th and 10th floor. Before Covid! I used to go to Crocker!! Go Long Beach!! We had our senior show at the carpenter center!!
Great stuff! Mr. Guder is a masterpiece!
What an amazing presentation! Great naration and editing. It me goose bumps throughout. By the way, John Wayne wanted to cast Karen in True Grit, but the studio said, they already had their music start for the film....Glen Campbell. Wayne was taken aback by Karen and didn't even want to screen test her....just put her in the film.
All 3 parts are really great Justin! Thanks so much!! Thanks Randy!! 🤓🌈🤩👌🎵
Love from Greece!!! Perfect journal!!! I knew a lot of things but you went really deep. Carpenters forever. The areas look fantastic by the way!
Gotta tell you, I’ve recently found your channel and love it. Yup, I’m an old guy (69) who really appreciates quality. Thank you.
Wow, just finished your fantastic 3-part series on two of my favorite musicians. I am blown away by the footage you have assembled! What a terrific job you’ve done. I learned so much I didn’t know and really enjoyed the detailed back story you told. Well done on a really informative and interesting series. Thank you for your hard and obviously heart-felt work.
Awesome video, Justin. Congratulations from Brazil to you.
Many thanks for putting together such a wonderful and correct piece of history here on TH-cam. You very clearly have a wonderful passion for The Carpenters and what they achieved. Having been a fan for many decades since 1975 I really appreciate what you have done in taking us to where things actually happened like The A&M lot.. terrific. Thank you.
I can tell it’s a labor of love and you are great at putting everything together. I appreciate your effort. I’ll watch parts 2 and 3 shortly. Thank you for the memories.
Really fun and informative video of a musical group we all love thank you!
Hey Justin! I love that you’re doing this, thank you so much! Us Carpenters fans truly appreciate this. But as I’m watching part one, the next video after this is already part three of the Carpenters story. I’m wondering where the part two went? Peace and love to you brother!
Karen is awesome 👌 👏 ❤❤😊
What a beautifully presented documentary! By taking us to so many of the actual locations where the Carpenters lived, played, and recorded, you have made the story come alive. It is such a sad, heartbreaking story. Poor Karen had everything, but what she really wanted in her life. The dick she married in good faith was horrible and provided yet another heartbreak. She and Richard were and are the best. You too are the best in regards to your great storytelling. The other documentaries you have done are also interesting and full of accurate locations and information. Lot's of hard work put into all you do. Thank you so much!
Watched all three episodes, FANTASTIC JOB Justin!
What a truly amazing put together documentary and very respectful and wonderful insight into their early hangouts and lives..💃🏼🚶
thanks for sharing! excellent original thorough history and photos, recordings!
Really enjoy your presentations. Thank you for posting them.
Beautiful job from someone old enough to know what a mimeograph is (and ran many)---early form of print reproduction.
Wonderful documentary. Thank you.
Love it. Thanks
I thoroughly enjoyed all three parts. Thanks!
Hi Justin, I just happened to find your channel and I'm sure glad that I did. I love the Carpenter's have been a fan forever! Very well done you're research and appreciate you're dedication to honouring this incredibly talented duo.
Their parents deserve credit for something: they encouraged their children to pursue music, or at least not discourage it. A lot parents think that music is not a job or something serious people do.
Great job! This was amazing..Thank you
Awesome video!! Thanks for this!
This is a great video..very thorough