Easy Listening Band Went Hard Rock in ’72 & ACCIDENTALLY Invented the Power Ballad-Professor of Rock

Coming up… we get into the story behind a Top 10 hit from one of the biggest duos EVER, The Carpenters. Known more for their angelic harmonies and light and easy hits than for a shredding guitar solo, but in the 70s they took a bold leap with today’s song Goodbye to Love… Going hard rock for one hot minute… Goodbye to Love was a major departure from their usual sound, and their fans weren’t happy-hundreds wrote in, accusing them of “selling out.” But the song was a smash and would set the tone for the Motley Crue’s and Def Leppard’s of the world as quite possibly the first Power Ballad ever. So, what led to this dramatic shift? Find out NEXT… on Professor of Rock.”
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; If you remember digging inside a Kracker jack box for that elusive toys You’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below and make sure to hit the bell so you always get our daily features Also check our more content at our page on Patreon to become an insider.
If I asked you to name the first power rock ballad… what would be your answer? Maybe Love Hurts by Nazareth or Lady by Styx? Nope. This song predates both of those. If I asked you to name the first pop hit to feature a fuzzy guitar solo, what would be your answer? Well, the song in the spotlight on this episode could be the answer to both of those trivia questions. It may surprise some, or all of you in the POR community, to find out that the answer is arguably “Goodbye to Love” by….The Carpenters.
Richard & Karen Carpenter were not mavens of metal by any means, but on their 12th single, “Goodbye to Love,” they turned their hired gun guitarist loose to deliver a killer fuzzy guitar riff that confused and angered many of their loyalists who wanted another tender ballad with a lush piano and string arrangement. The song was so different from their usual material, disgruntled fans sent hate male to their fan club, and it wasn’t just a few letters. Richard recalled that they received hundreds of letters from fans that accused the duo of “selling out” and turning to “hard rock.”
Karen and Richard Carpenter had always shared a special bond, one that went beyond just being siblings. From an early age, they had an unspoken connection when it came to music, especially the way melodies could be shaped and layered. Growing up, they were captivated by the sounds of Les Paul and Mary Ford, mesmerized by how the duo would experiment with overdubbing, creating rich layers of voices and instruments.
As they started making music together, those early influences stayed with them, but it was Richard who saw an opportunity to take things to a new level. When "Goodbye to Love" came along, he felt this was their moment to evolve-to push the boundaries of their signature sound. He envisioned something different, something bold, that would surprise not only their fans but also redefine what a Carpenters’ song could be.
During a trip to London, Richard watched an old 1940 Bing Crosby film, Rhythm on the River, on a late-night TV show while lounging in his hotel room. A focal song titled “Goodbye to Love” was mentioned throughout the movie, but oddly enough, it didn’t actually exist. Richard thought “Goodbye to Love” was a great title for a song. He believed it could be the perfect subject matter

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST POWER BALLAD of the ROCK ERA?

[@peterd.9978]

She's Gone - Stealheart

[@TerrickTerran]

Purple Rain. I'm not normally big on Prince, but this song has it all.

[@christineml1476]

"Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" Cinderella

[@funstuff1728]

I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner

[@floydshambles]

without you by nilsson schmilsson

[@chris55529]

The Prof nails it again!! At this point he's practically a national treasure.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ah! thanks!

[@OrInsanelyEccentric]

Hell yeah! Kinda surprised no networks have offered him a show on their platform. Hello? Netflix?

[@claytonb9685]

@@OrInsanelyEccentric Probably be the best reason for me to return to Netflix if that happens.

[@donwalker8292]

A superb example of Karen’s style and vocal abilities in and genre is her cover of Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina! Well worth a listen.

[@freddielind5282]

At 61 when I hear The Carpenters I can close my eyes & feel myself gliding across the ice. In the 70's they were my go to to skate to. Spins, jumps, I loved to skate to The Carpenters!

[@ProfessorofRock]

VERY COOL!

[@flavellinator]

@@freddielind5282 Same age... I definitely can relate!

[@johnrichardson7629]

Mine is similar. More like sliding down a glacier

[@freddielind5282]

@@ProfessorofRock 😲 POR ❤️

[@kennydavis2276]

' Top Of The World ', ' Heart Of Glass ' and ' Do you Think I'm Sexy '. Man, I miss our old skating rink.

[@markastoforoff7838]

Karen Carpenter had one of the most beautiful voices of all time. For someone who brought so much joy to so many she was so sad. R.I.P. lovely lady. Rainy Days and Mondays is my favourite song from the Carpenters.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THat's my favorite as well! Thanks Mark!

[@timmmahhhh]

She was also an AMAZING drummer on top of this.

[@dad4ever-c90]

The Carpenters produced so many beautiful songs that almost everybody loves, although many are too EMBARRASSED to admit it. I picture the scene from the movie Tommy Boy, when Tommy and Richard are driving down the road. When Don't You Remember comes on their radio, neither will confess they like it. Moments later, both are singing through their tears and at the top of their lungs. Epic movie moment!

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the great movie moments of that time!

[@zigman8550]

The song is called Superstar.

[@badkitty4922]

I'M not embarrassed. I'd shout it from my rooftop if you want. ❤😘💖🫂

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Superstar! One of Chris Farley’s best moments.

[@carlacook5181]

Karen Carpenter died on my 24 th birthday, I heard the news while I was sitting on my couch nursing my baby, I cried and cried holding tight to my baby that the world had lost such a beautiful voice but out loss was heaven’s gain, I bought all their albums in the 70s and I loved this song, it wa# different but not too different, that guitar solo was awesome, best power ballad of all time, thanks Adam, great show as usual

[@timmmahhhh]

So sad she was only eight years older than you were at the time when she died

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow…this is really touching.

[@martinboyle9163]

You are living proof that people don't define music, music defines people.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@jamesramirez8685]

It's really cool when one artist invites another artist in and just says do your thing. Shows much respect

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The sheer camaraderie!

[@michaelbaucom4019]

My mom was a huge Carpenters fan, but she hated this song. Naturally, being a rebellious kid, I told her I actually LIKED this song(hated them as a kid), which drove my Mom nuts(but of course). As an adult, I'm much more appreciative (RIP Karen Carpenter)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@Zippy-I-O]

Never ceases to confound the imagination how people become outraged with the artistic growth of their favorites. LOVE WHEN ARTISTS DISPLAY THEIR RANGE OF IMAGINATION. Nothing wrong with changes exhibiting true talent and skill. A favorite among the 70's Bands and there was nobody at the time not liking the Carpenters...Class and Quality. Truly Gifted.

[@allthingsmusic-]

There never was, nor ever will be, another Karen Carpenter. On the anniversary of her passing, Feb 4, I play NOTHING but Carpenters music. I still shed a tear, all these years later.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of a kind voice. One of a kind talent. She should have turned 75 next year.

[@kariqualters5908]

What makes this channel so great is that Adam is a genuine connoisseur of music, he never gets bogged down with genre or other individuals perceptions. He has the ability to recognize and pull out what made music great. He does it so well, if I didn’t know better I’d think he was 20 years older than he is when he’s spotlighting songs that were made long before his time but has a depth of understanding that hits exactly what we were all feeling at the time!!! Thanks as always professor, for the memories 😊

[@georgefaught3390]

That has always been my favorite song of the Carpenters. I knew that solo by heart .

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@michaelrochester48]

Mine is I won’t last a day without you and sweet sweet smile

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So do I.

[@Daytripper51]

The best of songs go from gentle, melodic...to a crescendo of climatic levels....and Goodbye To Love was just that!

[@robertcuratolo5339]

😊 Whether you like the haunting vocal or the guitar solo or the awesome harmonies it had it ALL. 🤗❤❤❤

[@paryanindoeur]

The Carpenters, Bee Gees, and ABBA are not just guilty pleasures --- they are great music

[@barrysmith8920]

So true… “I Started a Joke” is easily one of the saddest, most beautiful songs ever written. 💔

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@barrysmith8920 "New York Mining Disaster" and "Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You" are my two favorite Bee Gee songs. Quite the departures they are.

[@barrysmith8920]

Cannot listen to “Close to You” without crying… My late father loved The Carpenters so much. And I loved my dad too 🙏🏼❤️ Thank you, Adam 🌟

[@MyName-pl7zn]

These are definitely some of my favorite episodes, the deep history of popular music. Can't ever overstate the impact and importance of The Carpenters creativity in pop music. So much info in this episode I could write a chapter in the comment section. Great work professor, keep giving us the stories about songs we love!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name! What would you like see next?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Karen blazed the trail for so many others!

[@tomforsythe7024]

Carpenters did four part close harmony. They tracked the two outer notes, then the two inner ones. When it was a major seventh chord, that often meant singing notes that were just a semitone apart, at the same time. That is unbelievably difficult. The recording engineer, hearing just the two notes in isolation, thought it was a mistake, because it is so dissonant. But, in the context of the whole chord, it was beautiful.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Tom!

[@desnakellum-yanzuk2217]

Harmonies with family members are the best harmonies. If you have a singing family, the harmonies within the family are usually tight.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad I know how they did it!

[@Figpainter]

I graduated in ‘87 and while most of my classmates were rocking to the bands of the time (and I was too) my goto was always the Carpenters. Nearly 40 years on and I still love putting them on and drifting away. There has never been a voice like Karen’s before or since. I will die on that hill. ❤

[@tracisawyer7681]

The Carpenters and a node to the marvelous Marty Robbins all in one video. A great way to start a Monday ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love both! Thanks Traci!

[@czars694]

Rainy Days and Mondays

[@johnsimms4501]

Such a pure voice that always seems to have that touch of sadness that my have come from her real life.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. Such a timeless voice!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You could hear that touch of sadness in the songs.

[@surferdude4487]

I still get goose-bumps and tears when I hear Karen sing. She left us too soon.

[@patrickpeek3645]

Me too bro. Me too. 😢

[@paulendicott9151]

Loved all of their music. That song would not be a feeling of emotion if he had not played in it. She had the most angelic voice, but that added so much to the song. I miss that kind of music. Thanks Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Paul!

[@BillGraper]

Can't say enough great things about the Carpenters. My mom had their greatest hits album, and that was one of the albums she listened to while cleaning... and she was a clean freak! All of these songs remind me of her. RIP 10/26/87

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bill!

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

I'm a clean freak too the power went out Saturday night I cleaned in the candle light. My family says if there was an apocalypse I would be cleaning. My condolences to you.

[@BillGraper]

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr I grew up under the impression that the toilets were always perfectly spotless. What a wakeup call when I no longer had mom cleaning. I'm the total opposite. My counter & stove still have dust on then from when I moved in 2 years ago. 😅 I'm renting. It wasn't the cleanest place.

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

@@BillGraper I hate cleaning toilets but a dirty one I hate more. A dirty house is something I don't stand for and guess what I am doing today? Cleaning house but I like how I feel once it's done. All but one of my neighbors says my farm looks like a park even though we are high desert and everything is dried up right now. It's a lot of work but it keeps me busy. I will leave you to your dirt and get busy getting rid of mine lol

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The soundtrack of people’s lives!

[@MikeS-el6vd]

The Carpenters were the first group I saw live when I was in 8th grade.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Where and when?

[@MikeS-el6vd]

@@ProfessorofRock No, I was a freshman then. 1972 at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois

[@jennybates]

My late dad loved the Carpenters, and "Goodbye To Love" was one of his favourites.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a great song! Great memory!

[@SPak-rt2gb]

If you remember having a blacklight poster than you'll love this channel. The Carpenters were on TV quite a few times.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

This guitar solo never phased me. I just enjoyed the entire song. ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@simonmason8582]

"FAZED"

[@christhompson2006]

​@@simonmason8582Maybe, or maybe he meant what he said. 😂

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed!

[@mmcleod06]

It surprised me when I heard it in '72, but I loved it precisely because The Carpenters pulled that surprise.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Thank you very much for featuring this song, Adam. I've been saying since the 90s that Richard and Karen were the two who motivated me to get serious as a musician. I always knew that "Goodbye to Love" was unique among Carpenters' songs, between the song itself and the inclusion of Tony's guitar part. It was (without my knowing it in 1994) also an underscore to how I ended up switching to guitar in 1995 and embracing classic rock as my real springboard. It was in the time since that I learned about Richard coming up with the first three lines. The other part about John disliking the wheel-of-fortune part not only lines up with the (unwarranted) scrutiny against the REO Speedwagon lyric "It's time to bring this ship into the shore and throw away the oars" but also the Survivor lyric, "Can we last forever? Do we fall apart?" from "The Search Is Over".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Eric!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great point about the Survivor song Eric.

[@jennyjenny4501]

The Carpenters are in regular rotation on my playlist. Every song is perfect!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Same here never get tired of listening to those songs.

[@cindysnow2123]

I LOVE The Carpenters!! Their Christmas album, A Christmas Portrait, is on my list of Must Own albums!! Her voice was so beautiful!! This song is beautiful too!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes! An anniversary edition is coming!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure!

[@6StringPassion.]

I knew this one right off. It was a real "wtf was that? moment" when I first heard that solo. I loved it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yep!

[@tb6791]

I remember this as a wee lad. The guitar rocked perfectly, it's iconic👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wee Lad! Love it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed!

[@J1W5M7]

I just found this song a few weeks ago. I've loved The Carpenters since they began. I started listening to their library and this song started playing. It was so different and I couldn't believe the lyrics I was hearing but when the guitar came in it soon became one of my favorites. The perfect voice with a gritty guitar was truly amazing.

[@thetitleisours1]

Her passing is one of the saddest in music history. What a voice, what a loss

[@Hutzjohn]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!

[@mbgrafix]

...and the reason is truly tragic!

[@kevinramsey417]

What a drummer. Seriously she was so underrated.

[@williambarry8015]

​@@mbgrafix geez what a preventable tragedy.

[@thetitleisours1]

@@mbgrafix Sure is.

[@Shambolicoholic]

Imo the 70s was the most eclectic and wildly creative musical decade. Going through the top 40s from then is wild! So much variety of genres as "pop hits".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know! It’s crazy!

[@karamia1392]

Love ‘Goodbye to Love’. It’s a blaster and I used to be able to sing the guitar solo off by heart :) Probably still could but will spare the family :)

[@benmarts5410]

you got this one right and what an amazing song by Richard.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@mistermattmoose]

this was a beautiful tribute to the carpenters and one of the best videos i've ever seen. period.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

PROFESSOR!! Good morning to the class. The Carpenters definitely were not a band you think of for metal. Thanks Professor and everyone. Will be gone for a few, catch everyone when I get back. And remember, cancer sucks. 😢

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good morning sir!

[@Pookyray2]

Yes it does! ✌🏽♥️🙏🏽

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

Saying prayers for you and your family! 🙏🏻 I’m in therapy for Cancer myself. ✌🏼🎃

[@noelstafford7266]

F*ck cancer!!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Nope. People would have never guessed.

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

The warmth of Karen's voice just melts you. No auto-tune, just talent. I'm a drummer, so I'm always amazed by Hal Blaine, who's my 10 favourite drummers. His fills are all over the songs without being intrusive.

[@TerrickTerran]

Greeting on another Monday in our favorite classroom of the Professor of Rock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Terrick!

[@steveball6666]

In 1972 I was a top 40 radio DJ. I was sitting on a sofa with a date when this song came on. I said. "Oh, listen to the guitar solo on this song. It's amazing! When the solo started her roomate came running in, going "I hate this guitar! It's the worst thing I've ever heard." And she ran back out. I was stunned speechless. I never really understood her vehemence 'till today. Thanks Professor!

[@markhamilton588]

The greatest female voice of all time!

[@ProfessorofRock]

In my top 5 for sure!

[@markhamilton588]

@@ProfessorofRock I gotta here you're top 5 Professor! Thanks for all you do, your amazing!

[@areneesouder]

I would have never thought about the guitar solo in that song,if you hadn't mentioned it. I always loved the Carpenters, and had several of their singles on 45's, and loved practicing with her voice. But I've also always been a rocker, and didn't give that a second thought. To think that people actually complained about it seems wild to me. Great music is great music. We all wish Karen could have been here still to this day. Much love and appreciation 💜💜💜💜😎✌️💜

[@flavellinator]

Karen was a bad ass drummer... and yet she had such an inviting, warm vocal delivery... gone way too soon! Goodbye to Love gets little mention in the Carpenters' catalogue. Glad you gave it the due it deserves, Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes she was. One of Peart's favorites!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s astounding how she could keep her calm when she was banging the drums all day. Even WHILE she was doing it.

[@Cassie-pt7mt]

She had such an amazing voice.

[@stephenbrown4211]

The nearest singer to Karen I’ve heard is Rumer.

[@stephanieo222]

Loved listening to this backstory! Thank you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@debbie4503]

@ProfessorofRock very happy about your new radio show! And very happy you're still putting out content on KZbin. Have a great week!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@sheritamac87]

Awwww, The Carpenters remind me of my youth. There’s KZbin videos of her isolated vocals that are goose bump producing!!! RIP KC, you were one of the GOATs!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@ChuckHackney]

​@ProfessorofRock For me, spiritually, for transcendant purity and emotion, Karen rises above them all, she is the GOAT. And this song, along with a few others, is at the very spex of my favorite Carpenter's songs. What an awesome musical juxtaposition, the voice of an angel paired with that beautiful fuzz guitar riff. This song caused my spirits to soar, then...and still now, in 2024.

[@ChuckHackney]

Apex

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

They had such great music and one of my favorites was Solitaire. I never really thought twice about the that guitar riff in Goodbye to Love. I always thought it was great. Their music is timeless ,never gets old.

[@ArthurRChan]

I grew up listening to the Carpenters - my older siblings had many of their albums. '"Goodbye to Love" was quite startling with its guitar solo and out of step with their other songs, but I grew to love it. It's one of my favorite songs by them now. I'm glad you gave so much attention to John Bettis in addition to Tony Paluso, Professor. And since you asked, I think the Carpenters' "Bless the Beasts and the Children" deserves more attention, as does "For All We Know" co-written by two members of Bread.

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

Karen had a voice whose purity and soulfulness could make strong men weep. It was another mark of Richard Carpenter’s brilliance as a song writer and producer that he decided to have a hot guitar solo in the latter part of the song. It’s one of the most thrilling solos I’ve ever heard and have always wondered who played it. It felt like the singer’s sadness was somehow transcended by the exuberance of the guitar lines in a kind of affirmation that the lonely heart lady was determined to carry on in spite of all the sadness. Wow!⚛️❤

[@thomaswhite7783]

Everyone forgets she was an incredible drummer.

[@P98C66]

Absolutely loved The Carpenters

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the best!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love The Carpenters. Karen Carpenter is my all-time favorite female singer. I have their entire catalog of songs. Yes, "Goodbye To Love" was different from anything they had recorded previously. They added a powerful guitar riff and can definitely be considered as the very first power ballad. Great song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

I knew you would say that 😉

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr Hi Anna. How are you? Whenever the professor does a video on one of my very favorite artists like The Carpenters, I'm here for it. Their music brings back very special memories for me. I learned their music at a very young age. In fact, back in the 1970's, I sang The Carpenters Top Of The World in my school chorus.

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

@@stephenhanft1226 Doing well but busy not enough hours in the day. I caught The Professor podcast this weekend and I enjoyed it. Have you heard it yet? How are things going on your end? Miss seeing you comment.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr I'm fine. I've been very busy lately so I haven't had the opportunity or the time to comment as much in recent weeks. Also, I really try to comment only on artists or songs that I'm especially enthusiastic about such as is the case today. I did hear the professor advertise for his new podcast. When I have the chance, I'll definitely check it out. With the professor's extensive musical knowledge, I expect it to be really good.

[@DukesMusic84]

Goodbye to Love was a BANGER, this and "Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" are my favorite Carpenters songs. Cause they were both badass and you'd never expect it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The latter song is one of my faves!

[@ok4todd]

…WE’VE been observing your Earth!!…

[@sdingeswho]

Well-done, Adam! I already knew most of the story, but you did a fantastic job of covering the background of this amazing recording --- like a lot of otherwise fairly-hard-rocking guys, I am also a great lover of The Carpenters' music, and am extremely glad that Richard is finally getting the love he deserves! I well-remember the sheer joy that Tony Peluso's solo gave me when I first heard "Goodbye to Love" on the radio (I was 9 years old in '72), because I never saw any boundary between really good Pop and real Rock --- it's all in the spirit, the execution! Thanks, also, for the bit about the Grady Martin very-early fuzz-guitar solo --- that's some very cool trivia that I wasn't aware of because that really *was* before my time :-)) ! Oh, and . . . a million 🌹s for Karen, who will always and forever be The Wife I'll Never Have 😮‍💨❤. Goodbye to Love, indeed . . .

[@mutantryeff]

Was able to see the Carpenters in the late 60s or very early 70s at Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe. A great show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@StuartBiliack]

Although I recognized their talent, I was never fan of the Carpenters' style. But I was amazed at the guitar work on this song, which was fantastic and heavy and seemed so out of character.

[@Angus.Maclean]

1000ft. deep. Now that’s a “Professor“ vid!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@theonetruevoiceoftheonetrueGod]

Officially the 1st power ballad coming out 4 months before Dream On

[@ProfessorofRock]

You think?

[@dianefontaine7204]

I sometimes like to change topics of discussion with people by saying, "You know, I really enjoy music by the Carpenters." There's usually a brief pause, but then people often agree with me. No one has yet said anything bad about their music. I happily admit I'm a fan. I never thought about "Goodbye to Love" as the first ever power ballad, but it is. Great discovery, Professor! Even though it wasn't their usual style, I enjoyed this Carpenters song the first time I heard it, along with all their other songs. I love the guitar solo. Thanks for another great video.

[@Huscar80]

So, the movie Tommy Boy - during the music montage - is where I had first learned who the Carpenters were. However, like a lot of music, I had heard many of their songs on the various Oldies radio stations my folks would listen too. This is an amazing story about a phenom of a song. The Bond between and Karen and Richard is something I wish I could relate too - my siblings and I are very different from each other, interesting how we can be raised by the same two people, and turn out very different.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's such a great moment!

[@URTVUnderRatedTelevision]

Whenever I hear this song it reminds me of my toddler years, every weekend my father plays this song on 45 rpm vinyl.

[@todhannigan8779]

Wow! First power ballad…the Carpenters? Amazing! And 1961 for first fuzz guitar…I had no idea! Thx!

[@Polyphemus47]

I was 13 y/o in '61, and I remember how cool that Marty Robbins record was! Never had heard anything like it.

[@markadams7046]

And on a country song yet!

[@ErikSamys]

I can't believe you didn't really touch on her amazing drumming. She's one of the greatest jazz drummers to exist. The For You album is my favorite from them. I would love to see you take a deep dive into the album.

[@Bionicjedi]

Prof! I'm proud of you! Listening to The Carpenters again, and again.😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@zootsterable]

Before you said a dozen words, I almost shouted "Goodbye to Love!" I'd always though that solo raised the song several levels, and was glad to hear it confirmed the Professor of Rock!

[@duromusabc]

Yesterday Once More is my personal favorite- the Carpenters have so many iconic songs as siblings - I enjoy on KZbin the tv movie about how they started

[@Whisper_292]

Beautiful one. Wow, trying to pick my own favorite is hard! Maybe Superstar.

[@leightnite3056]

I have always seen this channel as a historical record, holding these storys and having them here for future generations. I have to tell ya Prof, while I get that this IS deep musical nostalgia for a lot of folks, these vids are here forever and and think you're doing them a disservice by leaning on the nostalgia factor in the intros. This music belongs to all future kids, not just of us who remember giant car phones. That is my only note, love ya Prof!

[@klmjtr]

I remember Beth by Kiss being one of the first power ballads I heard in the ‘70’s.

[@johnsexton2200]

I have always loved the Carpenters, especially their song Goodbye To Love! The masterful way Richard arranged their songs and the angelic voice of Karen, we're both extraordinary! Any so-called fans that would send hate mail because of that great song were not true fans anyway. Well done today, Professor!

[@chrisoakley5830]

The Carpenter's Greatest Hits is one of my favorite albums, every song is so good.

[@J.P.Lindsay]

The solo in Goodbye To Love is very inspired genius!!

[@josephalexander5161]

Always said my two favorite female vocalists were Karen Carpenter and Roberta Flack. Karen's vocals seemed to mirror an inner sadness that made you believe every verse she sang.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen! Great comment.

[@Marketsolo]

She was such an icon, and I miss her everyday! I was 8 months pregnant with my last child, and it hit me hard, I grieved so much...

[@jstnxprsn]

Good morning Adam, and music lovers. Those were the days of actual "broadcasting", as opposed to the "narrowcasting" that came later. On the radio you would hear The Carpenters, next to Cream, next to CCR, next to Hair (from the musical), next to the Jackson 5. And that's why I (and many others) grew up with a wide appreciation of various genres. The Carpenters were very "cool", though none of us could explain why exactly. LOL But there was no denying their talent, esp. Karen's amazing voice. I even recently bought a DVD of The Carpenter's various performances.It's right there on the shelf next to Joe Satriani. LOL Looking forward to watching this one shortly. Thanks Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love your comment!

[@jstnxprsn]

@@ProfessorofRock Love your show. It inspires such comments.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@jstnxprsn THank you!

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Morning and yes we were lucky to hear those songs and have a great appreciation to the variety. Karen my favorite vocalist. Just saw Joe Satriani this summer with Sammy Hagar. I've always loved him and such an amazing musician.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So much VARIETY in one place!

[@johnsmith1996]

Thanks POR! You just answered a great mystery for me. I always wondered what Meat Loaf was singing with the line "ain't no coupe deVille in a Crackerjack box" Now I know - after almost 5 decades of pondering that lyric. We don't have those in the UK and on various visits stateside in the 80s, 90s and 00s, I never saw one. Amazing what one can learn from your videos.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh!

[@onusgumboot5565]

Badfinger were doing power ballads in 1969. Big star put out their first album a few months before the Carpenters put out goodbye to love.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What song in particular?

[@andyshelton4889]

@@ProfessorofRock “ Without You”?😀❤️🎼

[@onusgumboot5565]

@@ProfessorofRock Day after day would be considered a power ballad I would think. Big star did a lot of them. The ballad of El Goodo, for instance.

[@kathyself8816]

I was so sad when she passed. I was a junior/ senior in high school, and it hit me really hard. This episode made me both laugh and cry. Her voice was so pure. That's the only word I've ever used to describe her perfection. Listening to that song, viewing it as a power ballad, made me laugh at the letter writers. I would love to see them at Knotfest or maybe a Disturbed concert. I've been a fan of Rock n Roll since before I could walk. Thank you, Granny. 😊 The Carpenters have always been way up there with Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot.

[@thebunter]

Karen's voice was/is the best female voice I've heard. It may not be the most powerful or have the greatest range but it reaches out and grabs you and basically "makes" you listen to the song. Granted that can also be attributed by Richard's arrangements and the lyrics but I feel that without her voice they would have been regulated to the easy listening charts and not the cross chart success the Carpenters had. Such a shame to lose her so soon. I still remember the sad feeling I got when I heard she had passed away. There were only three other stars/musicians that I ever had that same feeling for and those were John Wayne, Prince and Edgar Froese. All but Wayne were musical geniuses and Wayne was in a world of his own in his sheer star power. RIP all those magnificent artists. Great Video Professor. Glad to see more of the branches from the musical tree.

[@johnhorton1532]

Went back and listened to Tony’s solos. I can hear a lot of George Harrison in his stylings, and what he plays fits so well with the music - well it’s just very musical.. ❤️😎👍

[@stratman1021]

Long live distorted guitar tone! I used to get criticized for using a distorted tone on certain styles and I tell them it's all in your hands and your control knobs for dynamics and cleaning up your sound and they would just scratch their heads. I never knew about this tune. Great story on this and thanks much!

[@Hutzjohn]

"Yesterday Once More" went hand in hand with "Goodbye to Love" ----- she was such a GREAT singer ------ My favorite from her was "This Masquerade".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@whatwhere2018]

YES! The duet with Ella Fitzgerald on a medley containing Masquerade is nothing short of magnificent!

[@OrInsanelyEccentric]

Wow! The very earliest memory I have is listening to The Carpenters and singing along with my mom on the way to my cousin's house in the rain. She and I are both contra-altos and we both really like Goodbye To Love. I was so young I didnt know about the anger over the guitar part. Mom and I both loved the guitar part so it's surprising to find out it was such a big deal and that fans called them 'sell outs'. The only Carpenters song that I didnt know of as a little kid was the one about aliens. I also remember my mom trying to tell me when I was 8 (I think) that Karen died and how she died, from not eating enough. I couldn't understand it; I was confused because she and I would go on diets all the time and I thought, 'shoot, I hope neither of us die.' (I wonder why I have disordered eating...) KZbin has full albums of The Carpenters. I love putting them on when I'm cooking and/ or cleaning. Thanks, Prof of Rock, for picking a band on the lighter side, even tho I love the metal bands and alternative groups more. (she likes the punk and the metal bands... when the buzzer rings, oh way oh...)

[@BrentCox-m3r]

So talented!! FYI, Jackson Browne turns 76 Wednesday! Your radio show was great by the way!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Brent!

[@jeffhaught5374]

Im with you, Prof. I’ve been preaching the status of “Goodbye to Love” as the first power ballad since the early 70’s. 13-year old me, playing the piano parts, and seriously crushing like crazy over Karen Carpenter’s voice, playing the Song for You album over and over to hear that guitar solo again, swimming in the contralto till I couldn’t take it anymore. Love my rock, AND (not “but”) I have loved the Carpenters!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@Pookyray2]

Wow!!! I loved (still do) the Carpenters and that song was definitely a favorite. It’s crazy to me that some fans didn’t like the guitar part…it is amazing. I absolutely love your channel and learning the back stories to the music I grew up with. Thank you for what you do. ✌🏽♥️🤘

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@aprilclifford2267]

I knew IMMEDIATELY what song you were talking about when I red the title. One of my favorites.

[@timothya2742]

My Mom loved them. I remember as a child hearing Top of the World on the car radio. Only time she would turn up the volume

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@HellcatCustoms]

Since I've Been Loving You - Led Zeppelin, 1970. Yeah technically it's a blues song, but Pagey's guitar work is incredible

[@MrNeatoMiniStock13]

"Goodbye to Love" is still one of my favorites from The Carpenters. Listened to their music growing up and even this song make me wonder what all the fuss was about because of Tony Peluso's guitar solo. It was an awesome solo and to me, added a grest touch to the song. Richard and Karen Carpenter knew what they were looking for and got it with Tony Peluso. I worked for a messenger service in Burbank and around 1994 or 1995, Tony Peluso called us up to use our services after we had delivered to his house a few times for another client. I've even had the chance to talk to him on the phone to take his order and he was very nice. Sad to hear he passed 14 years ago. I had not heard that until watching this video. May he contunue to Rest Peacefully.

[@georgegeysen6499]

I remember being on the beach in the summer of 1972, this guitar solo was playing from most of the radios as I walked along the beach, I knew my musical interests had changed. It was so classic. I think it is one of their finest songs. Yes, they had some schmaltz, but this and Karen on Superstar, may be their best. No denying the brilliance.

[@AlyraMoondancer]

I love the Carpenters; so does my sister. We had all their albums. They were one of the very few groups we actually went to see live in concert, and if I'm remembering correctly, the only one we went to see together. It was a wonderful show.

[@Mmwindowcleaners]

Thanks for covering the Carpenters!!!!

[@patrickkaye9734]

I knew the story, so when I saw your headline, I knew this vid was going to be about the Carpenters. Loved them and had all of their albums. FIRST time I heard Goodbye To Love, the guitar solo blew my mind. I loved it! It was the coolest thing, and it was the Carpenters!

[@surlechapeau]

a 25 second fuzz guitar solo alongside beautiful string instruments? Hard rock for a hot minute, Not! Rock On POR!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

That solo is pretty hard rock in my estimation!

[@mbgrafix]

They should have released their 'hard rock' sound as an alias band, hiding their true identities with costumes, like KISS and Slipknot!

[@p5gBand]

I loved this song. I never thought about it being out of the ordinary at the time. It was just a great song, very surprise to hear about the backlash from some fans.