Carpenters at the BBC - 1971

The Carpenters' debut BBC concert, recorded on their first British tour in September 1971. They perform hits including Close to You, Superstar and We've Only Just Begun, together with the odd Beatles' tune and a Bacharach/David medley. Karen's drumming and Richard's keyboards get instrumental support from their five-piece touring band and a 26-piece orchestra conducted by Johnny Pearson.
Also included (which are usually edited out) is the original opening and the song "I Fell In Love With You" which Karen duets with Doug Strawn.

[@lyndawelch1200]

Not in the Hall of Fame?....NO WAY!!!....Karen's voice was of an angel an Richard was a.musical genius....let's vote them in guys...

[@lulutoyou2879]

Lets get them into hall of fame while Richard is still here to experience and accept the honor the carpenters deserve

[@gregbutcher7081]

The Hall of Fame doesn’t deserve them.

[@torilllundborn7899]

God would have her near Him ❤

[@gregwaldrip7910]

@@gregbutcher7081 Your right, what is so big deal about the Hall of Shame...Forget It...

[@homespace1268]

They need to change the name to Music Hall of Fame. And since Dolly Parton and Donna Summer are in there why are the Carpenters not? They were a jazz trio before they went soft rock...Karen was a drummer too. They didn't just sing...they made a contribution to music and people still listen to them today. With at least 12 top ten hits they deserve their time to be honored...

[@LLacle63]

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥!​@@gregbutcher7081

[@craigcrawford3022]

1970 Baby here. As far back as I can remember her voice rings through the years. There is no equal. None can touch her. I was devastated when we lost her.

[@michaelweems679]

I was born in 80, and they were always being played somewhere. They were literally the soundtrack to the first ten years of my life. I immediately think back to the 80's when I hear The Carpenters. They were popular long after Karen passed. Man, her voice was beautiful.

[@zorro149]

I'm glad that Karen Carpenter and Nat King Cole weren't born until the time that recording technology was developed. Those two incredible voices need to be preserved as long as our species exists.

[@bruschmidt9943]

In my 65 years, this is the closest I've ever heard to a angel singing. Then & still through 2023 😇

[@jacklenzo8463]

20 years younger than you, AND I AGREE !!!

[@sillysad3198]

female vocals from The dark side.

[@Grace_and_Truth78]

A fallen angel, it's inverted

[@Grace_and_Truth78]

​@@sillysad3198it's a baphomet tare

[@paulkeys175]

Me too, but Judith Durham and Margaret Keys are with this angel.

[@gstockwell5315]

It's currently September2024 ... who's listening to this beautiful voice besides me? Guessing Bllly Resse didn't make money off my post here. 🤣No worries. The Carpenters cannot be duplicated.

[@GypsyGirl317]

July 2024 Walking down Memory Lane 😊

[@DavidGlover-s7x]

Catch me in another 100 years as well.

[@gstockwell5315]

@@DavidGlover-s7x me too

[@gstockwell5315]

Catch me on the other side while I once again look at her beautiful face while she sings.

[@johngraham5543]

I listen to the Greatest singer who has ever lived daily! Karen was and is an absolute musical goddess!

[@dtennow]

That voice deserves a spot in the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

[@applepitz]

*Amen to that... such a sin that they are overlooked every year...*

[@divaslive6953]

Aren't they in the lists of R&RHOF.... 😯😯😯 Then I guess its time to abolished that shit. 😤😤😤

[@Coupydog]

I concur. Also, where is Boston's nomination? Another band who was a major game-changer in music. Must be all politics.

[@jackson2620]

ya, jews

[@professorjodigibson1600]

idiot.@@jackson2620

[@jacksonspines]

The BEST female singer of all-time in my opinion PLUS a master drummer on top of it! Such a talent! (Along with her brother, Richard!)

[@hummushero9428]

Richard was a virtuoso pianist, and a genius with musical arrangements. They both were just truly gifted.

[@mjs7100]

I remember listening to these songs as a kid while riding in the family VW camper on the way to the beach back in the day. Thank you for a sunny memory.

[@vikkiflaig4735]

Exactly

[@World-Superbike]

I firmly believe that Karen had the greatest voice of all time.

[@monilaninetynine3811]

What's truly extraordinary is how young they were here. Karen was 21 and Richard was 24. Think about that.

[@deborama19]

She was only 32 when she died! So sad.

[@tjp2109]

child prodigies...

[@subarsunic]

What 21??? Surprised

[@cytavares]

Really mature artists

[@torugonza]

Y con esa tan corta edad cuántos éxitos !

[@Sambuca25]

52 years later and still wow oh wow! Absolute musical perfection.

[@jimtemple5159]

Best female singer of all time in my opinion

[@marcusvicious]

Best vocalist of all time ever. No one is better than Karen Carpenter. No one.

[@austonboston4361]

Karen's voice was indeed special, however, Janis Joplin will always wear the crown.

[@umusicschool5050]

No comparison, Karen is queen

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

@@austonboston4361 Janis' songwriting was stellar Voice was great for her music. Not Karen though.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Judy Garland was up there too. Karen was a new era, and her drumming was up there with the best, apparently. She certainly always looked happy behind the drum kit.

[@revolutionishere]

@@patrickvanrinsvelt4466 You're the only one who makes any type of a point but Whitney Houston for me. Judy is definitely up there though, a very fair observation.

[@davidcalhoun3235]

As a young black youth bus to a white school in the early 70s i was put in the chorus class.. Years later im so happy to have fell in love with these songs in my teens and still today people are amazed when i say the Carpenters is in my top three all time.

[@Purple1984Rain]

And to think she started singing almost by accident and really wanted to just play the drums. Her recording voice is one the greatest gifts given to the pop musical world.

[@aaronmarrazzo5888]

You can say whatever you wish about the music, but Karen Carpenter's vocals are out of this world. This performance is spectacular!!!! Gone way too young...

[@TRACTS4JESUS]

its sad how she died but JESUS SAVES

[@stephenfox4278]

Anorexia is a deadly mental and physical nightmare to those that got strangled by its tentacles.. Karen Carpenter , you and your voice will never be forgotten and when i hear her songs on whatever device , I know it's her singing.... Unmistakable n sweet to the soul.. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down too... God bless you Miss...

[@kramalerav]

She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Sister

[@PamLee-w2c]

Pamela Ruth Lee. I struggled with anorexia nervosa. Received help from a great doctor and God healed me. Pierce ,my fiance, Rip. Loved the carpenters. Miss and love you, darling.❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@M.Robespierre3691]

By far the best female singer of all time!

[@garylobo348]

She was great. But Stevie Nicks is better.

[@mariopla9597]

No

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@garylobo348I love Stevie but I think even she would say Karen trumps her by quite a way.

[@22ergie]

Tina Turner!@@garylobo348

[@michaelhodges8312]

⁠@@garylobo348Not even close to Karen.

[@bobberry5809]

man, I can't get around that voice of hers. it's almost surreal. dark and light at the same time, and the control she has over it is unreal. what a beautiful woman. always thought the carpenters were just some square act. now I'm mesmerized. funny.

[@THXx1138]

And she is only 21 here, Bob. Absolute phenom.

[@WSCOTTEN]

me too! As a musician myself I only listened to music I could perform. Never took the time to listen to women sing. I'm glad I finally discovered how awesome she was. The best voice I ever heard.

[@THXx1138]

+Walt Scotten She sang in her speaking range, seemingly effortless. Both she and Richard were absolute perfectionists . Literal dynamic duo.

[@FrancisMaxino]

I was the same but now I've fallen in love with the purity of her pitch perfect singing.

[@Coupydog]

Rich was nowhere near perfect. When it came to synchronizing his own piano work on Lip Synched Broadcasting, he couldn't have been farther OFF!

[@jurjenvanderhoek316]

Of course Karen has an angelic voice that practically has no equal in musical history, but let's also not forget about the outstanding quality of the songs that the Carpenters made. Those compositions are of the topmost level.

[@markstutler6262]

This WV boy fell in love with Karen Carpenter in circa 1971 after watching them on Carol Burnett. Their music still takes me to my happy place.

[@adude394]

Every time I hear Karen Carpenter's voice, I just shake my head. Simply gorgeous. A natural, unforced mezzo, as clear as a bell. There are plenty of hugely successful "singers" who don't even belong in the same room as Karen. Such a shame that she died so young, but so grateful that we have recordings so that we can still enjoy her talents.

[@paulmccarthy2032]

This is how I chose to remember Karen Carpenter..seemingly healthy,at the top of her game..singing like an angel..

[@vincentnoto1938]

Karen & Richard Carpenter typify the meaning of "a touch of class". They were the hearts & the souls of 2 exquisite masterpieces.

[@RunnerLogan]

A voice straight from heaven

[@Dentspeed]

I get chills every time I hear them.

[@jstroncheck]

she was going to a concert with her friend along with her. Her friend reported that Karen was singing in the back of the car at a very low level and this is the same level she sang. There was some sort of magic between Karen's voice and the microphone.

[@BrianSchultz-i9v]

The Carpenters Definitely Belong in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!!

[@NickDiFroscia-s4y]

Why they are not. I never thought of that 💭🤔.?

[@lilypondlane]

“Superstar”=perfection. Karen had the clearest, most pitch-perfect voice and the best phrasing of any singer that I’ve ever heard. ❤️

[@sinatra222]

Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt say hi 👋. Karen was phenomenal, but there were certainly other singers on her level.

[@barbarabangert6594]

Agree 1000%

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Two people with extraordinary talent created something that I don’t think will ever be equalled. Perhaps under-appreciated at the time, their music endures and is finally given the recognition it truly deserves.

[@richardplume3212]

Agree friend peace if anyone remembers it ha not i t

[@melissasmith6769]

The world lost a beautiful legend the day Karen Carpenter died.

[@johngraham5543]

Indeed Melissa! The world lost the best singer this world has ever known the day Miss Karen Anne Carpenter passed! Miss her more each day! Absolutely incomparable perfection!

[@kananaskiscountry8191]

@@johngraham5543

[@KNPrince]

@@johngraham5543 While Karen may no longer be with us.. Her musical legacy ensures that she remains immortal... And her battle with anorexia and untimely death helped to save countless others that were suffering in silence like myself! She truly is a guardian angel!

[@RicardoMdeLara]

Real music made by real musicians. I love their songs.

[@rocktheboat9372]

This is a Beatles song.

[@colleenreck5369]

@@rocktheboat9372 You obviously didn’t watch the whole video, you should go back and watch it. It’s 39 minutes long and is full of their songs along with their renditions of many other artist’s songs.

[@gunpeiyokoifan]

​@@rocktheboat9372what's wrong with covering the Beatles anyway, a lot of people enjoyed them

[@ralex3697]

How does such a voice exist ? The others can be invisible, she mesmerizes Miss her so much

[@pedrovidanova]

The beauty and clarity of Karen's voice are eternal. ❤

[@bdbrougham46]

My all time favourite female singer. Instantly recognisable and truly unique, her voice is powerful and deep, yet effortless and smooth. Always been amazed at her ability to hold a note. Karen makes what is very difficult look so easy. Part of what makes the 70's THE magical decade in music.

[@cpace4031]

Karen is amazing. Her voice is one of my favorites. Love the Carpenters!

[@EricUnderwood-v2x]

I grew up in Downey and Karen and Richard would drive by the house often and Karen would always smile a huge smile and wave at us on our bicycles. Richard always drove and Karen would have her feet up on the dash of The Carpenter's Van....that was on Cedartree Rd in Downey Northside....1969-1982.... The best ol days.....miss you Karen ...♥️

[@markk.5637]

YES! Miss Karen greatly!!!

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

Indeed, my sister & I were just a couple miles up the road in the City of Pico Rivera, CA. BCRadio

[@EricUnderwood-v2x]

​@@BolsaChicaRadio Noway! I grew up on Passons Blvd and I went to St. Marianne's...till 6th grade. Is Bolss Chica Radio a station? I used to stomp around the reserve growing up... I miss it soooo much...I'm up North now I miss Southern California soooo much. Are you a broadcaster?

[@EricUnderwood-v2x]

@@BolsaChicaRadio Not to get off track but but I believe there are wild Steelhead Trout in the reserve...I saw a guy catch a Steelhead Smolt off HB pier once...it was only about 5: inches long so Im guessing it came from Bolss Chica.... your so lucky...I miss Southern Beaches soooo much...good for you. ✌️

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

@@EricUnderwood-v2x Well, my sister & I resided near the corner of Beverly Blvd & Rosemead Blvd, which by traveling south three or four miles, became Lakewood Blvd, then if you quickly veer to the east as soon as you hit the Downey city limit, one would enter into "The Carpenters Land"! To even deeper dive (LIKE IF ANYBODY OUT THERE EVEN REALLY GIVES A DOUBLE-HEADED, RAT'S HOOT!) my sister & I attended El Rancho High in Pico Rivera, where Rich & Karen, attended Downey High. To take it a step further (AS I BORE READERS TO A STATE OF UTTER DEATH WITH MY LAME HISTORY!) my sister & I attended Rio Hondo Community College in North Whittier Hills, where Rich & Karen, infamously, attended CA State University Long Beach. NOW, THOSE TWO COLLEGES WERE A GOOD 20 MILES APART! Interesting Note: My sister sang in BOTH Jr. & Sr. High School choirs and in small vocal quartets & quintets...AND...she was a natural "1st Contralto", similar to Karen's range. Me? To answer your first inquiry, I studied Radio Production, Broadcasting & Media in college and from 1979-2019 worked in the Los Angeles area radio markets for a great deal of independent radio stations to larger conglomerate national radio networks. I've been "retired" for about 5 years, as of 2024...just in case any DANG defense lawyer is reading this reply. (...no further comment on that...) Anyways, all of us in Pico Rivera knew Rich & Karen lived just literally a few minutes down south the boulevard, but, ya know, Pico & Downey were really "middle class' neighborhoods (for the most part) and everyone kinda respected their own "spaces & privacy". While in college, one of my radio buddies, literally lived a couple blocks away from their family house; I think I passed it a couple times...but again...when you're practically "neighbors", it's really, no big dealio...and it really shouldn't be. To answer your last question (DANG! I AM SO OVERLY POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE, SELF-ABSORBED HERE!!) Later in life, while residing in the Orange County area of Huntington Beach/Bolsa Chica, I just "magically" decided to use that name as my own You Tube Channel, "BolsaChicaRadio" as if you click on over there, you can see, view & hear a PLETHORA of both broadcasting vignettes, promotional radio interviews, self-produced concert material, as well as re-masters I worked on in the early years of You Tube...because THAT'S HOW FREAKIN' OLD I AM!!! Interestingly enough, one of my EARLIEST UPLOADS is a re-master of THE CARPENTERS "TICKET TO RIDE" Music Video, which Rich had the audio updated for the Carpenter Video Collection that came out in the 90's, I believe. The original version that Rich & Karen recorded, was in 1969, but was later re-tracked & overdubbed, by the request of Herb & Jerry, in 1973, I believe. What I did was to take the "ORIGINAL AUDIO" track from 1969 and re-lay it on the video timeline. Rich has yet to put a "STRIKE" on that re-mix, as of yet! The tone of Karen's drums on that original 1969 session was VERY BRIGHT & JAZZY, where the later version had a much more "Pop/Adult Contemporary" sound to it. I prefer the earlier version; Karen's drums sounds WAY MORE like the way she JAMMED in those early videos of "The Dick Carpenter Trio"! OK, enough BLAB outta me! BolsaChicaRadio

[@joekosobucki2141]

Not only was Karen gorgeous, talented on the drums, and had the greatest voice in rock in the 70s- but her brother Richard was equally talented, singer, keyboardist, and arranger!

[@James-zd1lk]

How could anybody not fall in love with Karen? Such a joy to watch, and the voice! 100% pure.

[@jmrusirius63]

+James I fell in love with her at 5 years old... this only validates that.

[@gep915]

+James I'm not the one who can answer that. I fell in love too with the best female singer ever...

[@skullduggery3377]

i wish she would have found someone to be in love with. i think that's all she needed. i could be wrong. but if i'm right, maybe she wouldn't have succumbed into what became of her. whenever i hear her vocals i can't help but get a little misty.

[@bodhiheeren]

Yes we all know that all families are deeply happy and harmonious and that love between man and woman lasts forever. Or is this just a sentimental and completely unrealistic notion? Or should she rather have had the necessary therapeutic and spiritual help to deal with her 'demons'?

[@coreyr1971]

180% at least

[@luisaliaga8294]

A voice that fills my soul with peace and tender...Im 65 yrs old...today is september 19th 2023....amazing video...thanks Carpenters...Luis fromChile

[@bk14nyc]

It’s now 2023 and I can’t believe The Carpenters are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame??? Please let’s get them in! Who is with me on this one?

[@evandrojara6210]

Estoy Contigo

[@evandrojara6210]

Estoy Contigo!,,, En Ese Tiempo Tenía 14 Años ... Y Aún Escucho Sus Canciones

[@richardchapman5351]

I totally agree!!

[@sherryfentiman3998]

I agree

[@iguimajr]

Eu estou.

[@laurendauro7146]

the best voice EVER - and Richard was equally amazing

[@Phillipinnes-yk2so]

Yes he is amazing as well

[@miamitten1123]

Not at singing he wasn't, but musical arrangement and selecting songs for Karen to sing....Richard was phenomenal.

[@Phillipinnes-yk2so]

@@miamitten1123 he sang beautifully and many times on their songs he is singing also

[@scottherf]

I would say, although Richard is more than this, but for the Bee Gees- Maurice was head music director plus did high notes. Without Richard we’d never have Karen.

[@NomvulaKhalishwayo]

I was born in South Africa in 1974. I fell in love with their music in the early 80s while i was in my pre teen years. Today in SA September the 13th 2024. Still i love the Carpenters. They were truly remarkable and still are. I am a black lady who who loves soul. God them ❤❤❤

[@jonfenske8545]

Her voice is simply angelic. Such a purity. The greatest singer I’ve ever heard. Love the Bacharach medley. Richard is also amazingly talented. So sad she is not with us today.

[@okguy1282]

I was 6 years old in 1971 living in Puerto Rico. Did not understand one word of english....and all I wanted was to hear their music and Karen's silky voice. Fast forward.....now living in Long Beach Ca..not far from their home town of Downey....and I still have that same admiration for Richard and Karen. God I wish Karen was still around...she was just a shinning positive soul. Thanks for the video.

[@Djr67]

Wish she loved herself as much as we loved her, she would still be around to sing for us, just so sad what she done to herself for no reason, so so so very sad

[@TheLarryBrown]

Go see the Carpenters memoriabilia exhibit at the "Karen and Richard Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts" at California State University/Long Beach. Call ahead and they will open it for you.

[@willieortiz9825]

Same here Living in the beautiful island🇵🇷 growing there and listening Karen and Richard,we had their records,we used to play their song loud and the rest of the kids made lyrics of their own,it was a magical time.thanks for sharing it remind me of a beautiful time in our lives.👍

[@22ergie]

Their HOMEtown was in Connecticut. California was their adopted home.

[@okguy1282]

@@22ergieRichard and Karen’s home town was Downey. Their parents moved them from Connecticut. They were raised in Downey.

[@stephanebelizaire5063]

Bravo for so many Great Songs , Treasure for the Fine Arts in the World !

[@No1KCfan6]

karen's voice is in top form in this concert. full of depth and richness.

[@sterry1962]

And just 21 y.o.

[@ryanstrickler8591]

God in heaven

[@billlink8731]

I never realized what a capable drummer Karen Carpenter was. She was so multitalented and had one of the best voices pop music was ever blessed with.

[@BeatPoet67]

Unbelievable talent. I've just been watching young Dionne Warwick sing and the purity of voice in both of them is astonishing.

[@dianadou6957]

I feel her voice like caressing my soul. That's my impression of her voice: a caress of the soul.

[@yasumasahasegawa3437]

DO NOT DELETE! Please. You've given us a precious gift!

[@FlutterbatLOL]

I just got into carpenters earlier this year, and when I heard Karen had died years before I was born I was crushed, every time I hear her voice I start crying a bit. A young talented soul taken from the earth way too soon

[@mjt11860]

that hairdo & maxi she's wearing brings back happy memories. so 70s. i miss her & i miss the 70s.

[@Coupydog]

What was that hairstyle called back then?

[@youtubingbabs]

I'm a 90's girl born in the 70's. This stuff's in my subconscious! We had some nice times in the 90's too! Times seem kinda weird nowadays, but I know I'll miss them someday too if I get to stick around that long! But she's magic, huh?

[@steves.5342]

So few singers today, VERY FEW, can do what they did and sound just as good live as they did recorded. She was absolutely one of a kind; unequalled.

[@richardsarkisian2150]

Love the Fender electric piano. Great musicians, great songs, beautiful harmonies, and Karen and Richard were geniuses.

[@ChrisK0311]

The First Song in Duett ist so Amazing and Loving!!!! Thanks Carpenters

[@lucardillo70]

It's Incredible to realize that all comments to this video are ALL largely positive in particular for what concerns Karen!! This is not absolutely the case for other videos by other artists (even the biggest ones ). All comments are full of admiration and love for Her, Her Voice, Her talent and Her angelic appearance (me, I love Her eyes and sweetness).

[@pamaliahiggins5833]

Yes and her brother and her have a blend people that didn't grow up together and share the same genes. And he mixed all the music, and bless us all, then adding her is icing on the cake, so its easy to say, thank God for you both and sending love to and yours, brother. Big hugs!

[@branner6721]

This is Karen's best live performance of Superstar. Later, when she would do it as part of a medley, she approached it in a much "lighter" manner--unfortunately--but here, she's deep in the song. She's completely at one with the lyrics, as morose as Leon Russel's song is meant to be. It's a beautiful, haunting, dark performance. And what pitch and control. A preternatural singer.

[@laurieberry4814]

I could listen to the Carpenters all day.

[@ralex3697]

First time I heard Close To You I was blown away, never heard anything so stunning in my life I was 12 years old. Music was my life after that, could not get enough.

[@Charls_21]

Now you're 17 y/o?

[@alanmundy127]

Karen Carpenter's voice has a comforting melancholic tone unlike any other. Richard Crapenter has to be praised for his musical arrangements and deep understanding of Karen's voice. I still light a candle on the anniversary of her death which shocked me and so many others. The Carpenters sang some beautiful songs, one of which, You're The One, I played as a final goodbye to my dear partner Maurice who died suddenly aged only 46. We both loved the music of the Carpenters and I am grateful that the Carpenters provided a song that said everything I needed to say in that final goodbye.

[@seawater1322]

well that's gay, was it aids?

[@jamesrichetjr.2895]

Her voice is heavenly distinct and one of the purest ever .

[@russelljohnson6243]

I'm so very sorry for you, my very late condolences.

[@Max-qd2lf]

I really love Karen's hair. Perfect match for her angelic voice. Lost count of how many times I've swooned every time I watch this video.

[@irtunionport329]

I love her!!!! You can tell she was so much more happier behind the drums.

[@minivegana1355]

IRT Unionport Yes!!!!!

[@Coupydog]

..and finally someone who understands 😢

[@tomasmartinez7298]

Su dulce voz es porque tenia un corazón dulce y tierno !!!!

[@JDubG123]

You're an unqualified genius!

[@groove1722]

Yes she was!! They should have left her alone.

[@DrCrabfingers]

Oh man that track @ 10:09...look at how happy Karen is there.....her happiness made my eyes flood with tears....it's a beautiful song, the first time I've ever heard it, but Karen Carpenter looked so happy singing it. I just want to swoop down and pick her up and take her somewhere where no harm will come to her....

[@tonyt13aa]

Effortless brilliance.....that voice will live forever!!!!

[@jimfladwood4393]

Her voice was a wonderful and natural thing, never forced!💕💕

[@PartySpock]

Wooow this is woderfull after 50 years👍👍❤❤

[@Rick-wc5us]

Really love this Carpenters performance, Karen looks so happy and confident while playing drum, and her voice is so perfect and sweet, I gonna keep this video forever.

[@aceramal9275]

even live singing is like studio version ..what a talent!

[@jooei2810]

Absolutely this, could be straight from LP.

[@karengarrett3000]

I am listening in 2024 always sounds great!!

[@larrymarshall2966]

My God, my God, my God - what a voice. I've never heard such a beautiful, soul-penetrating, and natural voice as hers. I've gone through quite a few "reaction" videos where people comment on what they hear. For most of them, they're young people and it is the first they've ever heard of the Carpenters. The best part is in the first 10 seconds of hearing her voice. Every single one of them react as if they've just heard an angel. You visibly see a change come over their faces right when they hear her voice. One even cried. I put her right up there with Judy Garland as one of the best female American voices of all time.

[@mstrunn]

@Larry The best female voice ever and no one can touch hear live performances.

[@FOTAP97]

Judy Garland??

[@bruschmidt9943]

Judy was amazing as a teenager in the Wizard of Oz, then slowly digressed as the years went by. For that reason I wouldn't put her in the same Class as Karen.

[@jooei2810]

Karen is an angel come down to earth to bless us with her angelic gift.

[@kimgreenwood.singer]

​@@bruschmidt9943 Judy was a legend. She lived what she sang, from her gut, always, her heart on her sleeve, every tragedy in her life for all to see. She was only 47 when she died....only 15 years older than when Karen died at 32. I grew up with Karen, I have loved her since I was 9. There is no other voice like hers, not to mention the unfathomable....singing and playing drums together like she does! The two cannot be compared in any way. I love them both and I perform them both. Look up "A Cottage For Sale" from the Judy Garland show 1963-64. It has brought a tear to my eye more than once. There was only one season of The Judy Garland Show, and it is a priceless archive, so many incredible performances. I am so grateful there are priceless archives of so many of our incredible artists from the last century.

[@GR8SCOT22]

Truly a once in a lifetime voice. RIP Karen

[@HaroldMcDermott]

She was so awesome ❤❤❤

[@Norman7283]

a voice that belongs to heaven...

[@viccrang]

It is absolutely insane how on pitch she is- like there literally was nothing flat about ANY GODDAMN NOTE. not only that, but the idiosyncrasies she has in her tone that are literally spot on perfect. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@scottwohlers9422]

They do not and she is completelty underrated and overlooked in my book.... and the most emotianlly lovable singer...her voice is so much sweeter than a guitar it is out of this world unbelievable

[@squishmallowfan025]

No they don't. I'm 52 and this is what my parents were listening to. I was starting to get interested in punk, attitude, fast 2 minute songs etc. But you NEVER forgot that voice or those arrangements. Enormous amounts of talent and they made it seem easy.

[@LouellaReynolds]

This music sounds still live. Karen Richard Carpenters May GOD BLESS THEM 🙌 🙏 ❤️ 💖 ✨️ FOREVER

[@gvalley07]

The duo at their peak. The audio/visual of this performance is way ahead of its time.

[@rts1527]

Sometimes...a timeless message from a timeless lady. She is eternally beautiful in every way.

[@hasbeengood]

Waw! What an era that was. Real voices, clear, crisp and effortless. Real lyrics that meant something and real music. Love it. Was great to be a kid back in the day. thanks for sharing this.

[@Dtanes2000]

What a voice! From the moment she sang the first notes of Superstar you can feel how she controls her diaphragm and tonal quality. Right emotional emphasis at every note and at the time of this live performance she was still 20 years of age only! Compare that with the voices of today, she was a true artist! This recording is more than 50 years old yet it felt like 'only yesterday'. I've been a fan since 1974 but I'm falling in love with her all over again. Thanks so much for sharing this clip!

[@robster7316]

Love these BBC recordings. Even after 50 years, they still look and sound great. All superlatives aside about Karen's monumental talent, can you imagine all the wonderful songs she could have recorded had she not left us so soon? Thanks for posting, Billy.

[@JDAbelRN]

Totally agree on BBC production quality, the audio perfectly mixed, and the film and cinematography is spot on. So glad the BBC held onto these programs so well preserved and we can enjoy these cultural icons from sixty years ago!

[@chrisjohns9631]

You're My Best Friend by Queen is my favourite BBC video

[@lynnehuff9659]

So true, I know it's late and I'm emotional, but she makes me cry.

[@jackhouran8851]

Its very simple. She's the show!

[@jean-michelpic]

Probablement Karen est la plus grande artiste de tous les temps

[@PeaceandLovealways-x6j]

Wow! Silky voice!i loved all the songs she sang! Miss her lots but we have her music! Peace and love

[@Doodsy1975]

Absolutely amazing. She was so beautiful.

[@robclark4626]

Karen's fabulous talent and wonderful voice. Simply the best female voice there ever was. Must mention Doug Strawn too. RIP

[@FallacyAsPraxis]

She was before my time, but I have all the Carpenters music in my collection. Karen is just uniquely beautiful and talented...as a person, a vocalist, and a musician. She sounds just as amazing live as on the studio recordings, and she could effortlessly sing and play anything. That medley of the Dionne Warwick/Bacharach songs was very pretty. I love her girl next door style. Good for her that her label never tried to 'fix' her image with form fitting gowns, jewelry, heavy makeup, and trampery.

[@rpsnet]

CARPENTERS: Pure beauty, pure emotion, PURE GOLD!

[@ronron9644]

"Sometimes" hits home for me. Simple yet full of depth in it's lyrics and delivery. Sometimes we take the good things in life for granted, don't we all.

[@senrigansansei]

This video is tantamount to a world heritage site.

[@pauldrew3696]

This isn’t just a performer, she was angel sent on this earth for such a short time.

[@paulofernandes9242]

Sensacional Karen

[@ambar8429]

Un hermosa voz en un cuerpo tan sensible. Te extraño siempre. ❤

[@michaelchong8476]

Wow it's amazing to see them perform live! It's crazy how she can drum and sing at he same time and its complicated rhythms as well!

[@suzannestubbins]

She could play the saxophone too

[@cmgraham]

I always forget that she was not only a phenomenal vocalist, but a terrific drummer. RIP beautiful lady 👏🏻❤️

[@garyhoffman503]

BBC broadcast is superb capture. This program is live and many will simply not know how perfect a performance matches its entire crew. I guess it's the perfect silence that has no crackle or any other distractions that are obviously happening. Tame and perfect in craft and reverence.

[@jocked07]

the carpenters were my first live concert (with mac davis opening) when i was 11 years old. i was lucky enough to see them three times (once with the great foster brooks opening). i credit them with my love for music!

[@stevecockrille4138]

The most enchanting singer, ever. My heart melts each time I listen to her.

[@liveclassictunes]

Truly Karen Carpenter was one of the greatest singers of all time... just a beautiful tone... god bless her.

[@PaulKincer]

Yes should be in, rock music comes in many sounds, they are unique and Karen had a unmatched voice!

[@GCSmith]

Beautifully preserved video of the Carpenters triumphant live performance at the BBC in 1971, when they were just rising to their position as one of, if not THE, most popular recording artists in the world. Karen's live renditions of all the hits they had at that point were stunning and gorgeous, especially Superstar. This performance locked in their great popularity in the UK, which remains even today. This video is Time Capsule material, for sure.

[@Ldsyldsy]

Carpenter's Superstar is one of the most beautiful songs ever. I was a teenager and that and "Mr. Postman" cemented their place in my heart.

[@jgdforesthills1]

Just simply beautiful music and vocals from Karen and Richard Carpenter. We cherish their music and will for many years to come.

[@constitutionalist1528]

I remember these beautiful songs on my moms kitchen radio in the 70's, now it sounds like a voice with music from heaven. such a beautiful American girl.

[@scottharrison3391]

wonderful video, one of their best performances, classic.

[@Sh4d0wSyth3_Gaming]

It's sad that she died

[@earthshinestudios8736]

If there is one person that I can attribute a magical part of childhood to, it would be Karen Carpenter.

[@henry12397]

I still do 54 years later and 3 concerts and meeting Karen and talking w her back in October 76 at our dentist office.....yes I still listen to their music!!!! Guilty as charged!!!

[@Undefeated92]

How can I thank you, man? - I've been looking for this concert for so long, and wow... you brought us some great quality. God bless you baby!

[@LObostudios19]

Amazing, kick ass, as a drummer and singer myself just has a word, WOW, the whole performance is just stunning, out of this world

[@rubentorres210]

I think that is the best voice singing I have ever heard

[@sjcohen4444]

I didn't realize Carpenters was only their second album. What a terrific album; Rainy Days, Superstar, For All We Know, Bacharach/David Medley, One Love, etc.

[@NewBritainStation]

It was their third album, after Offering (retitled Ticket to Ride) and Close to You.

[@PuzzleCollege]

Wonderful treatment of a great song in the opening.

[@debbierogers5176]

Karen had it all! RIP dear lady!