First Time Ever Hearing Carpenters "Superstar" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@gerib4234]

Never another one like her. She was known as "One Take Karen" Her voice was perfect ❤️

[@susanmccallum1719]

Quite possibly the most naturally beautiful voice in pop music. She died at only 33 years old after suffering from anorexia.

[@michaelasay8587]

Because of her Mother....

[@michaelasay8587]

She was the best.

[@dancapell6643]

She died at age 32, if she had lived just one more month, she would have been 33. She had a very angelic voice, every time I listen to her music tears elope in my eyes.

[@BelindaTN]

She brought Anorexia to the attention of all of us. I had never heard of that before Karen died from it. She has always been my favorite female singer. No one has ever even reminded me of her.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

@@michaelasay8587 Exactly. She was the spare. Richard was the golden child and she was expendable even with THAT voice! To her mother, she just didn't matter. So sad! Thank God the music business realized what a talent she was, because when she died, the entire industry fell to its knees in mourning. They realized what her family didn't; that she was a force of nature and one of the best voices ever to come along.

[@nkcbrazil]

You’ll never hear a clearer voice, where you every note. Her diction was flawless.

[@tomschmitz261]

good point and rare point, in regards to her diction, to me, she has the best diction and enunciation of any singer i've ever heard male or female...

[@katiescarlett5249]

@@tomschmitz261 I like older jazz standards and I think you would be impressed with Rosemary Clooney's diction as well.

[@robertgraves4527]

Dont forget this is a live version, and if you listen to the studio version it will sound almost exactly the same cos she is so talented.

[@dagmar.6954]

Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music.

[@michaelasay8587]

Thanks to her terrible Mother.

[@dianedollion6126]

I remember when the news of her death came out. It was so sad. Her home is/was not too far from where I live. Such a great loss. Gone way too soon.

[@colleendebardeleben9167]

@@michaelasay8587 what does that mean?? What was wrong with her mother?

[@jamescofer3261]

@@colleendebardeleben9167 Karen suffered from anorexia nervosa and I guess she's blaming the mother for that.

[@steveyeager6177]

@@jamescofer3261 but it was being pushed away from her drums and placed center stage that gave her a negative body image that led to her anorexia.

[@Jamesscearce]

Hard to believe how great her voice is...

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

*was. Karen died in 1983.

[@26shedan]

one of the most beautiful, pure, unforced female voices ever....to me.

[@mikewrasman5103]

To anyone.

[@normansmithers4465]

take a listen to 'ticket to ride' by the carpenters.

[@christopheryochum3602]

Unforced...that is one of the most accurate descriptive words for Karen's voice.

[@9876babyboy]

To many

[@surlechapeau]

Asia/BJ, their signature songs are "Close To You" and "We've Only Just Begun". The latter was THE wedding song of the 70s. Karen's voice is the most soothing and purest voice I've ever heard. She was a drummer and was happiest drumming!

[@rhondamcbath6279]

They should have made another song, for when it would end, yep LMBOOTYOFF 🤣

[@revenge4468]

Yep. My wedding song along with Time in a bottle by Jim Croce.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

The other song you just mentioned? "We've Only Just Begun" was my parents' wedding song when they got married in 1970! 🥰

[@carolynnewcomb2153]

Her voice is like a dream! I like how she says “baby” too! Just gorgeous!

[@MasterJohnMoss]

If there were a Mt. Rushmore of female vocalists, Karen would be on it.

[@golfr-kg9ss]

Karen has a voice like honey, thick, smooth and sweet. Asia you've got a nice voice too.

[@itchyandred4131]

The voice of an angel 😇

[@ChristianW1975]

Exactly

[@williamsmith-kd4bd]

The most talented woman in the history of pop music! RIP Karen

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

You nailed it!👍✌️

[@ChrisC709]

NOPE

[@ilovesuisse1]

@@ChrisC709 YEP! Karen is the best female singer ever.

[@ChrisC709]

@@ilovesuisse1 No matter how much you say isn't going to make it true. And she has a nice tone but there are much better more versatile singers who's ranges are far superior than Karen's.

[@robert-ef8qv]

The Carpenters recorded this song 12 years before Luther Vandross. "Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with a songwriting credit also given to Delaney Bramlett that has been a hit for many artists in different genres and interpretations in the years since; the best-known versions are by the Carpenters in 1971, and by Luther Vandross in 1983.

[@richardworonowicz9076]

Karen was also a drummer and in ''Close to You'' you can see her singing and playing the drums like Phil Collins. Richard was probably in the back ground playing the piano in this song.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

Every time I've ever listened to Karen sing, I feel like I could cry bc her voice elicits so much emotion in my heart. Just incredible. ALL of their songs do this to me. ❤️🙌

[@abevillanueva1974]

AMEN!

[@burtonmediaprod]

....and this is live! The studio version is even more amazing!

[@johnb.2518]

No, this live version is better!

[@raeann63]

"superstar" is my favourite and you've already heard "rainy days and mondays" so your next carpenters songs should be "we've only just begun" (which was originally composed for a bank commercial lol by the great songwriter paul williams), "close to you" and although it's just past the holidays, their xmas classic "merry christmas darling" - a MUST for me during the season.

[@angelado3]

Loved the Carpenters !! Karen was so beautiful, classy, just perfect in so many ways

[@wm8498]

Karen really was phenomenal! She could really put such feeling behind her vocals. Richard, most times, would just be back up vocals along with Karen. He was brilliant at the musical arrangements though. None of their big hits had him as lead vocals, only Karen because they wanted her to front the band and of course, she was the one with the golden voice. She never believed in herself though, it's sad. Listen to Only Yesterday, Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, There's a Kind of Hush. There's really SO MANY more.

[@johnb.2518]

She believed in herself - where did you get that nonsense that she didn't - she absolutely knew how good she was - how could she not - stop repeating myths please...

[@wm8498]

@@johnb.2518 I not repeating "myths." I've heard that from interviews and biographies. John Lennon even told her that she had a great voice and she didn't believe him. She felt he was lying. I don't necessarily mean that she didn't believe in her vocal talents, I meant she didn't believe in herself in other areas of her life which, helped continue her self destruction. And just because people tell you you're great, doesn't mean that you automatically believe that if you're suffering from self esteem or other personal issues.

[@johnb.2518]

@@wm8498 Unless we were her psychiatrist we can't be sure if she "believed in herself in other areas of her life"...what areas? And what does it really mean to "believe in yourself"? And doesn't this change from time to time and from one situation to another? It's all pretty much uninformed and idle speculation...psycho-babble...

[@wm8498]

@@johnb.2518 Well, true. I guess if we're looking at it that way, neither one of us were her Psychiatrist so you nor I can truly say she did or did not believe in herself right? You feel she did but again, you nor I were her friend or family or whatever that would allow us to make an accurate statement about her. I'm simply reiterating what people close to her have said about her personality and behavior through the interviews and biographies that I've seen or read. And I'm not saying all this to attack her or make her look bad either. They have said she was a rather sad person at times who from time to time struggled with happiness, her identity, lack of control and self image. It's been said she felt unlovable.

[@sheldakrull1621]

@@wm8498 If John B. is who i think he is, he was her friend and knew her as well as just about anyone except her brother.

[@davidhapka5410]

Karen Carpenter's voice was one of a kind. Heaven sent doesn't begin to describe it.

[@michaellazzeri2069]

From that long ago Fall of 1971----written by Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett. This is a live performance & in person, Karen was even better than on the radio. ----------MJL, 75 y/o

[@d-nice5960]

The Carpenter song " Close to you" you guys must listen to it , Her voice is pure and smooth as silk. Her brother is always on the keyboard and he is also the arranger of the songs.

[@LadyGator1983]

Welcome to the carpenters rabbit hole! RIP KAREN CARPENTER Richard plays the piano and sings backup/harmony. Love ya, mean it!

[@bufordt.justice6741]

Karen Carpenter's voice was a perfect instrument of beauty and emotion. try close to you.

[@wbmstr24]

notice, not a single twerk, no crotch grabbing, no f-bombs, just pure musical talent, one of the greatest voices ever.....pure beauty in her voice.......as opposed to the crap you hear today.

[@tonysc7610]

When you have that kind of talent, you don't need all that do you Frank?

[@wbmstr24]

@@tonysc7610 absolutely.......decades from now folks will still be marveling at her voice while the current coterie of 'singers' will be long forgotten

[@xmoomoo9158]

I agree.. 👍🏻

[@michaelasay8587]

@@wbmstr24 they already are!

[@bmcagent]

Yes, no auto tune or fancy video production, just real, raw talent!

[@abevillanueva1974]

Even after 50 years...it chills me when I hear Karen sing...especially this song! Here, she looked so beautiful! No one emoted music like Karen did...Continue your journey with the Carpenters!!

[@SIXX2772]

FUN FACT.....She was a drummer first and a GOOD one!!!

[@robert-ef8qv]

Jeff , Absolutely, a fantastic drummer . RIP Karen ❤️🙏😢

[@ronbecker7939]

Pure awesomeness there!

[@randymiller2153]

This was a live recording, you should listen to the studio version, it will leave you speechless

[@stevenruvolo499]

rainy days and mondays, we've only just begun, close to you, are more songs by them

[@Coolrockndad]

Karen's voice is so pure. One of the most beautiful voices to ever sing.

[@dougsusie2319]

Great one guys, more Carpenters. "Close To You" with Karen on the drums. ☮️✌️💕

[@tomrockwood851]

I love the look on Asia's face after hearing this. This song gets me every time I hear it. Every time.

[@susanaltman5134]

So great to hear her sing live. Flawless performance

[@deannebenkert6700]

This song was done in one take, it was the first time she sang the song - reading the lyrics off a napkin ( Richard wrote the lyrics on a cocktail napkin for her)! Amazing!

[@michaelparsons5299]

She was a beautiful singer. She looks unwell in this clip. It is heartbreaking to think she was lost to us all at such a young age. But we are lucky that we can still listen to her sing today x

[@forevalearning]

Karen Carpenter was like Amy Winehouse. Both had beautifully unique voices but were both struggling with their own inner demons which ended up taking both their lives far too early. Another top-class reaction Asia and BJ ❤️. You have a beautiful voice Asia

[@neillenet291]

Or Amy Winehouse was like Karen Carpenter?

[@forevalearning]

@@neillenet291 Yea I just put Karen first because that's who they are reacting too, otherwise I would have put Amy first 😂

[@warrenbishop6324]

Karen singing hurting each other on Carol Burnette shoʻw

[@johndalley1288]

One of the greatest voice ever. Her voice is so smooth. My 3 choices for best female voices are Karen, Linda Ronstandt, and Whitney Houston.

[@BigTone_1701]

John, I totally agree with you but I'd also add Martina McBride (IMHO).

[@davepeterschmidt5818]

That list wouldn't be complete without Barbra Streisand and Julie Andrews. But the sheer beauty of Karen's voice is unmatched by anyone.

[@mikebowman8680]

Personal opinion I would put patsy cline, ann Murray and Ann Wilson as seconds but nobody tops Karen Carpenter. Her voice gives me chills every time I hear her perfect voice.

[@christineobrien7707]

Great choices you have here. I would add Martina McBride and Streisand to the list. I'm not a fan of Streisand as a human being, but she is a great singer.👍

[@meandcaryn]

Karen was known to have perfect pitch. She was also known to record songs in only one take. She never had to redo a recording.

[@dandillinger23]

The movie Tommy Boy with Chris Farley.... Tommy and Richard play this song and end up balling and singing together...hilarious!!

[@sukie584]

The original is Delaney & Bonnie and was originally called Groupie( Superstar). Their version is from a much more experienced, woman. The Carpenters changed the line I can hardly wait to sleep with you again, to I can hardly wait to be with you again. This is a link to it for those who may not have heard it kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZOVqZRsmL6Bprc

[@Isleofskye]

I bought my first record in 1960 and Karen still has the finest female voice that I know of..:)

[@ramsin99]

Karen is in the top 5 female voices of all time. Her story is sad.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

She's my #1 ❤️

[@Coupydog]

#1 for me

[@byzinski]

The most beautiful female singing voice I’ve heard > Karen Carpenter 🎤🙏🏾💕 Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸

[@suzannezethner8180]

Voice of an Angel.

[@poguemom3]

She just has such a hauntingly beautiful voice. You can feel the sadness in it, almost. She’s always been one of my favorites. 💜

[@roguealien]

As the song started, watching you both start moving to the groove was nice. You both went right in on it. Sweet.

[@scottodonahoe9505]

Music is music no matter what the race . Love you folks !

[@cindy2252]

"For All We Know", "Rainy Days and Mondays", "Goodbye to Love", "Sing", "Sometimes".... so many but here are a few of my favorites.

[@96g20t]

Always my favorite Carpenters song. Karen sets a strong mood and it feels like parts in a play. Strong performance. She was so amazing. Haunting and beautiful.

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

“I Can Dream Can’t I” “We’ve Only Just Begun” “Solitaire” “Goodbye To Love”

[@carollittle1059]

RIP Karen, angelic voice in our hearts.

[@marycoplin7875]

Love Karen...Loved your reaction...More Carpenters Pleeeeeze!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johneldridge8678]

Hey guy's, another great reaction!!! Thanks for giving Karen, and The Carpenters their just due. They're incredible!!!

[@michaela8706]

Karen truly is a the voice of and angel. So many songs to choose from. A favorite of mine is "Yesterday Once More". Thanks and God Bless

[@Mr54nomore]

This Live performance by the late great Karen Carpenter is from the 1971 BBC concert series in England. This great and hauntingly beautiful song was written by the late great singer/songwriter Leon Russell with Bonnie Bramlett. Karen was known in the music business as "One Take Karen." She always got it right the first time. Twelve years later in 1983. Luther Van Dross will make a cover of this song and take it Platinum. The rest as they say is history.

[@athenagriego4561]

Haunting and angelic hits my right in the gut and is a beast on the drums. Strong in both areas.

[@christopherskenteris71]

This song is so beautiful especially with the all the instruments played in it. Such a great song, beautiful voice!

[@jaquettajones]

This song is so Heartfelt for her - you can just tell. Truly a gifted singer

[@writerwade9241]

It was in the movie Tommy Boy with Chris Farlhey and David Spade. It was a funny scene. The they were driving and acted like they weren't into it because it was lame. Both ended up singing it out loud and crying. So funny. Yeah. Her voice . . .

[@papadoh4231]

Written by Leon Russell, an artist present in Rock history since the early days of American Bandstand (as a teen dancer).

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Bonne Bramlett was in on the writing also but Rita Coolidge gets unofficial credit for the song idea

[@karenscigliano9787]

Ok good info... didn't know this!

[@justmyopinion2]

Her voice was as smooth as silk. I've heard this song a million times and it hits the feels every single time. There is no other voice out there that comes close, never will be.

[@debbieseymore481]

She had the voice of an angel.

[@davidhubbert9445]

What can you say musical perfecton by the angelic Karen carpenter simply superb.

[@tektoniks_architects]

Recorded the album track in one take, reading off a napkin where Richard scribbled the lyrics. The album take was supposed to be a test track before the actual recording, but of course with Karen, perfection only needs one take.

[@michellegriffith4200]

Beautiful, pure, natural voice..

[@frankamodeo3640]

Yesterday Once More by The Carpenters,you will love it!

[@davidhart8621]

Her voice literally made me cry. What else can I say.

[@angelajames7917]

Same. It is so sad that while she was bringing us so much joy with her music, she was in so much pain inside.

[@freddymo3339]

Back in 1970, Karen's voice could be heard in most fine dining and dinner clubs. As a 14 year old buss boy then, I can still remember it all today when you play her music. B.J., Asia is a gem . Don't ever loose her. You both shine.

[@williamweiss6128]

Brings a tear to my eye every time. Beautiful voice. 😍

[@johnsmith-ub7vr]

Karen left us way too soon, but her voice will be listened to through the ages, she is indeed immortal, her memory will never die.

[@Perfect_Blend]

Her voice is timeless. Try "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", Won't Last A Day Without You", "Desperado", or any of their songs, LOL. You can't go wrong with Karen's vocals and Richard's arrangements!!! R.I.P to our beautiful KC.

[@dougsusie2319]

1971 here guys and Karen was only 21 at the time. What an amazing voice ! Your face and smile was priceless on this one BJ, great stuff. ☮️✌️💕

[@raymondhanks9826]

I think you are both superstars, I love watching the respect you have for one another, God Bless you both !!

[@johnb.2518]

The Girl With the Golden Voice - next up: "We've Only Just Begun" (THE graduation/wedding song); then "Yesterday Once More" (a song about all the great old songs); then "A Song for You" (on which she kicks Donny Hathaway's ass); then "This Masquerade" (on which she kicks George Benson's ass) - thanks for choosing the live version of this "super" song!

[@denisef1684]

BJ, you and Asia BOTH are superstars in my eyes! Love you both.

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

The Carpenter's music reminds me of being home on a crisp, chilly Autumn day - homemade soup simmering on the stove, homemade bread baking in the oven and you feel warmth, comfort, peace and contentment. Thanks for the reaction. Check out their song "Sing A Song." Be well.

[@richardfox1605]

The Voice of an Angel every note every word comes from the heart you feel what she was singing deep

[@garyjones451]

Talented brother and sister!

[@johnmccarthy568]

karen is the greatest female vocalist of all time, she is an angel ,she sings with a tear in her voice because of the torment of anorexia she was going through. i suggest,solitaire,weve only just began rainy days and mondays, yesterday once more, masquerade,close to you,ticket to ride, mr postman,, ,now, i need to be in love. great reaction

[@deborahstrunk7450]

I'm blessed to have been able to hear two wonderful singers sing this song!!!!

[@josiepkat]

This is such a beautiful haunting song - maybe one of the best of the 70s. Makes me cry every time.

[@andrewcormier529]

That was a really good reaction you guys watch her documentary so tragic and all of her songs were telling her story of what she was feeling and everybody tried to help her but others destroyed her she was beautiful lady and one of the top 10 greatest voices strong powerful but so soft and tender and pleading may she rests in peace and happiness keep spreading the music guys God-bless.

[@rebeccasonger4156]

I think it was "Tommy Boy" the movie that Chris Farley and David Spade played this song in the car and they started crying while riding down the street...I lmao!!!

[@johnkelley7868]

What a beautiful voice it was so sad the way her life ended just heartbreaking

[@darrylsmith1471]

What a strong and powerful voice! and good on the drums as well.

[@katiescarlett5249]

Talent downloaded direct from God! Karen was a such beautiful singer.

[@jenniferjacobs228]

I still miss her so much..that amazing voice. Never heard a female voice like hers since. R.I.P.

[@1776SOL]

An odd thing for a 44yr old man to say, but sooooo glad my mom raised me on The Carpenters. Richard is such an underrated pianist & Karen's voice well... so angelic, warm, & comforting.

[@tomschmitz261]

recorded in 1 take! reading the lyrics off a napkin! only 21 years old at the time!... the song reached #2 on the charts in 1971...

[@llschnitz]

Paul McCartney said that Karen Carpenter had the greatest female voice of the Twentieth Century. Hers is one of the most well loved voice on the planet. It reminds me of coming inside the house and out of the cold on a frigid Winter's day and having somebody drape a warm fuzzy blanket over you. Her voice is relaxing, warm, soothing and lovely. Her voice is a special gift from God to humanity.

[@lawrencechiu4058]

What a voice!! All the excitement is in the penthouse, but the rent is paid in the basement. Her low notes were just exquisite! She still gets me every time, 45+ years later.

[@MrMatheushgm]

Big fan of the Carpenters. Even though I was born in late 1980s, I feel so connected to their songs. Karen was special, and it hits me hard that she died so young.

[@dannelson4209]

Karen was like a music athlete , Bracjing herself just before the song began . A true perfectionist.

[@michaelasay8587]

Asia....u have a great voice!

[@candidadocchio9232]

She had such a. Angelic volce god rest her soul

[@debbieseymore481]

Her voice was so beautiful.

[@billydickens3039]

I grew up listening to her her voice is still beautiful so said she left us so young

[@dacryptkeeper6836]

Karen had the most Angelic voice God ever gifted a drummer!!! This is from their 1971 BBC performance on their first visit to London. Just prior to singing “Superstar,” Karen was on her drums and singing “Love is Surrender.” Immediately after, she returned to her drums and sang, “And When He Smiles.” After that, she got up to sing “Rainy Days and Mondays.” She was truly uniquely talented!