Drum Teacher Reacts to Karen Carpenter - Drum Solo

Drum Teacher Reacts to Karen Carpenter - Drum Solo
Garey Williams reacts and analysis Karen Carpenter Soloing.
Original Video - • Carpenters - Karen Car...
Check out Garey's Online Drumset Artistry school for drummers: garey-williams...
If you would like to study with Garey Williams go to www.gareywilliams.com or www.drumsetartistry.com
Check out my new Facebook group, Drumset Artistry Mastermind. Where Mind, Body and Spirit unite to create drumming greatness. / drums. .
This song is the copyrighted property of it's owner(s). Fair use allows re-purposing content for educational, critical, and commentary purposes.
Category
Music

[@solomonfaber8026]

Buddy Rich called her his favorite Drummer!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay Karen!!!!

[@TheRealSiberD]

Just look at the smile on her face as she was performing on the drums!

[@frankabler]

The drums was Karen's true passion.

[@kck9742]

I think the thing that really put her on the road to destruction via anorexia was when she was pressured into being out front.

[@mkshffr4936]

The amazing thing is that she could play well while singing without it effecting her vocal performance at all.

[@chrisdamico4869]

If I'm not mistaken, that guy playing the drums with her was Cubby O'Brien, who REALLY old folks will remember from the original Mickey Mouse Club. He would tour with the Carpenters when the focus was more on her singing, and was more than capable of keeping up with her in duets when she cut loose on the drums.

[@gareywilliams]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@chipurBillWhite]

Karen was so cool. Broke my heart when she died.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Karen was an amazing drummer, and even though she was one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, she considered herself a drummer first and foremost.

[@labauer5314]

Wow! I didn't know that! Such talent! (Thanks for the insight!)

[@kck9742]

Supposedly, Neil Peart of Rush was once asked how it felt to be the best rock drummer ever, and his response was, "I don't know, you'd have to ask Karen Carpenter."

[@clubcvc]

But he said it sarcastically, after a magazine voted her best drummer alive. I happen to agree with the magazine. Many male rock drummers at the time obviously did not.

[@criddyla696]

@@clubcvcnot so sure, I am a huge Rush fan and can see why Neil would like her style …

[@WellStudied]

Actually, l believe it was Rolling Stone who voted her #5, above John Bonham, and Bonham set off the contraversy. @@clubcvc

[@iamtheeggman2026]

@@WellStudied it was Playboy Magazine

[@imuawarriors]

Karen was voted by Playboy Magazine as the 'best rock drummer' of 1975, beating out John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.... even the great Buddy Rich said, she is "one of my favorite drummers..."

[@dtennow]

I heard Bonham was really pissed about that. Too bad.

[@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797]

Bonham should get rid of his beer belly, take less drugs and focus on drumming lol

[@somguy728]

@kai savage Winners know that being hated is proof of success and these days non-conformity. Hate away loser.

[@matrox]

I didn't know this but I heard she was voted one of the top 10 female drummers of all time in the musical industry. Karen aspired to be up there with Buddy Rich as she wrote in a high school year book to her friend in HS. Its on YT as the guy reads off just what she wrote. Also the guy who she wrote to was a Drummer that she praised him as she also said she wanted to learn to play as good as you. It was a very interesting documentary on the Carpenters with the highs and lows of success up to her death.

[@nobetter7747]

@@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797 also the ego lmao

[@MegaPETITELADY]

She looked so happy while playing the drums. Fabulous!

[@DrumsetArtistry]

Yes!!

[@pattyneff4624]

Yesss!!

[@purplekittigaming]

Don't mind me, I'm just over here rediscovering my favorite musician of all time.

[@dibber43]

Karen Carpenter always considered herself as "a drummer who sings." Far be it from ANYONE to argue with her! Miss her terribly!!😭

[@bruschmidt9943]

Same here 😭

[@yodservant]

Interesting, as Joni Mitchell always said that she was a painter who sings...these are true virtuoso geniuses...

[@davideoverton]

She was laughing and smiling and thoroughly enjoying herself while cubby had the look of concentration to keep up with Karen.

[@ronnienose8608]

She got voted best drummer in some magazine in the 70s, over that of John Bonham, who was not at all happy about. Apparently he moaned about how he could play anything she could, whereas she would struggle with the material he played in Zeppelin. She heard about this and the next time she had a gig she threw in some Zeppelin, as if to say, "well I can actually."

[@robertglisson6319]

She didn't WIN the poll in 1975. She beat Bonham,, 11th to 12th.

[@markdunlap2288]

@@robertglisson6319 Close (Playboy Feb 75) 1. Buddy Rich 2. Carl Palmer 3. Billy Cobham 4. Ringo Starr 5. Ginger Baker 6. Keith Moon 7. Daniel Seraphine 8. Buddy Miles 9. Charlie Watts 10. Karen Carpenter 11. John Bonham

[@waynemiracle2727]

Apparently, John Bonham was a complete jerk!!!

[@TTKayers]

When Neil Peart of Rush was asked how it felt to be one of the greatest drummers he said I don't know go ask Karen Carpenter.

[@mkshffr4936]

But she was certainly cuter than Buddy Rich. 😇

[@grapplergirl10]

Best part of Karen playing drums..? THAT SMILE!

[@mellymom1121]

She was so much happier at her drum kit. You can see it on her face.

[@safespacebear]

That smile she's an angel when she plays

[@Freddles279]

Karen was quoted as saying she wasn't a singer, she was a drummer who could sing. The guy on the drums behind Karen was Cubby O'Brien. He played on a LOT of their records. He was one of the original Mickey Mouse Club Mousketeers. He was a great drummer in his own right.

[@DrumsetArtistry]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@steveanderson6180]

Pure joy on her face. And this is the SHORT version!

[@drumdog]

She is far too often forgotten about when people talk about female drummers or just drummers. enjoyed watching that

[@jacquelynnshea3186]

"Flawless", Voice & her drums, that describes Karen Carpenter.

[@TucsonBillD]

This reminds me of Nat King Cole… who was one of the great jazz pianists of the mid-twentieth century, but after he started to sing, everyone forgot just how good he was at the piano. Nat also left us way too early. And, yes, I knew that Karen was a fantastic drummer.

[@keepitrealdowntoearth4328]

She was at the forefront of women on drums,and the girl did more than good🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️

[@davideoverton]

Karen looked like she was having the time of her life smiling and appearing to be laughing a lot of the time; while cubby looked like he had to concentrate put some effort into trying to stay with Karen. Karen was definitely at home on the drums. RIP Karen 💔

[@MrTherocket127]

Never knew Karen Carpenter was such a prolific drummer... I have nothing but respect for her now!

[@golfr-kg9ss]

I think the only time I ever see Karen smile when she's performing is when she's playing the drums.

[@musicandmoviefan9217]

She never smiles bigger than when she is doing what she truly loves....Drumming!

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

Its bad enough having to play drums and keep time, but to sing also? She was so gifted.

[@javiermb6253]

Very talented woman and a true pioneer.

[@DrumsetArtistry]

I agree! Thanks!

[@geoffreykelli1159]

Wow, just the pure joy on her face. She looked so happy.

[@jimbizness3864]

Thanks for posting, Garey. She was an excellent drummer who just happened to be one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Over the years, many have noted how HAPPY Karen looked when playing the drums.

[@jimbizness3864]

@SuperBullies1 Correction: THE greatest....

[@MJ2420]

@SuperBullies1 Of course, you are joking, right? Ella, Houston (you probably refer to Whitney, not Thelma) and Streisand were great in their own ways. There's room for all of them. Karen was just better than any of them at what SHE did best.

[@ericlind6581]

SuperBullies1 Streisand and Whitney were more diverse and powerful singers but Karen could emote like no other. Streisand and Whitney can’t touch her in that aspect. Karen does melancholy and torch songs that are untouchable.

[@dtennow]

@SuperBullies1 You can't be serious. Nobody signs like Karen. A couple of notes, and you know instantly who it is. It is you that should be embarrassed by your silly comment.

[@bbwng54]

@@ericlind6581 I agree. Karen touched your heart and soul with virtually every song. The only singer today that reminds a little of Karen is Angelina Jordan, who also has a melodious, evocative. low register voice. For people who don't know her, check out her cover of Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die" or Adele's "A Million Years Ago". She was in the finals of America's Got Talent Champions (won Norway's Got Talent at 7 years old) and, at the age of 14, recently signed a contract with Republic Records (they have Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, etc.)

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Karen was born to be a star. She had a natural beauty about her which comes from within. A Gift from the Gods! May she RIP with love for her talent and person!

[@laddeveritt8933]

This clip also captures everything that was great about 70s variety TV.

[@lapdawg60]

Yes - actual talent. That arrangement was not easy. A lot of crazy stuff going on. She was a force.

[@jamesbronson4380]

Karen was just AMAZING !!!!

[@frankabler]

I've seen many of Karen's concerts in the early 70's when she did the majority of the drumming. Karen would pass off her drum kit to her backup drummer and came up front to sing the dramatic songs that didn't use much drumming. Starting in '74 they hired Cubby as a full time drummer. So now Cubby was drumming on every song. They used 2 kits. One for Cubby and one for Karen. So now Karen would drum on about half the songs with Cubby playing the same parts as Karen. Karen was definitely happiest when she was just jamming with the guys on her kit. Karen's true joy was the drums. She always had a mile-wide smile on her face when she was just jamming with the guys. The drums was Karen's true passion.

[@kck9742]

Yup. I don't think she WANTED to be out front, but she was pressured into it. I don't think it was a coincidence that this is when her eating disorder really became a problem.

[@sunnyseacat6857]

@@kck9742 : ​ She chose not to eat. The rigors of the road - touring and performing with a smile on her face - would get to anyone. She was shutting down by refusing to eat. Richard Carpenter said later that he took to drinking and did not realize what Karen was doing, essentially; that it was not until after she died that he realized what transpired. Multi-talented, the Carpenters. Richard C on piano is something, too - wow! The "pop machinery" will devour anyone and spit them out without remorse. RIP Karen Carpenter. How many drummers play with such joy? Besides Gene Krupa? RIP Karen - what a talent....

[@dennistipton5593]

I didn't realize she was that good! Thank you...

[@robertbrown1778]

She had a better sense of rhythm than some of the modern technical wizards imo. Not to mention the challenge of playing a kick drum in loon pants without the beater launching you over the top. That didn't actually happen but it felt like it might. :)

[@jaycoy107]

Her voice was absolutely spellbinding. I was born in 63, and was just a kid when they were popular on the radio, but every time the Carpenters came on the radio, I felt like I wanted that wonderful female voice to give me a big hug. I had no idea that she even played an instrument of any kind:) Good to know.

[@egreenbery]

She was a great musician....our world is at a loss for losing her so young

[@lamecasuelas2]

Karen was such a smooth player

[@laddeveritt8933]

Thank you for spotlighting Karen!

[@matrox]

😁This woman's talent brings tears to my eyes!😂

[@laddeveritt8933]

The look on you face as you're listening to this makes me appreciate it even more.

[@peterknispel4020]

OMG Garey. I had no idea Karen was that good. Blew me away. I miss her. A terrible loss to the world of a great talent/musician. I remember when she and her brother introduced Herb Alpert on one of their TV shows and thanked him so much for working with them to move forward in their careers. I really loved this performance and I loved how much fun she had doing it. It made me smile and cry. RIP Karen Carpenter

[@Coupydog]

That girl certainly could sing AND play drums just as effortlessly. The difference i noticed between her & other excellent drummers is, she was having a blast doing it. No crushing effort; played flawlessly. Brilliant!

[@mikewolf417]

Karen Carpenter was the greatest singing drummer of her time and in my opinion the greatest vocalist of all time. If you never had a chance listen to Masquerade, Solitaire, Superstar, Rain days and Mondays and Ava Maria.......this woman's vocal talent was incredible as Karen had the ability to sing every word, to make every syllable have meaning and to have a depth of sadness and feeling that no other singer has been able to copy. Karen left us on 2/4/83 and just the testament that we are still talking about her and watching her videos lets you know her legacy has lasted and will for many many years to come, long after we are gone. RIP Karen, you were the best!

[@DrumsetArtistry]

She was a fantastic drummer and singer! I heard isolated tracks of her voice and she was spot on. She is missed but not forgotten. Thanks for your comment!!

[@artistbrindle]

The other drummer was Cubby O’Brian. Karen was incredible

[@jbs256]

That’s what I was going to add. M-I-C See you real soooon….

[@CooManTunes]

Conan's uncle?

[@johnramsey7706]

I LOVED Karen and Richard Carpenter!! My heart BROKE when she passed from this life. The greatest female voice of MY generation and a brilliant musician!! Rest Forever In Peace Beautiful Angel!!!!

[@johnx5891]

Just one correction: she did play drums on their first album (and even bass for 2 songs), but after that all drum parts on albums were played by Hal Blaine (of "wrecking crew" fame). Record execs claimed they needed a more subtle technique that non-studio drummers just couldn't do. Yet, if you watch their live concerts, Karen did each piece precisely like Blaine. She was so remarkable.

[@arfies]

It's sort of a complicated breakdown of Karen vs. Hal Blaine on albums. "Offering/Ticket to Ride" was all Karen (plus her two songs on bass) ; "Close to You" was mostly Karen except for a few; "Carpenters" and "A Song for You" were about half and half; "Now and Then" was back to all Karen except for one song; "Horizon" she did just a couple; it pretty much stopped with "A Kind of Hush," "Passage," "Christmas Portrait," and "Made in America."

[@artistbrindle]

@@arfies I loved her drumming in their first album, and also on the second album with “Another Song”. Outstanding progressive jazz-type drummer.

[@margaridatrigueiros3237]

Thank you!!! She is greatly missed. The drummer who sang!

[@johnsoos6907]

Very under-rated drummer. Excellent chops & phrasing.

[@PetrVanAmburgh]

Karen had one of, if not the best female vocals of anyone in the entire 20th century and as you can see here, also from a drummer since 1972, rock solid chops and time. She left us far too soon.

[@zoltanszilvassy8715]

SO MUCH LOVE for her. RIP Today Feb. 4th 2024....41 yrs already.

[@TammyGrosso]

Don't forget about us early 70's born. I remember the day she passed, although I was young. Once a fan, always a fan. And I passed the love, onto my kids. As for her drumming, I always loved her 1974 Singing/drum bit of Help - Live at Budokan (Japan) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpbcf42XfsmZn5I

[@juliorivera8837]

Outstanding singer. Outstanding drummer. What a super rare talent.

[@nirmalsuki]

The unbridled joy in her whole body when she was in her element is so pure. Find a way to bottle that and you can heal the world's ills.

[@tjjones2907]

Damn, she has been gone for 40 years. What a talent.

[@chrislittlepage5416]

Not ashamed to say The Late Great Karen Carpenter was my first drum teacher.

[@squatch545]

You mean, virtually, or in person?

[@chrislittlepage5416]

@@squatch545 virtually of course she passed away before my 11th birthday. By that time I'd already been playing drums for 5 years teaching myself. Since I was a kid over the years I've watched a lot of her videos trying to emulate everything that she did. Regretfully she passed away way too young and that I didn't get to see her in person. She truly was a great drummer and doesn't get nearly the respect that she deserves.

[@alvarosanchis1214]

Karen Carpenter i was 6 or something when i first heard her voice,i fell in love with her and then i saw her doing this and i became a percusionist,thank you Karen for your music your talent,you and your brother were a great part of my interest for music and years later i'm listening to you again

[@iamtimfoley]

It's always nice to see how much fun she has playing drums. She's freakin' amazing.

[@drummermomcjs]

I saw Karen Carpenter on the TV when I was a kid and she was the first female drummer I ever saw. When I saw her, that was when I wanted to be a drummer. I figured if she could do it, then I could also, and a couple years later when I was old enough to join the band, I started playing drums. That was 45 yrs ago and I have enjoyed drumming ever since. She was literally the reason I picked up drums in the first place, what a great drummer she was indeed!

[@capttheo1]

She didn't consider herself a singer. She considered herself a drummer that happened to sing, too.

[@carl_anderson9315]

She became a lead singer because of his brother’s insistence. Drumming was her passion and she always considered herself a drummer before a singer.

[@chriscraftguy]

Terrific to see a percussion instructor doing a reaction video to Karen Carpenter. Saw them in '73, where she was still doing much of the drumming for their live performances, as you stated so well, she performed her vocals, as well as percussion work flawlessly. As others have noted here, she saw herself as a drummer who sang. But, did she both amazingly well. Terrible loss to the music world when she passed.

[@RSMGsndchannel]

What a talent! she always said she was a drummer first, but a great singer as well.

[@williammaloney9943]

Should be required viewing for any drum school...one of the greats♥

[@klthill3279]

Will always miss Karen. Her beautiful soul. Her beautiful smile. Her amazing talent. Peace and love. Kit

[@martinlawrence8427]

Great choice Garey. I love Karen Carpenter, such a beautiful voice, and a more than competent drummer. Tragic to look back and see she is clearly in the grip of an eating disorder, which led to her death.

[@jabbastwin]

She was great !

[@jamesdrynan]

It took some talking to get Karen to come out front. Audience members complained they couldn't see the singer behind the drum kit. Eventually she was convinced. She became a well-respected vocalist, incomparable in tone, pitch and emotion. But man, she could play those skins!

[@Walesbornandbred]

I, like many, think of her firstly as a singer and a drummer second but she was a really great drummer and look how happy she is.

[@richardreinertson1335]

Epic drummer and epic singer. We miss you, Karen. RIP.

[@adriantapia48]

Karen was taking drum lessons from Frankie Chavez who was a brilliant young drummer taken under the wing of Buddy Rich...lf you notice..her cymbal setup is just like Buddy's...She and Richard were friends of mine at CSULB...along with Doug Strawn..and Bob Messinger ..My girlfriend and Karen sat next to each other in Choir..2nd Alto section 🎶🎶✨️💓

[@sultanabran1]

she's one of my favourite singers of all time. i'm born in the early 80's

[@andysitton1703]

Self-taught what's more. She stole the show throughout their career, but let's not forget Richard's top notch piano playing and beautiful arrangements.

[@tonyeckman4822]

One of my favorite drummer/vocalists. R.I.P

[@cheneyrobert]

When I see a drummer like Paulina (The Warning) I always think of Karen…..Karen was a true pro, but she also had infectious energy and fun behind the kit that the audience could feel 👏👏👏

[@supergingerr]

I don’t remember word for word but a fun little fact: Neil Peart (only the best drummer in the world) was asked once about how it felt to be the best in the world, he said you should go ask Karen Carpenter. That’s how you know she’s good. RIP to both of these amazing musicians.

[@martincolleran7109]

I listened to the Carpenters growing up and didn't realize until way later that she was a drummer. It blows my mind. She is like the epitome of drumming greatness. Just the fact that it didn't look hard to her, it just looked like straight fun.

[@thecrippledrummer]

Passed away 37 years ago today. Hard to believe it’s been that long.

[@tomsikes9064]

yes, the Drummer who sings.....the Great Karen Carpenter.

[@4bews]

If you are in need of a smile, just watch Karen play the drums! I grin ear to ear watching her play as the joy she was feeling while drumming is infectious. Then, of course, that incredible, perfect voice God gifted her with! She is so missed. 😇🎤🥁🎹 🎼🎵

[@bethdycus2564]

I wanted a set of drums because of Karen Carpenter!! I got a set of drums on my 40th birthday just 2 months shy of my son bring born ha but her voice was absolutely amazing!! ❤

[@JFK1180]

Her drumming on the records is really good. Tends to be overlooked. Good one!

[@caretaker158]

You could tell, without a shadow of a doubt, that behind those drums... no matter what type... was where she was totally comfortable, in her element and HAPPY!

[@DrumsetArtistry]

And you can see that in her face. thanks for sharing!

[@user-kk3mg7xd2r]

Never knew she could play, but I love her voice! She was awesome!

[@alvinbaricanosa8176]

Thank you for featuring Karen Carpenter on your KZbin channel. It's quite rare to see videos of her playing the drums so it is quite pleasing to see her doing it with much gusto. I believe she admitted that she preferred playing the drums than singing but her brother Richard wouldn't hear any of it. And the rest, as we all know, is history. Too bad she's gone way too soon. I still love listening to her songs. Take care and looking forward to seeing you featuring her again soon.

[@larrbrown7277]

That was fun it brought a lot of smiles.

[@thecrippledrummer]

That’s Cubby O’Brien on the other set.

[@J-DUB-F1]

I knew he looked familair!.........and he got his start a lonnnnng time before playing for the Carpenters, in a slightly, different situation ;:-)

[@Perfect_Blend]

Cubby was one of the original Mousketeers!!

[@RustySax1949]

Yes it is, he toured with the Carpenters for nine years!

[@lulutoyou2879]

I’ve never EVER seen her as happy as when playing drums MASTERFULLY! I’ve seen buddy play in person and gotta say she blew Rich out of the water. Genius! God gifted talent she practiced then mastered. Love you Karen . Forever your biggest fan

[@CactusTeether]

A thumbs down? Really?... The last remaining Blink 182 fan obviously. Lovely stuff as usual Garey, thank you for reminding us veterans, and illuminating the newbies...

[@donnelson7797]

I forgot she played drums, always remember her singing

[@sammy2840]

Best jazz drummer of the 60’s!❤

[@ronietabada5191]

A lady can sing and drum at the same time.

[@FSAPOJake]

Can we also talk about how amazing Richard's piano playing was here too?

[@labauer5314]

What a privilege! So prolific! Behind that smile, privately tormented, so many artists are. We will never REALLY know her, we WILL FOREVER love her!

[@tigertank88m]

She was truly amazing at everything.

[@ricknstephh]

Her partner of the other drum kit looked like he was getting a much harder workout to keep up with her. She made it look effortless and fun. My favorites have always been the ones who do the complex with a light touch. All my friends and I were too cool at the time to listen to the carpenters, today I find that the rockers I listened to then loved the carpenters. Sometimes you just have to get over yourself to appreciate what's good.

[@jbs256]

That was Cubby O’Brien. He was their longest running touring drummer. He was also a great underrated drummer. Dating back to the original Mickey Mouse Club where he was paired with a different Karen. He drummed on that show, KZbin has it, as a little kid.

[@laddeveritt8933]

By the end you're positively rooting for her, because how could you not be?

[@TTKayers]

Only three women's voices can make me cry to this day. Karen Carpenter, Whitney Houston and Mama Cass.

[@benparks3564]

Outstanding drummer. Outstanding singer. What a talent!!