I was asked to listen to Carpenters - Superstar | First Reaction!!

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[@stangovers7441]

Polo, you have been discovering so many of my favorites. Karen's brother, Richard, was a great arranger.You need to delve into their other material. RIP Karen.

[@PinkPosy1]

I need to check out Luther’s version. Check out Rainy Days and Mondays

[@aletnieuwoudt2717]

Roxette, it must have been love my song I sing alot and she's got the look

[@marietheresahughes2911]

There a great documentary. With Richard going through their beginning middle and end I saw it last week on Sky Arts very Good 😊

[@grandpascottshodgepodge9318]

I already posted this below, but I want to make sure you see it, so I'm posting it as a reply to your pinned post: You should also listen to a recent cover of this song by Leonid & Friends featuring their vocalist Ksenia (pronounced Zenya) Buzina. It's so impressive that Richard Carpenter brought his family to one of their concerts and then invited Ksenia to his home where he presented her with an autographed copy of The Carpenters' recording. Just search KZbin for Leonid and Friends Superstar. BTW Leonid & Friends is a band of Russian musicians who are best known for their amazingly accurate covers of music by Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, and other bands of the 70s. For the past few years they have been doing two tours of the US (eastern US in Winter/Spring and western US in Summer/Autumn) to sold out venues.

[@Weyland_Yutani_Corp]

As far as female singers go, Karen Carpenter was a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Aretha Franklin took you to church, but Karen takes you to heaven.

[@dtw63]

That is the perfect comment.

[@SarahDaraban]

Oh why does this comment make my eyes wet!

[@amandaoconnor2854]

Listened to both as a teenager in the seventies...no, I'm not crying... well maybe a little

[@mikebo5926]

Karen was a pretty good drummer as well.

[@ninochkalove]

Karen Carpenter has one of the most clear, beautiful voices we have ever heard. Along with the writing and arranging gifts of her brother they were and always will be gold. Karen actually played the drums for years and didn’t want to sing. Finally she agreed to try it and the rest is history. Sadly, she died of anorexia before the disease was even known. Sad ending to such a gifted woman.

[@gracedv]

Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett wrote this, not the Carpenters.

[@ninochkalove]

yes, I didn't say they wrote it. Leon Russell is absolutely brilliant. That man has more soul then 50 men put together.

[@mikecavaretta2621]

Delaney and Bonnie did the original. But Karen Carpenter made it her own.

[@jbs256]

Carpenters had the biggest hit. Richard saw Bette Midler perform Groupie on The Tonight Show and contacted Leon. Cher and Rita Coolidge also performed it before Karen got to do her one take! Delaney and Bonnie started it all.

[@stevecollins9450]

@@jbs256Who said it was "original"?

[@steves9905]

She had the most crystalline pure voice ever. She wasn’t raspy soulful but the other end of the scale with perfect pitch and beauty

[@Gwennedd]

Yes. She had a beautiful, smooth, rich contralto voice. It's so sad that her life ended so young.

[@user-vh7uo2su3h]

Crystalline is one of my favourite words used to describe her voice. Sheer class.

[@Ciao_Bella]

Yes, I think Wings of Pegasus did an auto tune examination on her and Karen has nearly perfect pitch.

[@Tolemac7]

Karen Carpenter is one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Period. Full stop. We all fell in love with her and that stunning and beatific voice of hers. The pure emotion and feeling she gave with every performance was absolute magic. I miss her tremendously.

[@CharlesCherryWatercolors]

Karen Carpenter and Linda Ronstadt - two voices from the 70s who defined what real music could be.

[@TH-tl6sy]

For me Karen Carpenter and Anne Murray have the cleanest, purest, most beautiful tones of any singers.

[@sb859]

And Marilyn Macoo (5th Dimension)

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Back in the day, there was an embarrassment of riches when it came to singers.

[@TH-tl6sy]

@@DAVID-io9nj now today most are so auto tuned when you see them live it's just a shame. Record labels pick looks before singing ability.

[@ivannano]

This version is so perfect people think it's a studio recording. It's actually live. She was that amazing.

[@cliffbrown1798]

It’s the studio recording. There is a live version uploaded to KZbin to which people react, the one where she appeared on BBC television.

[@user-iw4vx3dq9q]

Greatest female vocalist of all time

[@anthonyclarke5579]

Unchallenged Queen. BUT I highly recommend you listen to Tori Holub. Does she sound just like KC? yes she does, I can only hope for a CD of new songs that KC might have covered. Check the link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGqYnZmAptRsjLs

[@razor6552]

Probably true

[@DaisyAnnabelle65]

Karen Carpenter has one of the most beautiful voices EVER! ❤

[@kennethward4985]

I have never heard a better singer in my 65 years.

[@joyearls735]

Pure velvet , the only singer I can sing with , just sync with , pure bliss , perfection.

[@dagmar.6954]

Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Close To You", "For All We Know", "A Song For You", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.

[@MrVvulf]

"Top of the World" was the first record I asked my parents to buy for me. I was 6.

[@kristinahammer2757]

I grew up listening to my mom's Carpenters albums, never have I heard such a flawless voice.

[@kathybwell]

Grew up listening to the carpenters too! My parents had an 8 track of them

[@andreadeamon6419]

You don't hear songs like this anymore - and musically. Damn shame

[@steverusso177]

Got that first time Karen Carpenter smile on your face.

[@daleb1279]

Luther loved the Carpenters and his version was a tribute to Karen the year she died in 1983. It was her brother Richard Carpenter's song choices, arrangements, his genius of stacking their vocals as harmony backgrounds, and his keyboarding which let Karen's voice shine. She still managed to only view herself as a drummer (an amazing drummer by the way) who could sing.

[@suzieqmac2.0]

I always loved the Carpenters. When Karen died I was shocked. She was so young. That was the first time I had ever heard of any eating disorder. My mom sat me down and explained it. She was a nurse.

[@andreadeamon6419]

I battled it for years but in a different way. Had my gallbladder removed and my lung collasped during surgery. Took longer to heal (trust me - it was awful) but i also got down to 92 lbs. At my height that isn't good. Well took about 20 years and once i had another surgery it completely changed everything. Now it feels like i have 2 people on me instead of just myself. Thing is - i still eat like a bird. When i was tiny i would eat everything but my stomach said - nope

[@suzieqmac2.0]

@andreadeamon6419 Well, Andrea, I am just so glad you're alive today. I'm sure you have times that you still struggle. Oh, really, to the surgery part? Makes me wonder if there is a lesson to be learned here like maybe hormones can make you eat too much or too little. I mean other than the ones we already know of. My husband just had a kidney removed about 6 weeks ago. This guy I know has been hot constantly for the past 37 years. That's how long we've been married. But now, now he's cold and puts additional clothes on at 74°f! We weren't too surprised the first few weeks, but it's not getting any better. I made him mention it at his follow-up and was told it's too early to worry. That was within 1 wk of surgery. A month & 1/2 now! Interesting. Hey lady, gotta go, you take care of you!

[@jacquelinedavis6607]

​@@andreadeamon6419I taught with a physical education teacher. All she would eat for lunch was a very small bowl of green beans. Her doctor told her that she couldn't go below 100 pounds. It was hard for her to do. I pray for anyone dealing with this. It is a hard struggle for anyone .

[@andreadeamon6419]

@jacquelinedavis6607 it was horrible and yes i still deal with it after all of these years. A little after 2000 i had a hysterectomy and it completely messed up my weight. Now i have 2 of me and i still eat very little. Still have the problems from the gallbladder. Doesn't make any sense to be honest.

[@suzieqmac2.0]

@@andreadeamon6419 Hang in there. I had an emergency hysterectomy when I was 25. I am 60 now.

[@TheSimCaptain]

She could hit those low notes with such power, unlike most female singers.

[@bendmymind486]

Yeah, the low notes from her always got me…

[@ltlecookies]

Her voice makes me tear up ... I love her

[@wdrauch]

Same for me … no singer has ever conveyed melancholy so perfectly

[@supasoulproductions]

Song is written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. Bonnie's original version was titled Groupie (Superstar).

[@gizmo5925]

The transformation from "Groupie" to "Superstar" involved the change of one word. In "Groupie," the line goes "And I can hardly wait/ To sleep with you again." In "Superstar," "sleep with you" became "be with you," so that no one listening to AM radio in 1971 would be shocked.

[@diannebleacher6156]

I saw Leon preform this, his song, a few years before he died…what a monumental moment!

[@susanharris8626]

Brother / sister. He was the arranger

[@chrissiegle1065]

Karen Carpenter was one of the most talented performers of her time. Not only the voice, but she was considered to be in the top 5 drummers in her time. Another tragic story of a true artist taken too early. Great reaction. ❤

[@alexarmendariz7763]

The number one female vocalist of all time Karen Carpenter beautiful rest in peace Karen Carpenter

[@barrylafleur8526]

I like seeing her play the drums while singing. Carpenters "We've Only Just Begun" on The Ed Sullivan Show

[@thetwikikid4444]

The Carpenters undeservedly are maligned for not being “cool” or edgy because of their squeaky clean image and slick production of the music. You can hear the emotion in Karen’s liquid velvety voice and her brother Richard was an amazing arranger and producer.

[@Rickhorse1]

Written by the late, great Leon Russell. His songs became hits for so many artists. The Carpenters alone had hits with his "A Song For You", "This Masquerade" as well as "Superstar".

[@blancahoward4477]

One of the most beautiful voice she had

[@catmother4214]

I've said this on other KZbin channels and I have to say it again: There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing a nice young man reacting to our (elderly people) music! We were in awe back then too! ♥️♥️♥️

[@carolcoker9862]

Her voice is like butter and so beautiful, they have a lot of great songs

[@IAMisLove]

👍Self-titled, the Carpenters were Superstars. 🖖❤

[@josiepkat]

I ALWAYS use Karen Carpenter as an example (Billie Holiday too) of how simple her vocals are - no big vocal acrobatics, a completely emotionally naked performance, with zero pretense. This is what makes a singer truly captivating. It's what ALL singers should (and if they're good - do) strive for. It's rare to find a vocalist like this. In the 90s we were so preoccupied with big voices, and there's nothing wrong with that kind of singing as long as it feels like an extension of something personal rather than showing off. Freddie Mercury comes to mind as someone who pulls off a big voice but always feels very natural and not showy. This is such a gorgeous song. My parents were not very musically daring when I was a kid but we did have some Carpenters albums which I sang to endlessly. This is one that's hard to get through without getting a little choked up. Thanks for all the wonderful reactions.

[@philf4086]

Her breath control is unbelievable, great song with a really super 70's groove. Karen has a non-typical female voice, it's range is pretty low but her skill is undeniable. THX!

[@gerib4234]

Superb rabbit hole! Pure and rare talent. Try- "Goodbye To Love" "We've Only Just Begun" "I Need To Be In Love" "Close To You" "Only Yesterday" "I Won't Last A Day Without You" "Rainy Days And Mondays" Oh so many more. Enjoy the journey 😊

[@PinkPosy1]

Yesterday Once More 🩷

[@susanharris8626]

She loved Paul Williams songs. So do I.

[@rennejovillademoros2791]

So blessed to have grown up in the 60s and 70s. Real musicians, beautiful music and Karen Carpenter. Her voice is the best ever!!!

[@angieday5183]

One of the great singers

[@ppiechnik]

You should check out her story....so sad and tragic!! R.I.P. Karen!

[@ltlecookies]

She was a tortured soul... poor thing

[@ltlecookies]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee If I recall, her death was the reason Anorexia was finally openly talked about

[@danielnusser8604]

Thats the best female voice ever

[@charlyacevedo1775]

Listening to Karen Carpenter is like listening to an English class,you can even understand her breathing... I recommend you:Only Yesterday,Yesterday Once More,We've Only Just Begun,(They Long To Be)Close To You,Top Of The World,Please Mr. Postman,Rainy Days And Mondays.

[@BernadetteBelow]

Talent from another planet

[@daveloboda1769]

There are good singers, great singers and then there is Karen Carpenter. A voice like no other, beautiful.

[@bigdav47]

An absolute delight for somebody else to discover what I have known for decades, that Karen Carpenter had one of the greatest vocal talents in music history, and brother Richard is an underestimated genius. Try "goodbye to love" and "close to you"

[@mindykloster3540]

Polo, I just love how you are reflecting and connecting ideas, cultural trends and appreciating music, voices, genres that are outside of your knowledge! You are very respectful and sincere about not knowing certain aspects and of course you wouldn’t know because you weren’t around in the 1960-1980. We were and so happy to see younger people realize what a gift music was at that time, how groundbreaking it could be. Just keep learning, exploring being yourself and you will do just fine in this life! 🌈🫶🏻

[@TheDivayenta]

Polo is in my top five reactors. ❤

[@razor6552]

​@@TheDivayenta Yes. Polo is a very astute reactor.

[@janechapman6448]

Karens' brother Richard was the arranger for their music, sang beautiful background vocals and played piano

[@sukie584]

The original is by Delanie & Bonnie, Bonnie Bramlett wrote it w/ Leon Russell. It was called Groupie (Superstar). Her studio version is very soulful. I personally find Luther’s version too busy.

[@norb6492]

Thanks for this. I believe Karen Carpenter has one of the purest, most authentic voices of anyone ever recorded. And love this song as it’s all the Carpenter’s at their best.

[@VickiSlater-mj3hg]

💜 her voice! She left us too soon.

[@tapduff]

Great reaction! I used to think the Carpenters were kind of corny back in the 70s, but I've come to appreciate and love their songs. True talents! Check out Rainy Days and Mondays, live, where Karen plays the drums.....she's a great drummer! RIP Karen, gone too soon.

[@jamesmitchell3634]

My mom used to listen to em all the time. Drove me crazy. Now I can really appreciate how good her voice was. And as a band their melodies and arrangements were so good. Also ironic that The Carpenters are my wife’s favorite.

[@eaglelove00]

This song will always remind me of my mother belting out the lyrics to the songs of the Carpenters. Even if she was in a bad mood, she’d pop in a tape and blissfully sing along 😍

[@kendavis8046]

The music of my youth! Not an auto-tuner anywhere, just wonderful vocal talent. Thanks, Polo, and I'm glad you enjoyed the song and this version. Karen Carpenter came to a tragic end way too young.

[@Mike-lz2ef]

60+ years listening to music...this is my favorite song..I can't explain

[@NedNickerson2010]

Richard Carpenter (Karen's brother) said this recording was the first time she had ever sang the song, reading the lyrics written on a napkin. It was recorded in one take. This was intended to have been a work lead, but Richard said she would never have sung it better than she did in that first take.

[@davidanon1568]

Great choice Polo. Yes this is the original version. I believe it was written by another group about two years before in 1969 but the song didn't take off until Karen Carpenter sang it in 1971. It was on the radio a lot that year. So 1970s again, and era when music was great, because greatness was valued. Karen Carpenter's voice is so distinctive and frankly, perfect. A time when auto tune had not been invented yet, and artists were heard as they really were.

[@gracedv]

This is not the original but is a beautiful version. Written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett, it was originally recorded by Delaney and Bonnie (and friends featuring Eric Clapton).

[@davidanon1568]

​​@@gracedv yes you are right, they wrote it about two years before this was recorded by the Carpenters in 71. Karen Carpenter is always the first voice really remembered by people singing this though.

[@davidanon1568]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee I have been to many recitals.

[@roadkill7314]

​@@Spo-Dee-O-DeeYou sound knowledgeable so I'm not questioning your claims. But listen to the difference between live performances in the past and those today and then tell me that the vocalists skill levels are the same. I saw a lot of these great artists live and they could sing and play fantastically; sometimes better than studio.

[@ms.rlsteele351]

I graduated in '72. Her songs were mesmerizing and played often on the only pop music radio station that was 2 hours away from Platte, SD in Sioux Falls, SD. We knew all the Carpenters songs word for word. You might find it interesting that we could only get one tv station by antenna, CBS, on our tv. This was during the VietNam War, and I remember the anchor Walter Conkrite signing off in his distinct voice by saying, and that's the way it was, (date.) Karen touched thousands, if not millions, with her voice, even in the remote parts of the Midwest prairie. ❤

[@ClearlyBlissful]

Karen was also a drummer. They had many great hits. Check out Rainy Days and Mondays.

[@johnkoz1006]

YES "RAINY DAYS and MONDAYS" opening vocals are A M A Z I N G !

[@ffjsb]

She was once voted a better drummer above John Bonham in the Playboy music poll, and boy was he pissed!!...

[@ClearlyBlissful]

@@ffjsb that’s hard to believe. 😂

[@ffjsb]

@@ClearlyBlissful It's a FACT. Go look it up. I believe she was 6th on the list, he was 7th.

[@ClearlyBlissful]

@@ffjsb Everyone is entitled to to their opinion, and mine is that Bonzo did it best when it comes to drums. (Karen had a great voice.) 😀

[@golddredgewater]

Good songs from the carpenters are Close to you We’ve only just begun. Yesterday once more. Rainy days and mondays

[@danatate8803]

Yes!

[@teresasullivan4588]

God bless Karen Carpenter. One of the greatest singers to ever grace our lives!!! Miss her still!!!

[@Susan-om1en]

Carpenters beautiful We've only just begun released in 1970 became the the number one song for many weddings..My own Brother and fiance walked down the isle to it in 1974.

[@debigiroux1811]

Great reaction. Rainy Days and Monday’s is a great song too. What a voice gone way too soon. ❤✌

[@alanstrom2221]

If this song doesn't move you emotionally to tears then you are not a human being. Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett wrote this song in 1969, it is about a woman who falls for a rock star, has a tryst with him, but then in a bout of delusion awaits his return, apparently falling for it when he said he loved her. "Superstar" was recorded by Karen on her first take, singing the lyrics that had been scribbled by Richard onto a napkin. It took a while for Karen to warm up to the song. "For some reason that tune didn't hit me in the beginning," she recalled in a 1981 interview. "It's the only one. Richard looked at me like I had three heads. He said: 'Are you out of your mind?' When I heard his arrangement of it I fell over, and now it's one of my favorites too." When the Carpenters version became a hit, Bette Midler took some shots at Karen Carpenter, often mocking her wholesome image. Karen claimed the jokes didn't bother her; after her death, Midler apologized in Redbook magazine, saying she often thinks of Karen. The alternative rock band Sonic Youth covered this in 1994 for the Carpenters tribute album "If I Were A Carpenter" It is a beautiful and powerful version. Karen was also an awesome Drummer.

[@FixNewsPlease]

Thanks for reminding how sweet this song is.

[@stevedouglas1654]

Carpenter’s Christmas songs were great too ! She was on some Christmas TV specials too 👍

[@johnkoz1006]

Ava Maria & Little Altar Boy

[@russelljackman1413]

Karen had one of THE clearest voices ever heard. REAL instruments, nothing computer -altered (including voices). It was all real. Listen to more of Karen's songs; you will not be disappointed. Check out, "Close To You."

[@gerlieannmanuel7283]

You can't go wrong with Karen...your channel is not complete without reacting to Carpenters...now that i saw that you're amazed for the first time hearing them,you're now in our clan...i'm not born in her era too,i'm only 23 but Karen hit my soul and heart since i was ten...Now,you gonna react to SOLITAIRE by them because it will haunt you forever.

[@leosag816]

This is the most beautiful cover of a great song. Leon Russell (a co-writer) is definitely worth checking out. He wrote & recorded “Masquerade”, a song you probably know. As well as “A Song For You “. Both of those songs covered by many others. But Leon was an amazing pianist who was played on recordings of everyone (it seems), from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys. The list is endless.

[@fayesouthall6604]

A Song For You sung by Donny Hathaway might be a favourite record of mine since I heard it.

[@jedflorex]

"Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, that has been a hit for many artists in different genres in the years since. The best-known versions are by the Carpenters in 1971, and by Luther Vandross in 1983. Rita Coolidge came up with the song idea, based on observing the relationships of female groupies with rock stars in the late 1960s. In its first recorded incarnation, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)", and was released in December 1969 as the B-side of the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home". Released by Atco Records in the United States and Atlantic Records in the rest of the world, the full credit on the single was "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends featuring Eric Clapton".

[@jens9702]

Voice of an angel.....right there. ♥️

[@barringtongilbert9230]

She was knnown for reccording inn one take. Just the most beautiful voice ever.

[@maryrayl8260]

I love this song but it makes me cry every time. 🥲 Karen Carpenter was a beautiful singer. Gone too soon.

[@PinkPosy1]

She feels every word and note. Wonderful

[@pcankar]

Polo....The Carpenters have a huge collection of great songs. Check them out. A staple of the 70s. Karen is an amazing singer.

[@kristinpark8042]

Also Karen Carpenter is considered one of the greatest drummers of all time . Yes she plays drums. Also considered one of the best with time in the drum world.

[@brucemorrow5271]

Over 150 million albums sold can't be wrong....Pure magic!

[@lindasantis7876]

If you like that song You should listen to more of their music. They are wonderful. I was sad when Karen Carpenter passed away. There will never be another voice like hers! RIP Karen

[@libsterella]

Karen Carpenter had perfect pitch and was flawless. She made it look so easy! It was a sad day in the music world when she died.

[@nillietaylor4625]

Written by Bonnie Bramlett & Leon Russell. Originally recorded by Delaney & Bonnie.

[@kathiek4239]

Karen’s voice is simply angelic. In addition to being technically beautiful (3 octave range, pitch perfect, etc), there is a sadness in her voice that grabs at your heart. Her brother Richard described it as a “loneliness” and he purposely arranged the music to highlight that aspect of her voice. They were considered “easy listening” when I was growing up so, not cool for us rock & rollers. Nonetheless, I always loved listening to her, especially as I got older. Her Christmas music brings me to tears.

[@queenslanddiva]

One of the finest voices, male or female in pop history. A bottom register to die for and such control throughout her range. This gorgeous song was written by the wonderful Leon Russell. I believe this is the original version, but I stand to be corrected on that.

[@dannymoore6886]

I think this song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. When Leon Russell was the music director for Joe Cocker's Mad Dog's and Englishmen US Tour, The choir director/back up singer Rita Coolidge sang the song during the tour. I think that's the first time I heard this song.

[@joonzville]

This version of the song is also a cover but a great one. The song was written by Leon Russell (a great singer/songwriter) and Bonnie Bramlett (a blues/rock/country/gospel singer from the Delaney and Bonnie group who are the artists who released the original recording in 1969). It was originally titled Groupie (Superstar). It’s been covered by a lot of others since then, like Vandross and the Carpenters.

[@user-vh7uo2su3h]

Lovely to hear Karen's beautifully modulated contralto voice. 'Superstar' and 'Rainy Day Mondays' are two of the songs that show that this talented musician had some dark times like the rest of us. But what a legacy of singing and drumming she has given us too. RIP

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

I’ve seen several comments about this being written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramblett. Do us a huge favor and listen to some Leon songs. His voice isn’t for everyone but the *songs* are fabulous. His best recording of his own music is probably “This Masquerade”. The Carpenters did cover it but George Benson’s is so good.

[@tabb5818]

What. A. Voice. Rest in peace queen.

[@melliehobson8299]

She is one of the singular voices of the 20th c., up there with Morrison and Sinatra.

[@loriwalck8818]

Not only a great singer but also a very good drummer

[@talltulip]

Karen's flawless vocal prowess was astounding, and legendary. Here is an example: the last song she recorded before her passing was called "Now." But the recording she made was never meant to be the actual final recording released on the album. Instead, it was a recording made specifically for the musicians to practice and rehearse with as they prepared to record the album for real in the studio, several weeks or months in the future. (There's a name for that type of track, but I can't remember what it's called.) Anyway, because it was this "preliminary" kind of prep track, she just fired off this recording in one take -- one take! -- and called it a day, because everyone thought she'd be back on the studio in a few months to record the REAL track. So I recommend you listen to "Now," with the knowledge that this was her first-and-only take, where she may not have even really been guving it her all. On top of all that, she personally considered herself to be a drummer first, and a singer second. There are a number of videos on YT showcasing her drumming abilities.

[@pecsenye]

Such a good song, and Karen Carpenter and Luther Vandross bring such different tones to it that it's hard to pick a favorite.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Richard is one of the best arrangers around. I love this song.

[@amandabyrd9349]

Still have such great memories of sitting in the living room listening to Carpenters albums in the mid-70’s. Still know all the words. Her loss was so tragic.

[@nancykorensek4083]

Timeless

[@user-tr9de6gm8k]

Karen had such a rich, warm voice with perfect pitch. We lost so much when she passed. So many great songs we wont hear until we're with her again.

[@taramahoney2412]

I grew up listening to Karen. I wanted to be a lead female artist just like her. An amazing voice. You could listen to her sing for hours.

[@helokopter924]

I believe KC sang this in 1971 when she was 21. Im in my late 60s and remember Carpenters well. Herb Alpert heard Karen's voice on a demo in 1969 and signed her brother, Richard, and her to A&M records. Karen received 3 or 4 Grammys in the 70s and sold over 80 million records by 1982. She was 1975 rock drummer of the year according to Playboy. KC had the most beautiful voice-ever, and perhaps THE best female vocalist-ever, because she compels you to listen as she sings in perfect pitch to you, not at you, with emotion and enunciation. No auto-tune or gimmicks. No professional voice or drum instruction. She was known by the studios as 'one take'. She rarely, if ever, did more than one take of any song. She was also the ONLY female harmony/background voice in all her songs. She was truly born with an incredible singing talent. Documentaries point out the accolades to her voice, such as, Paul McCartney said she had the most angelic voice after hearing her sing 'Ticket To Ride'. John Lennon ran into her at an LA restaurant and told her "you have a fabulous voice, luv". Supposedly Frank Sinatra stated that Karen was the only singer he'd pay to hear. I recommend songs such as, Yesterday Once More, Solitaire, This Masquerade, Need To Be In Love, Hurting Each Other, Only Yesterday, I Can Dream Cant I (a differnt take on her voice in this 1939 ballad), Crescent Noon, Ordinary Fool, Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, A Place To Hideaway, and A Song For You. KC never knew true love. One of her few friends included Dionne Warwick. 5'3" KC really lost weight, due to anorexia, in earnest beginning in 1975. She died in Feb 1983 at age 32 due to heart complications from anorexia.

[@Fangs4DaMemories]

The studio session band for this version was The Wrecking Crew... There is a documentary out there that you should watch about them.

[@VegasAlien1]

Hal Blaine killin' it again.

[@christopheryochum3602]

This won't be requested very much because most radio listeners never heard it, but "Ordinary Fool" displays Karen sliding in and out of pitches in a very soulful, jazzy style. It's quite riveting, if all you've ever heard are the Carpenter's hits on the radio.

[@bonester50]

Karen Carpenter is known in the music world to have the most beautiful female voice. Karen and her brother Richard were the the #1 selling american group in the 70's.Go to wikipedia and read what they did. tore up the music charts in the 1970's. Karen is considered by many including myself as the best female drummer ever. She passed away 41 years ago this past February 4th of heart attack due to anorexia nervosa. She has influenced many a singer like Madonna, Shania Twain, Beyonce and the list goes on. Enjoy your Carpenters journey. There is no one like Karen.

[@ValerieKnowles-Pratt]

Her brother Richard did the arrangements for their music. Karen played the drums and Richard played the piano and both did the background vocals too on their records

[@VegasAlien1]

When I was a kid and heard Karen Carpenter and Olivia Newton John singing, I thought they were angels.

[@marysenini1581]

Close to You, Rainy Days and Mondays, Goodbye to Love, We've Only Just Begun, Only Yesterday, I Won't Last a Day ...I loved the Carpenters. Her brother Richard organized the music, wrote and found songs for them. They were very wholesome for the 70's. Then Karen died in her 30"s it was so sad. It made us all look at our need to be thin. Tragic . Her voice liquid gold and she loved the drums. They had trouble getting her off the drums and up front .❤

[@robinnnnnnnnnnnn]

Perfect song by the GOAT!

[@moe92870]

Hitting like before I even listen. 😏

[@Pitt13]

I did the same thing

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Ditto

[@frankhoward4485]

Her voice proves that magic is real.

[@bethallen7723]

This was the first song I heard by them... I was about 10 years old. I was TRANSFIXED.... She still has that effect on me. And her brother's beautiful arrangements and harmonies....they became a part of me from that first song I heard. So nice to hear you react to the loveliness they brought to the world..God bless

[@29feliss]

“Don’t Cry For Me Argentina “ by Karen Carpenter!…perfection