British guitarist analyses Karen Carpenter - the drummer who sang!!!

[@katemcbride8715]

The joy on her face as she plays is delightful

[@LadySlippers]

YES!!!!!! She looks like a little kid! 💖💖💖

[@wildmountainthyme4123]

I noticed that immediately! She loved playing drums!

[@mitchfleming274]

She always looks happiest when she is playing the drums.

[@PunguinYoga]

I was thinking that.

[@belleooo]

it was her happy place with a doubt

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

It’s just so sad that she choose to kill herself, albeit in the least aggressive way possible.🥺

[@vic.guitar]

Totally!!! She really was happy behind the drums

[@yancyneaola1468]

@@subversivelysurreal3645 you're right, it's hard to lose such a beautiful talent but it wasn't her choice. Body dysmorphia and terrible sadness. She struggled with a very complicated disorder that takes many lives

[@Damaged262]

Dude! Is there any musical style you don't enjoy? You are awesome kid, so well rounded. I swear, your parents must be so proud of you.

[@austinteutsch]

I agree! I come to Fil to see what he thinks. He's got his finger on the pulse.

[@folkme3042]

@@austinteutsch That's what I love about Phil.He can appreciate musical ability of artists in any genre.He is so respectful and informative too.I never realised that Karen was a drummer first and a singer second.Holy shit,what an amazing vocalist she was though.

[@folkme3042]

Sorry Fil. Slip of the keyboard lol.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Phil: you are top drawer in your assessments! You really know what you're talking about and you're a real gentlemen. Thank you!!

[@mjt11860]

that's 1 reason y i subscribed. i also enjoy a wide variety of music. when it comes to variety in the music world, he PHILs in the blanks.

[@musical_wheels]

I consider myself a "Carpenters Historian" having followed their career since the very beginning. I don't think I've ever come across anyone with such a comprehensive and historically accurate overview of Karen's career, without reading a teleprompter. I'm so impressed by your storytelling. I know everything you're saying, yet I'm compelled to hear you tell the story, because it sounds new by the way in which you tell it. Bravo!

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Phill's analyses are always spot-on!! Listening to him is a gift!

[@mindfulskills]

"Karen was as good a drummer as she was a singer." ~ Hal Blaine, drummer of the Wrecking Crew

[@Patrick-857]

He would know, seeing as he was their session drummer.

[@MarkPuckett]

The Wrecking Crew is a legend unto themselves - if one of them thinks you're a player, you're a real player

[@TheLarryBrown]

If that were true she would be on the record drumming as well as singing. I think she should have drummed on all songs because she does something no other drummer can do, and that's "sound like Karen Carpenter." However, Richard says that the difference of Hal's drumming on record, compared to Karen's was "like night and day."

[@stevenothingspecial]

@@TheLarryBrownKaren was trained as a Jazz drummer by one of the best. The video selected isn’t totally representative of her in concert form.

[@herbyverstink]

So, youre saying she was also the greatest drummer of all time?.. because she was the greatest voice of all time

[@scarletbegonias8991]

So nice to hear someone these days have such an appreciation of Karen's drumming and singing skills. ❤️

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Karen's musical ability was phenomenal. Even after all the years since her death, I consider her one of the best female singers ever (if not the best).

[@skroy8671]

Agreed! She's one of my top two female vocalists of all time!

[@dasteelerfan1]

TN Moppy I still enjoy their music

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

Iv'e read Karen and Ella Fitzgerald are considered to be the purest female vocalists in music!

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

Along with Joni Mitchell, she's at the top of my list.

[@drogersnm]

Karen is #1 with me. Not only a great singer, but a very good and sweet person, also.

[@rhondak.craven5785]

Longtime KC fan - my high school boyfriend and I were always fascinated and amused watching her on TV seamlessly playing the drums as she sang with that beautiful voice! I had every album. Became a card carrying member of the Carpenters Fan Club. Saw them once in person. Hurt my heart when she died. Not many black folks in my circles back then were as open about their adoration of her as I. She was a pure talent that I still sorely miss all these years later.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

I'm a hard rock guy, but talent is talent. She was a great musician, song writer, singer. And the fact that she was a kick ass drummer pops her up many notches in my eyes. RIP, angel

[@Wombat32]

One of my favorite tribute albums is the one done for the Carpenters. A lot of people you would never in a million years guess loved the Carpenters playing their songs.

[@sherriebrand1771]

@@Wombat32 Wasn't Alice Cooper on that list? (Great comment!)

[@e.j.johnson5756]

@@Wombat32 Karen didn't write songs but she opened every one of them by virtue of velvetized voice

[@stockvaluedotcom]

Angel is a very apt description.

[@ClownWhisper]

shes much better than lars Ulrich that's for certain

[@mtp4430]

Her voice had the feel of soft warm cashmere. And as you pointed out, she was an accomplished drummer long before she fronted the band. R.I.P Karen, you were a beautiful soul.

[@kateichacker3145]

The joy on her face while she's drumming....I'd never have wanted to miss her voice, but...the passion while she's drumming.

[@mikeyoung9810]

I knew a girl who weighed 98 pounds and still thought she was fat. I met her in the hospital and you weren't allowed to compliment her (she was beautiful) because it would only make her problem worse. She recovered thankfully. Karen was my favorite in the '60's and I still ache everytime I hear her voice because the day she died was such a shock. Loved your 2 videos about her. Thanks.

[@Patrick-857]

I dated a girl who weighed 48kg, about 105 pounds. She also thought she was fat, she wasn't as bad as you described, but I was shocked, I tried to help her confidence but it didn't work, she was damaged, taken from her addict parents as a baby and raised by an elderly Christian woman. Bullied horribly at school, ect ect. I tried to help her but I had terrible issues that I didn't really know I had at the time too.

[@davidcampbell4174]

Any discussion of Karen Carpenter has to begin and end with her voice. Maybe the most beautiful female voice I have ever heard. Thanks Fil

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

sadly she did not want it to always be about her voice she was a drummer first in the singer second is she always used to say

[@thomasflynn5366]

@ekimshield Smoother? Sam Cooke, Benny King, Nat King Cole to name a few. There are a lot of great male singers. That being said I love Karen Carpenter's voice. Probably my second favorite female voice behind Gladys Knight.

[@pastxmas]

If more people cared about what made HER happy, which was playing the drums, she might still be alive today.

[@thomasflynn5366]

@ekimshield I like Aretha too but Gladys speaks to my soul. Favorite is a personal thing. Can't complain about Frank and the Velvet Fog. I also love Richie Havens but I think that may be another personal thing as my family hates when I play him LOL.

[@Newzchspy]

Trucker Kev The Paid Tourist but a much better singer than drummer. Just ask Buddy Rich!

[@deannebenkert6700]

The first time I saw the Carpenters in concert,1970 - she was behind the drums the entire concert. I was lucky enough to see them 3 times in concert.

[@michaelnorman3393]

One of the most beautiful, and heartbreaking voices ever....

[@donwhaley8238]

She did not want to sing she wanted to drum. Maybe she would of lived longer if they let her do that

[@galenstone9097]

Our Karen. Shy, Gifted, Fragile.. Godspeed for one of the purest voices to ever live.

[@debbiescott9255]

Look at her face while she's drumming...that is a showing of the love of your craft & to be blessed with singing on top of that....winner..winner..big grinner!! Karen you are so missed..☹️🤗

[@damouze]

Imagine what more magic could have happened with her drumming and her singing had she not passed way too young. She is so sorely missed. Look at the joy on her face as she is running around the set, playing the different kits. Almost childlike.

[@charlesc7950]

She was a fantastic drummer. She reluctantly came out from behind the kit. That voice, oh that voice, was just too great to keep her hidden behind the kit.

[@taoist32]

Charles C She seemed much happier drumming.

[@stepanova8]

Agreed, but I wish they had let her stay behind the drums. She just seemed so joyous. That should have been more important.

[@boomer1579]

@@stepanova8 Exactly.

[@sandraard4306]

My favorite female voice 😍 Smooth as silk and rich as chocolate. A female Nat King Cole.

[@ichigoparfaitgatomaranai]

Nah fuck that she could sing and play, her drumming is too amazing to be hidden behind her Mum's pressure

[@vincentlem2534]

I read that Karen was leaving a restaurant. On the way out a man walked by her and said, "Dear, I just want to let you know I think you have a Great voice." That man was John Lennon!

[@philm.6113]

Magical Entertainer Vincent! Then John had to listen to Yoko 'sing' and he started crying. Karen was very talented.

[@mauricedorreboom5388]

He was commenting on their cover of Ticket To Ride!. Karen's selfesteem was already so low at that point that she simply could not believe him. People around Karen tried to reassure her that John really thought her voice was great.

[@vincentlem2534]

John Lennon always said what was on his mind. He said what he meant and pulled no punches. Unfortunately it was this that sometimes rubbed people the wrong way. It may have shortened his life.

[@swk56]

Karen didn’t think John actually meant it, thought he was being nice. Sad-RIP Dear Lady!

[@stevetournay3731]

@@philm.6113 Oh geez that's funny...I'd heard the anecdote about Lennon meeting KC in the restaurant before but never thought about Yoko in context...

[@vinroc4080]

She seems so filled with joy when she plays!

[@Jonsmama1]

These two siblings were both crazy talented. Karen with her gorgeous voice and amazing drumming ability. Richard was amazingly talented with his piano playing and song arrangement ability. They also had some very talented musicians playing with them and making it all happen. Every song is beautiful and the details are incredible.Their songs will always be in my collection.

[@Pwecko]

She seemed happier drumming than singing.

[@renaerolley5670]

Because she was.

[@iflyforfree]

Pwecko great observation

[@diamonddog13]

If they had let her keep drumming she'd still be with us.

[@mhr5586]

Her brother Richard said she preferred to be in the back drumming on stage because the audience wouldn't be looking at her body. They forced her to stand out front and sing occasionally but she hated it. It was her eating disorder and anxiety. She just had no idea of her talent and appearance were great.

[@victoriateague9012]

I agree she just wanted to play the drums.😎

[@lionheartroar3104]

Thank you for honoring one of the best musicians of the 20th century. Karen was a prodigy and she was blessed with that inimitable voice!

[@roywall8169]

One of the best singers ever. Haunting voice. Very good drummer as well! 😎

[@MaddogJones]

...and you didn't mention Pau!!!! Come Roylynn you're slipping... I'm shocked! LoL!!!!

[@roywall8169]

Maddog Jones time and place! 😂. I would never diss another drummer, to lift Pau. This is about Karen. 💪🏻

[@MaddogJones]

@@roywall8169 You don't have to diss anyone, this is a perfect segway to mention Pau and hopefully get him to react to another song by The Warning. I love Karen Carpenter, after growing up a bit and discovering other types of music than metal in my 20's I really appreciated her contribution to drumming and music in general.

[@edwinjewell5359]

She was Super talented with one of the Greatest voices ever.

[@diamondbed86]

Damn, she was so good. Her voice was beautiful, but I think she enjoyed playing the drums more than singing. She seemed to dislike being front and center on stage. Thanks for all these videos!

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

The Carpenters were one of the artists that people publicly said "Oh, too much sugar for me" but would sing along with gusto when a song came on the radio whilst cruising down the turnpike. You know who you are and I am one too. However, your secret is safe with me. Great analysis as usual Fil !!

[@TheCelestialnav]

YEP, Same With John Denver !!

[@zumbakat37]

I don't think we ever got to see the best of Karen's drumming ability due to the nature of the material the Carpenters had. Early Carpenters material before they were popular, go listen to songs like Iced Tea which were strictly instrumental. Karen was a straight up Jazz drummer. Most people have never heard those songs to hear the complex time signatures they did.

[@homespace1268]

Yes, they started out as a jazz trio...her brother, herself, and a friend before they became the famous Carpenters.

[@marcallen7233]

I like how respectful and appreciative you are in your reviews. When you hear her extraordinary voice it’s easy to forget that Karen was a talented drummer first.

[@slashdisco]

I was born two years after Karen Carpenter died, and I've been haunted by her phenomenal voice since I first heard it 16 years later. Her voice is so beautiful that I actually regret not having been alive when she was. Rest in peace, angelic Karen.

[@AndyZach]

I feel privileged to have heard her live in concert in 1976.

[@slashdisco]

​@@AndyZach Wow - you should feel privileged! What an amazing accolade for you. I have my own such proud moments - I've met Dame Angela Lansbury and Queen Elizabeth II - but I'd even trade one of those experiences to meet Karen Carpenter or Agnetha Fältskog instead. :-O

[@AndyZach]

@@slashdisco Under the pavilion of Blossom Music center, south of Cleveland, our seats were within 50 feet of the stage. She gave her all and her voice is lush and rich in person.

[@jonathanbristow3208]

My old man worked for the railroad for over four decades. He busted his ass and gave away all time for himself for his snot nosed kids. When he did get time off, he loved driving and listening to music. Our fishing trips were musical experiences with everything from Al Stewart to The Carpenters to Van Halen. I can never recall talking smack about The Carpenters because even as a bare ass child I could hear the high quality contained in that woman's voice. And then we would see them play live on Saturday night and man, Karen was an absolute treasure of a musician. The whole band, the musicians she surrounded herself with... it's all so glorious! Anyways, I hope you keep doing what you do. Your knowledge and talent is what keeps it all so vital... it's all so vital just like you! Best to you and yours.

[@scottyh8494]

Karen Carpenter had the best voice in recorded music history for her genre of music. So clear and personable, it’s like she is singing to you personally. Just incredible no one else has that. Her drumming was superb.

[@TheLonesometoad]

Thank you for focusing attention on such a unique and exquisite talent. In addition to being an excellent drummer, she has the voice of angel. She is still sadly missed.

[@raymondcote2414]

Got to love her God bless her

[@johannagoldenberg3300]

I love watching your face when you are obviously delighted by what you are hearing/watching! And yes... so much to love in this performance ❤ Thanks for your analysis!

[@barbaramay1866]

I love that you love Karen. 💕 And The Carpenters. Such an angel.

[@kevinmcconnell9426]

This solo shows she was a percussionist as well as a great drummer.

[@ToddSauve]

She had, IMHO, the best voice of her generation. And I'm not really a fan of their genre, I'm more of Blues based, guitar driven, rock guy, but that voice of Karen's was absolutely stunning. Vocals seemed to emerge from her mouth effortlessly and perfectly, the best I've ever seen or heard and I'm 61. I don't know what more I can say ... other than if you disagree, well then :P ... ;)

[@Newzchspy]

Todd Sauve nope, I can't disagree. Her voice exceeds that of Streisand.

[@dougoverhoff7568]

@@Newzchspy No comparison! Karen's is in a whole different class.

[@SoFkwHat80]

Your spot on.

[@南都隆幸-t8t]

Todd Sauve, I absolutely agree with you.

[@kerrygraham6301]

How did she sing those sad songs without crying?

[@debdo1960]

I've watched this drumming video many times over the years. Not only was she an excellent drummer (she actually looks sincerely happy....and she is while playing), but a singer as well. She had gone through treatment in NY and cut her solo album that I love and own. Sadly she was taking ipecac after treatment which caused cardiac arrest. Many ppl who go through treatment for anorexia turn bulimic. I know this as I went for treatment several years after Karen passed and was told it was common. Karen's death actually saved my life. I was devastated by her death and used it as a springboard to my own treatment for the deadly eating disorder. It was a long road in recovery and I am grateful Karen brought eating disorders to the forefront of awareness so better treatment could develop. Her brother was a chairperson in my treatment program and I am grateful for his contribution as well as his sharing the truth. Her talent reigns Supreme through all time into eternity. Missed, but not forgotten 💐 😘💕🥁🎶🎵🎵🎤🎶🎶🎵

[@OutOnTheTiles]

She beat John Bonham as the best drummer of 1975 in Cream magazine. Hard to believe. Plant actually jokes about it at one of their 75 shows. She had a wonderful voice. ✌️🎸

[@DeepsongProductions]

You're kidding.. lol

[@danilaird8360]

Why is that funny?

[@DeepsongProductions]

@@danilaird8360 It's funny bc Bonham was a much better drummer Edit addendum; Cream magazine likely made a *Politically Correct* decision or felt they could sell more magazines... But... though Carpenter was an accomplished drummer, she was not in the same class as Bonham... no comparison, really. Cheers

[@DeepsongProductions]

@@krvnjrcbs I've not seen them live... maybe I'll look for some old footage... thx

[@mannyfran8024]

@@DeepsongProductions lol . Politically correct and 1975 doesn't compute. There was no PC in the 70's...

[@steadfastcoward]

Karen was a jazz musician at heart, it's what she studied in her youth. You can clearly hear this with the Carpenters' harmonies as much as the percussion.

[@kevindean1327]

Her brother was the band leader and arranger.

[@artsci2716]

To play the drums and to sing at the same time takes extreme coordination! I do not know how Karen did it!

[@A65Driver]

I'm a Heavy Metal guy from way back (first album bought - Black Sabbath Sabotage 1974) but always appreciated the Carpenters, how could you not

[@Coolrockndad]

I really loved her voice. The Carpenters Christmas Album is one of the best IMO.

[@skroy8671]

"Merry Christmas Darling" is my fave off of that album :)

[@sharonraizor2839]

The Carpenters Christmas album with good headphones on is an immersive experience.

[@VocalEdgeTV]

So thrilled to see these comments. The Christmas Portrait has ushered in my holidays my whole life. The Carpenters were my childhood.

[@toonybrain]

Coolrockndad Absolutely agree. It’s STILL a part of our Christmas holiday album tradition.

[@markr.devereux3385]

That i will be the CARPENTERS real legacy. 3 of the tracks off of the incredible CHRISTMAS album are in my top 10

[@stephenriggs8177]

I've been a Carpenters fan forever, but I had no idea she played drums until just a few days ago, when someone else spotlighted this clip. I love how she hams it up. She looks like some kid who snuck into a music store after hours and just started playing every kit she could find.

[@bekind6763]

Not only did Karen have an amazing voice, she was an excellent drummer. It's a shame what happened to her, she was such a lovely person. I wish we could just accept ourselves for who we are. Rawk!

[@RP_Williams]

" I wish we could just accept ourselves for who we are" - such is the insidiousness of mental illness. Maybe nowadays (as we're starting to understand mental illness) she would've got the help/treatment she needed.

[@bigd1345]

I agree with you. When she was heavier, she looked so healthy, and beautiful. I was very sad when she passed, I loved her singing..still do. Some of my friends still laugh at me cuz I still listen to her music.

[@michaelrountree7204]

RIP Teddy Pendergrass. & Jeffrey Osborne were drummers also were able to sing like Phil Colin’s & RIP Karen Carpenter.

[@viking22]

@@bigd1345 You just keep on listening to her music 🎵🎶 no matter if your friends give you a bad time. They don't appreciate talent apparently. I still listen as well, because she had the most amazing voice and I love it when she played her drums. She looks so happy then . I wanted to play drums because of her, but I never learned. She was a great talent and we miss her still.

[@bigd1345]

@@viking22 I miss her as well, and listen to her music every day. She had the most amazing voice I've ever heard.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Okay. You're officially an excellent human being. Thank you for this video. Karen Carpenter's death was one of the saddest ever. She was so great.

[@JaneSmith0709]

I've never seen Karen happier than when she was behind the drums. Just look at that genuine smile. They should have let her stay there and sing instead of forcing her to be out front. Excellent analysis, as always. Love your channel.

[@mikehiltonphotography]

Nat King Cole was also a reluctant singer. He was a great jazz pianist but the band needed a singer. Once he became popular for his vocals his piano playing got lost in the shuffle. Also, thanks for all you do. You're paying it forward big time, brother. That's how the world gets better.

[@donnashimshi4093]

I’ve always loved Karen’s voice, but hearing her sing is tinged with so much sadness. It’s great to see a video of her looking so happy and showing what a kick ass drummer she was! From what I’ve read, I always thought the pressure from the music business and from her brother was just too much for her, and I didn’t even know about the record company taking all that money from her. Thanks for another amazing and informative video, Fil!

[@hategreed1]

She married a real asshole, and then Big Pharma got their grips on her. Not enough has been told about Big Pharma's role in her demise and death.

[@bsteven885]

Karen Carpenter's MOTHER was the ultimate cause of Karen's lack of self-esteem. Even BEFORE The Carpenters were at their prime, their mother Agnes would ALWAYS compliment Richard while dismissing Karen, if she acknowledged Karen at all. Add in insensitive weight comments by an obtuse journalist and pressures by producers to "lose the drums," and you can see Karen's health decline. Right before Karen died, Agnes would not even admit that she didn't say "I love you" enough to Karen.

[@ravenel2]

It was the mother. The sad thing about this is that everyone blames Karen for low self esteem etc. But there were some mothers at that time who were absolute demons on earth and Mrs. C was one of them. You can’t grow up around a person with no soul and no ability to love and still be normal. I can’t even look at the mother in videos and other people have said she gives them the creeps as well.

[@sowen1062]

Karen was my musical Hero when I was a young Teen in the 70's. I was a Drummer and had never seen a girl play drums like she did. But it was, and remains to this day for me and SO many others, her voice that resonates with us. Many people say when Karen Carpenter sang you felt like she was singing just for you. It was soft, rich, and intimate. When I was 15 I finally saw the Carpenters live in Vegas in 1978. She sounded exactly like the records, unlike so many today. She was a very special Lady and a once in a lifetime talent. Thank you so much for covering her.

[@rhwinner]

Her voice was suffused with a natural melancholy....

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

You have hit the nail on the head !

[@lin2thez341]

@Shawn Hawkins Contralto, women aren't baritones.

[@lin2thez341]

@Shawn Hawkins Says you. She was a contralto.

[@Yesica1993]

That's a great way to put it!

[@PunguinYoga]

@@TheHumbuckerboy Seriously... you are so right.

[@pattyneff4624]

I’m so happy that you featured her drumming! 🙌She was amazing and recognized by many of the greatest drummers! Her ability to sing while playing is so impressive! I loved her tone too!💗Thanks Phil🤩

[@sealisa1398]

Completely loved Karen Carpenter. Thanks Fil your breadth of knowledge and delight of music is astounding.

[@Denise11Schultz]

It is so kind of you to tell what robbed the world of more time with her great talent. It helps that you describe her illness with respect, not judgement. TY. There are a lot of roadblocks on the road to success, and you are helping a lot of people by being thorough. TY.

[@CB-wq9wp]

Thank you for sharing this video! Seeing her sheer joy while playing is a treat! And thanks for your thoughtful commentary.

[@Susanna75-r5h]

Such a gifted and talented artist, a true artist.

[@d.c.california1856]

The GOAT of female drummers at the minimum & one of the greatest melodic singers of all-time,RIP Ms.Carpenter.

[@gailtuska4830]

She looks like she’s having so much fun. I hope she loved singing as much. Her voice is so amazing.

[@danieljodrey709]

Dude your smile when you watch a great performance is electric and so warm.

[@maxmarchesini5738]

I enjoyed the "bleeding" explanation 😊 You really made it clear to everyone. Professional as usual, BRAVO 👏👏

[@juliajones1425]

Her tone was amazing, magical because she was an alto. She wasn’t a soprano trying to reach those money notes. That’s just where her voice landed naturally. And the shape of her head gave her that glorious resonance. I know that resonance…my whole head and torso vibrate when I hit a note just right. When people compare my voice to hers, I am beyond flattered. I am honored. She was a gift to the world.

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

I would love to hear you sing!!

[@MartyMurray]

Another great and informative video as usual, Fil. Karen was such an amazing talent. A fantastic musician, as you have showed here, and a really one-of-a-kind vocalist that few can match. Even my son loves her singing, and he listens to stuff like Slayer! The first time he heard her, he said that she had the most beautiful voice he had ever heard.

[@helenwoodcock5140]

THANKYOU FOR DOING THIS YOU have finally given the recognition to a lady who was under the shadow of her family and her mother ive been in ore of this women all my life ,ive never understood while she isnt regarded on her own as a fantastic Drummer i hope the world has seen this including her brother ,it was always him Richard this ,,that Karen you are fantastic always was and will be Thankyou .

[@WMJCPA]

I was lucky enough to see them live on 3 separate occasions in the early 70's. What was so great Is Karen sounded as great If not better live than on the records. Her voice was so remarkable. What a talent. I heard a story that Buddy Rich was impressed with her drumming. Her voice was the best over the past 50 years. All female vocalists.today seem to just ne screaming into the microphone.

[@mikebowman8680]

I wasn't as lucky as you are. I saw the Carpenters twice in the Greensboro coliseum. Both shows were so good and just proved what a voice she had.

[@sherriebrand1771]

Yes! It's all coming back to me... Just the same exact awe I experienced watching the initial performance!! The best part (for me) was seeing pure joy🙆🙆🙆 personified... a girl all giddy and truly in her element! 😘😍🤗

[@sherriebrand1771]

Did she and Phil (the other Phil I really enjoy) Collins ever have the opportunity to play together?? Gets the mind turning... doesn't it!?!

[@thomasfleig1780]

Showing multiple versions of her playing would be no big deal today, but that was jaw dropping special effects back then.

[@darlatidwell9995]

The Carpenters were such great talents and so soothing to the soul with their great songs. RIP Carpenters, God bless. Thank you for the analysis of those good times of Karen Carpenter, she deserves it. 👍👍 ✌

[@arthurlangford5861]

Richard Carpenter is still with us. Karen is still sorely missed. RIP

[@buixrule]

I don't know how in the hell this video could possibly have 40 thumbs down. Brain dead people. This woman oozed talent. She is a legend. Her voice is like velvet and unmistakable and effortless. Thanks Fil. This was actually one of my suggestions somewhere and I'm glad you looked into her.

[@helenwoodcock5140]

I love it when i see my idol is complemented i love this women as a female drummer and singer 47 years ive been a fan and will always be thankyou karen needs more recognition on her own

[@MrTPF1]

It's so good to see you excited about Karen's talents. I remember watching that Carpenters special when it aired, and I was absolutely floored by her drumming talent. Then when they did that green screen bit, I was like, "What kind of sorcery is THIS?!" Great memories, and great video.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I remember watching this years ago and having my jaw trying to find the basement. As flawless as Karen's voice was and how complete her command of that voice was, I almost think she was an even greater drummer! Drumming was her first love and you can tell in this clip how much she's enjoying the heck out of banging away on those things. With great skill.

[@jamesstewart4314]

That probably was one of the best descriptions that I have ever heard about. Karen Carpenter, thank you for doing that. It was excellent. You really told the full story it was terrific. Thank you so much. And I remember listening to Karen Carpenter's songs. And every time I had to stop and just it was mesmerizing. Because her voice was that good was golden. It was like a gift from heaven. She had an angelic voice and so unique from any other person she was. A gift from above.Thank you for doing what you did by explaining.What an exceptional human being she was

[@EmpressMermaid]

Her voice was indeed incredible. But if you watch her perform, she seemed most comfortable and like she was having so much more fun when she was on drums

[@DonKelleyMusic]

Thank you for this amazing video about her. Very respectfully done.

[@BusterRoonie]

You’re knowledge is off the charts! Respect ✊🏼 Luv your channel! Thanks my friend!!🙏🏼

[@johntatum1951]

She was an awesome drummer, but the world is so glad she started singing...amazing singer..super talent!

[@stevevaughn2040]

She is still the only singer who makes me get a shiver. What an amazing talent. I miss her.

[@Retaile23]

You keep these great artists alive with respect, compassion and dignity. Cheers!

[@simonworsley2954]

The best quality voice of all time. And a special soul.

[@M0odyBlue]

Record labels are vultures! It's amazing that one person had so much talent. I love her voice. I don't always like the songs as much, but her voice is amazing.

[@peterrabbit4034]

People write off The Carpenters as a lightweight band, and that was true in some cases. The first studio musicians recognized their talents and nurtured them to superstardom, and they always had the best session players. Her contralto voice still moves me immensely.

[@c.j.7752]

Thier lightweight reputation came mostly from the demands of the record company and thier demand for radio friendly material.

[@edwardjones9631]

Good Point! R U Related to Eddie Rabbit?

[@Poverello2001]

Richard Carpenter is also an accomplished jazz musician and composer.

[@ethelryan257]

@@Poverello2001 true, but his sister was a super nova.

[@toonybrain]

Peter Rabbit The elites are always shortsighted and wrong when it comes to true art. Remember that elites and critics condescendingly sneered at Chicago, John Denver, Norman Rockwell, Frank Frazetta, ... Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. (BTW, last year a Frazetta painting went for $1.8 million at auction in Chicago. Highest ever paid for original comic [book] art.)

[@lethiapage4767]

She was so talented. Love this! The best part..and I think drummers are so good at this...is when they are having fun that joy just sloshes everywhere.

[@spaert]

Great video and analysis. I'm looking forward to the next one focusing on her voice. I'm really glad you highlighted Karen's drum work because it faded into the background so quickly as her singing came to the fore. I was in my early teens when the Carpenters got started and it's hard to overstate how influential and popular they were. It was really amazing because everything else on the charts at the time was rock based - we're talking Led Zeppelin, BTO, the Who, Clapton and Hendrix, etc. The fact that this mellow stuff sold by the millions speaks to the quality and talent of the Carpenters. Who knows how long they could have kept it up if she hadn't succumbed to her disease. I remember being so sad the day the news broke of her passing. It was a great loss. Thanks for featuring this video. Nicely done.

[@gwendolyncarter5668]

Agreed, It was very sad news indeed when she passed, I remember that well. Fil, any analysis of her voice , really should be done of her song Superstar. Very haunting melody. Beautiful Vocals.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

John Lennon was a big fan of Karen's voice and he told her so on one occasion when they happened to meet briefly and unexpectedly in a social situation.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@ Gwendolyn Carter ... Several years ago I had the privilege of having a selection of my favourite hit singles played on my local radio station and chose 'Superstar' as one of them.

[@TheLarryBrown]

Carpenters had run their course by 1976 and as far as top 40 goes they weren't coming back. They were a magic moment of time bridging the 60s and early 70s.

[@carolhensley9060]

Whoever told her to come out from the drums? Not only is she a terrific drummer she looks so happy!

[@gwag8410]

When Karen sang, people stopped what they were doing, and took notice...

[@hategreed1]

YEP. I remember the morning I heard the beginning of Close to You. It was like what you said. Other songs they recorded were better. But on that first hearing, a lot of us were awestruck.

[@thomastimlin1724]

When I first Karen sing when I was 14, I said to myself, I want to marry that girl! lol. the soul and the voice of the 1970's.

[@INDRAJM]

Karen’s voice always stops me dead in my tracks. I can be sound asleep and her voice will wake me up. She was sublime.

[@4amazinggrace]

That's pure joy on her face! Somehow, I missed this when it aired, but many thanks for replaying it. This wasn't just from a marching band experience. WOW

[@davewalker8519]

The joy in her face when she was drumming showed what her true love was. But,without a doubt, one of the most distinctive, beautiful voices in music. Incredible to think that, apart from college choir, she really had no formal training. Pure natural talent. Taken from us far, far too soon.

[@VoicesfromtheSwamp]

I remember watching this live when I was a teenager. Loved the Carpenters then and even more so now. I also love the unbridled joy on her face as she plays her beloved drums.

[@1MsPaula]

Love seeing this, I cannot wait for you to discuss her unparalleled voice next. 😘

[@TammyGrosso]

Great job! I love how happy she was playing the drums. You can really see this when you watch her singing and playing the drums in the 1974 Japan Concert of Help.

[@robertfeeley9738]

The greatest presentation of the Carpenters I've ever heard. No one comes close to increasing our understanding of the Carpenters band. Thanks 👍😊 very much. Thanks for the review of the operation of the slease bags in the recording industry. Very good sympathy for artists.

[@Cotronixco]

This was a very clear and detailed analysis of the major components of Karen Carpenter's Career. Great Job as always, Fil! We appreciate your research and your hard work!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@nevinedgington2013]

Thanks Phil. Very insightful review. Mind if I share a couple back stories on two of the Carpenters first hit songs? I was at a Herb Alpert concert in 2017. Between songs he told a story about the early days of Karen and Richard Carpenter at A&M Records. (A&M Records was founded by Herb Alpert and his partner Jerry Moss). In the late 1960's Herb Alpert still had his popular band, The Tijuana Brass. They were preparing to record a television special featuring he and the band. The producer asked Herb if he wanted to step away from the trumpet and sign a song for the show. Herb said he would, if he could find the right song. He reached out to Bert Bacharach to see if he had anything. Bert sent him a song titled "This Guy's in Love with You", which Herb recorded and was included in the show. Eventually, the show's producer came back to Herb and told him they had a little extra time left and would he like to record another vocal. Herb called Bert again, but Bert didn't have any songs. Bert told Herb to call his writing partner, Hal David. Hal had a song he had written a couple years earlier and offered it to Herb. Herb recorded it in his studio, singing lead vocals again. He asked his sound engineer what he thought. The engineer wasn't too sure about this one. Herb ended up shelving the song and the television show ended up with just one Herb Alpert vocal song. Fast forward a couple years and the Carpenters are under contract with A&M Records. Richard and Herb are trying to decide what would be a good song for Karen to sing. Herb remembers the song he shelved a couple years earlier and plays it for Richard. The Carpenters record it and have their first hit record, "Close to You". Also under contract at A&M Records was songwriter Paul Williams. He had written a one verse jingle for a television commercial for a bank. The song was so popular people were calling the bank asking where they could find the song. Word got back to Williams and Alpert, and they decided to finish writing a complete song. Herb had the perfect voice for the song, Karen Carpenter. It was recorded and "We've Only Just Begun" became another hit for the Carpenters.

[@justdi3347]

Wow, the wealth of knowledge you have on The Carpenters is amazing. I grew up with her songs in the 70's. To me the best female singer ever.

[@Dr.GForensic]

Karen was so gifted and talented. Wish we had her here for longer. BTW...you have a beautiful smile!😁

[@rob5763]

What an amazing talent and what a huge loss. Was a big fan of the Carpenters. Thanks for sharing this and your analysis. Always spot on.

[@195511SM]

I saw them at Harrah's South Lake Tahoe, on what may have been their last tour.....in the late 70s or early 80s. I was living there at the time. I wish I could find the set list. Loved her cover of Leon Russell's 'A Song For You'.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@jrusso4753]

Fil...you never disappoint. Karen was, of course, known for her gorgeous vocals. Many, many people forget she was a great drummer. When she and her brother became "noticed" it was almost like the drumming was a gimmick. Not so! She was an amazing multi-talent. Thank you very much for the review and your relentless quest for facts and history. You rock, Fil. Please never stop!!!

[@robroberts1473]

I have loved her since I was little, such a nice voice and extremely cute. 😊

[@barbarapoirier8835]

Thank you for all the background information on her life. I absolutely loved her voice! It was so smooth and easy to listen to. Being a female percussionist myself I knew what an amazing percussionist she was too. She was such an inspiration. It really hit me hard when she passed away.