MUSICIAN REACTS to "The Carpenters": Superstar

Hey guys! Today I am reacting to a song by The Carpenters: "Superstar"
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John
www.johnny-gibson.com

[@soupdragonuk]

When Karen left this world she ripped many a heart to pieces. There will never be a voice like hers again. A voice that left men openly weeping, and Karen is, in my opinion the best female vocalist I've heard in my lifetime, and I grew up with Karen's voice on the radio daily.

[@Agislife1960]

Pay attention everyone, thats what a singer sounds like with a true 4 octave range

[@kimberlystankiewicz1587]

I grew up listening to the Carpenters. I always loved Karen's voice. She is the best female singer ever.

[@TheRatsCast]

I did as well; she was one of the greatest singers of her age, and one who's like will never be replaced.

[@tedharvick9010]

Karen had that hauntingly melodic, contralto voice that was unmistakable when it came on the radio.

[@MsRadar23]

Karen was truly gifted, it’s very hard to sound better live than the studio version, I miss her everyday

[@texaz58]

Some things need to be noted about Karen's voice. This was before autotune, what you heard was what was being sung. Second many singers today rely on vocal pyrotechnics. Karen did not need to wail, growl or shout to convey the meaning of whatever song she was singing. There is a line in their hit "Close To You" that says "The angels got together and decided to create a dream come true." This may have been the case for Karen. Her voice was a one off. We shall never hear the like again!

[@daveburns3886]

Auto tone is the worst invention of the last 50 years!!!!!!!!

[@richardwhite2344]

One of the most phenomenal singers that ever lived, Karen carpenter!!! She did not sing a song, She felt every word she sang, and like other great singers she touched your heart so deeply, but Karen went even further by touching your soul. The one and Only, Karen!!!!

[@Hannibalheyes71roger]

The voice of an Angel

[@StudeSteve62]

This is a genuine live version, ever so slightly unlike the studio version which became a hit single. The faultless vocal on the studio version is not only a first take on the session, but the first time Karen ever sang the song...she was miraculous.

[@joemacinnis1972]

Simply the best female singer I've ever heard

[@HRivas-nk5xi]

She was a super talented drummer and a natural singer with a like silk voice ,she was amazing, RIP Karen🙏

[@alantanaka6957]

One-take Karen! Such a smooth voice. Also a great drummer in her own right. She called herself a drummer who sang. What an understatement

[@abenapoleon3473]

I was a Carpenters fan when she was still with us. The studio recording version was said to be done in one take, with Karen reading the lyrics off of a napkin. She had a warm, rich, soothing voice that comes along very infrequently. Sadly, this angelic voice left us too early. But their music lives on to enrich music lovers of every generation.

[@neo4822]

I can only say a few words about Karen Carpenter: Absolutely fantastic, sophisticated. One of the most emblematic vocalists in pop history was also a drummer - and very good. A drummer girl who is also the vocalist of the band? This is unusual even today. I love this woman. The singer of my life !!!!!

[@bizabul]

Your out of your mind. That was the greatest female sing. The colors she sings each note without all that bullshit today's sings slap on songs. That was an angel singing.

[@abevillanueva1974]

Only the greatest female vocalist ever! Whenever we'd hear her on the radio...everyone just stopped talking and listen. In our decade of the 70s, there were no better music...genre and diversity!

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

Well regarded as one of the greatest voices ever recorded. Read their backstory. It’ll break your heart. RIP Karen Carpenter 1950-1983

[@terra274]

Karen Carpenter's voice lowers my blood pressure..So was so good ..Its just a shame she didn't realise how good she was

[@daveburns3886]

Works better than my meds..!

[@andreadeamon6419]

Earth is missing this angel 😢

[@deborahdennehy9937]

What a beautiful singer she was, also brilliant drummer! Her voice was always so amazing. Her lower voice was the best ever!!

[@user-GodsGirl4ever]

I've always enjoyed Karen. Hers is the best female voice I've ever heard, and this is one of my favorite Carpenters songs. Nice reaction.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@kevdogrudi7260]

Beautiful voice. Grew up on the Carpenters. Karen was a beautiful but tragic story. Wish we could have saved her. She deserved more happiness than she ever got

[@mikerobertson4041]

Karen was one of the greatest female vocalists ever, and Richard is a musical genius whose arrangements perfectly accentuated Karen's voice!

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

Will never be another one like her. !!!

[@ronkrupovich7152]

Magical! What a lovely voice. Her articulation is perfect. She communicates her emotion directly to our hearts.

[@robertkaplan848]

The most beautiful voice in the history of music,R.I.P. Sweet Karen!

[@rachelcarroll9763]

Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice she passed away far to young enjoyed this John thank you ✌️👍

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! Thank you 😊

[@MS-wb5mf]

One of the greatest voices in the business, her brother was profoundly talented as well.

[@suzyq7748]

....beautiful....her voice is full of feeling and their choices of songs always suit her voice perfectly.

[@sailingsam3815]

Wow he must be young if he never heard of Carpenters..She has a legendary voice..

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely yes!!

[@johnandrews3151]

You have just heard the most golden female voice ever recorded.

[@sunshineresujento2301]

No one can imitate her voice

[@davideoverton]

Her voice is sometimes immitated but never duplicated. A beautiful person and a beautiful drummer/vocalist. RIP Karen Ann Carpenter !!!

[@imuawarriors]

such a unique voice. legend. RIP.

[@larrybrunson6311]

Leon Russell wrote "Superstar" and always said that Karen Carpenter's version was his favorite cover of his song.

[@Joseluispm71]

Great video. We have only just begun. What a wonderful song.

[@ggh167]

The most calming voice there ever was!!! She was heaven sent!!!

[@golddredgewater]

Thank you for listening to her. I love her voice

[@johngibsonmusic]

Of course! Her voice is great!

[@m48a590m]

First listen to "Superstar" in 1971 and the Carpenters in the late 1960's. Superstar is one of my favorites and still listen the Karen to this day

[@jamesdrynan]

She sounded better LIVE than on the record! She was able to pull your emotions out with her mellifluous voice.

[@bonnefraher1709]

There will never be a voice like Karen’s. No auto tune, screaming, just pure God given talent.

[@msmithrandir561]

Rich, Pure, Deep. Beautiful voice

[@sandyme1973]

1 take Karen. Perfection on the first recording.. Such a tragic loss to music

[@sammy2840]

Sinatra said if he had to pay to hear one singer it would be Karen Carpenter! He was 100%.

[@thegorn68]

Karen was actually a very accomplished drummer and there's videos on KZbin of her just doing that if you search.

[@robertcarpenter9161]

When music was music and not noise and when singers had talent not image

[@sta7586]

Karen and Richard were the best sister & brother group... beautiful voice and composition. I miss them! 🙏🏼🥰

[@CarlosRodriguez-dn7js]

The best voice ever.. they say, lennon, paul, sinatra,...

[@No1KCfan6]

yes. many in the music business have praised karen's voice, including john lennon, paul mccartney, and frank sinatra, among many others.

[@terrirobertson7821]

She just sang without the vocal gymnastics of so many singers. Perfection. Timeless. An Angel.

[@randykern1842]

The vocal equivalent of a timeless cello. Absolutely fabulous. The world didn’t deserve her

[@sukie584]

Originally called GROUPIE when recorded by Delaney and Bonnie(co-writer Bonnie Bramlett)that version is sung as an experienced, sexual woman. It’s fantastic, very soulful and I recommend listening to the studio version of it.. But Karen’s more innocent, longing version has this melancholy, dark, deep emotion that touches and makes it one of my favorite songs ever.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I'll check it out 😊

[@paulperla4813]

The line "and I can hardly wait to BE with you again" was originally to "SLEEP with you again." was not in the Carpenters clean imagine so they changed it. This did upset the writers a bit but since the song became such a hit they lived with it. Richard actually heard Bette Midler singing it and thought it would be right for Karen.

[@GS-xt8fu]

Such a rich, smooth and controlled voice. So so soothing.

[@susanneschmidt6159]

Her voice is like butter.

[@jan_phd]

I think Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass in the background, really puts the cherry on top.

[@JRobbySh]

Speaking of another class act. John Carson once said in response to a number by the Tiiajuana Brass, that if you don’t like this you’re not alive! It was Herb who “discovered” the Carpenters.

[@timhensley1297]

I can not hear this intro without tears in my eyes and chills all over. No other does that to me. I read the comments and see others have same type reaction. I never knew her but i fell in love with her and still do.

[@brentstevenson1484]

Was a big hit for them Karen had a very special voice and ya got to admit that her brother new how to arrange a song piano violins drums trumpet Great arrangement good choice John

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@No1KCfan6]

very, very special voice, agreed.

[@catmother4214]

My Generation LOVED her! ALL generations loved her !!! Thank you for your very respectful review of this beautiful song by a beautiful Artist. 🌺💮 🌼💮🌺🌼💮🌺🌼💮🌺🌼💮🌺🌼💮🌺🌼💮🌺

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much! 🙏❤️😊

[@kenjoneslee]

I was born in 1960 and first heard these songs when they were released. Rainy Days, Superstar and We've Just Begun......plus a few of their Xmas songs are the most appealing "female" vocal arrangements of that era for me. It's only in hindsight that I've come to realize this because those are the songs I repeatedly play today as a senior. Neil Diamond is the other great singer from that era.

[@elizabethgeoghegan5167]

“A Song For You” is still one of the best albums of the 70s. 💔

[@kevinhayes8188]

I love anything that lady sings.

[@GinMae]

Thanks JGib -- this is a a sad song.. my interpretation is basically, she met a guy (superstar) - and ..."you said you'd be coming back this way again... maybe.." -- fantasy of a young girl... ("groupie")... but her voice is velvet... she sells it!

[@brianmusson1827]

Karen Carpenter had one of the greatest and most beautiful of female voices ever. She could move audiences to tears with her wonderful renditions . Her brother’s arrangements of their songs was just brilliant . There are many more songs for you to check out!

[@johngibsonmusic]

I will definitely check more songs out 😊

[@heidicheney3485]

Not much to say, live musicians, on point, that french horn! Fab arrangement, thanks Richard, perfect pitch, thanks, Karen! Always have loved the carpenters

[@ortho-g9826]

Remember when music was beautiful?

[@ripmod1]

Best female vocalist on the planet.

[@spacecadet35]

She was also a damn good drummer.

[@tomschmitz5745]

it's so amazing to me that whatever anyone's age that there are music lovers who have never heard of and never heard any songs of the carpenters? the biggest u.s. hitmakers of the 1970's and karen's voice then and now recognized as one of the greatest if not THEE greatest female voice of pop love and romance songs ever... Odd to me that if someone is a music lover of any genre and any decade/era that they could possibly not know of the carpenters? Seemingly it's those who were not around during their heyday i suppose who who unaware of the carpenters?

[@nkcbrazil]

Couldn’t have said it better. Today’s generation dont seem interested in learning about past music. Like today’s athletes except Lebron, who don’t know who Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell etc where.

[@frankgroff2604]

among the best vocalists of all time. her intonation, breath control unique contralto, interpretation of the lyrics and uniqueness all combine to make her unforgettable and a legend for the ages. without her brother, richard, at the helm, i don't think she would have achieved such greatness. his arrangements, vocal backing and rich harmonies, songwriting capabilities and ability to pick great songs are what contributed to their success. he knew what the magic was in her voice -- what made it so special. he used to say that the gold is in the "basement," meaning when she tapped into her rich deep alto, the result was extraordinary.

[@ChuckHackney]

Texaz58 you said everything I could say and I agree with you 1000%. Never be a voice like this again. God sent an angel to sing to us. You hear every word, every note every syllable. Every one!

[@johngibsonmusic]

😊🙏

[@glendurlacher9589]

Listen to the Carpenters Rainy days and Mondays Another amazing song Karen Carpenter has the most beautiful voice

[@johngibsonmusic]

I'll check it out 😊

[@ChuckHackney]

The purest voice this earth has ever known. Heaven sent. I love rock n roll and many genres of music. But no voice can send me to a dimension of tranquility like Karen's voice.

[@wm8498]

There are SO MANY Carpenters songs you need to check out. She was an amazing singer with a voice of gold. She played the drums too. Such a sad end to a wonderful voice. Check out some like Only Yesterday, Yesterday Once More, Solitaire, For All We Know, Rainy Days and Mondays... just to name VERY few. Thanks for discovering them :)

[@johngibsonmusic]

I'll definitely check some of them out 😊

[@PK-hw5go]

@@johngibsonmusic Some of them? Check out ALL of them. You will be very pleased.

[@josephvivenzio8592]

Sublime

[@springstud]

i grew up in the 70's i bought all their record's you should listen to her last song recored called NOW

[@johngibsonmusic]

I'll check it out 😊

[@JohnWesleyDowney]

John, she is a PHENOMENAL DRUMMER. Watch some of the You Tube videos of her drumming. She's not just a great vocalist, she's great on drums too!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes she is!

[@JW-2112]

I've noticed in the newer videos of people viewing Superstar, in particular, the sound is a higher frequency. If you want the true, beautiful, Angelic notes from Karen, get yourself the album and play it off an old player. Her voice is deeper and even more resonate.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I will check it out! 😊

[@Phill75051]

Great reaction. She had an amazing voice.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@planetJRB]

Carpenters Forever ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurabexley9114]

@JOHN no one like the carpenters in the 70s I loved Karen Carpenter's my husband and I fell in love to the song We've Only Just Begun of course they had other hits during the 70s before she passed away another one that we lost way too young she had an Angelic voice like none I've heard before or since AKA Elvis Junkie

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you Laura!

[@JRobbySh]

Wish Elvis had had that same drive for musical perfection. Only sometimes do we hear how beautiful his voice was. None better when he was in top form.

[@johnandrews3151]

I think you should check out the studio version of Superstar. The studio was where the Carpenters were in their element and that's where most of the magic happened. Carpenters/Desperado studio version

[@johngibsonmusic]

I'll check it out 😊

[@marciachaves8129]

Beautiful voice. The Carpenters.

[@cdb989]

Karen had a beautiful voice great song another singer lost way too soon

[@martaadriane9202]

Karen had a Voice fantastic ! 👏👏👏

[@scottkrause477]

Probably the best arrangement of a Carpenters classic. Karen’s vocals are amazing!👍🏻

[@huwanmarkus819]

My favorite Artists ❤️💯

[@mariostylianou7725]

Hi dude I'm new to your channel.. The best female vocalist of all time!! Sir Paul McCartney quote ..saying she has the best female vocalist of all time. I agree!!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Her voice is amazing!

[@michaelvasquez1349]

Your great mr. Gibson live long and prosper

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much 😊🙏

[@bakerd99]

My goodness, what an amazing voice!

[@amarillagriffin7427]

Such a beautiful voice sadly missed.

[@shannonbritton8684]

best voice of all time!

[@quikmart1]

The song was written by a band called Bonnie and Delaney in the 60s. They were a blues/rock band, and their version was strong. But everyone must bend the knee to Karen - she brought it to far-new heights.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks!

[@roydean1137]

FYI Bonnie Bramlett was Rosanne Burr's waitress colleague on the "Roseanne" show. She preformed on the show with David Crosby. She's an awesome singer also.

[@quikmart1]

@@roydean1137 Wow, I did not know that. She is a great singer.

[@mic1240]

And also well known is remake by Luther Vandross, his own take on it, R&B play on radio

[@jbratchie57]

Best singer

[@frankcatlin9311]

The Carpenters were well known for two things apart from Karen's wonderful voice a/ They were the first group to harmonise with themselves and b/ They were one of the first groups to have a title for a song that does NOT feature anywhere in the lyrics. Of course, The Beatles had songs like "A Day In the Life" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" as well

[@jillcampbell8019]

🎶 Please listen all the way through the end note. It doesn’t really end until you hear it! So hauntingly beautiful. 👍🏼

[@paladino444]

There is a very interesting story behind this amazing hit of Karen and The Carpenters. This song was inspired by Rita Coolidge [google her] who wondered on the Mad Dogs & Englishmen Tour [google it] why no one had ever written and recorded a song about female groupies and her boyfriend of the time, Leon Russell [google him, it will take you a full week just to watch and listen to all the Leon stuff] when decided to write a song originally titled 'Groupie' and retitled 'Superstar' when Leon sold the song to the Carpenters for recording and it became The Carpenters major hit of that year. The first recording was done by Bonnie Bramlette [google her] with Leon providing the band. I shared all this story because if you did not know who The Carpenters were then you are really missing out. Please react to more Carpenters, Please react to Leon Russell recordings of 'Bluebird'. 'A Song For You' which has been covered by over 245 different artists, 'Delta Lady', 'Tightrope', "Laby Blue', 'This Masquerade' and all these are compositions of Leon Russell known in the music industry as "The Master of Space & Time". If you research all this stuff you will learn about some of the great songs and people of 1970 era recordings and song writing of that era. Every name I dropped in the post is considered a major player in American music. Go back to the beginning of Leon, at 15 years of age Leon Russell was leading his own band and was so good he was hired by Jerry Lee Lewis to back him for two years of touring, how's that for a musician, ..then Leon's days as one of the biggest members of 'The Wrecking Crew' in Los Angeles 1950s hits list and part of Phil Spectors Wall of Sound, and I am just getting you started with Leon. Please cover Leon Russell, there are enough songs, musicians, hits and legends of music in Leon's life to keep you busy for at least six videos.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much for your comment and knowledge! Very informative. I will definitely check more songs by them out in the near future 😊👍

[@susanhill149]

Um you’ve never heard the carpenters…..well welcome to heaven! She was a beautiful person and so much talent. We’re lucky she sang to us. Also Richard’s arrangements were amazing!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely!! ❤️

[@theresawilliams5470]

I love the Carpenters. She left this earth too soon. I request Close to You. Thank you.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I will check it out ☺️

[@KerryLebbern]

Hang on a minute - was that a reaction? I cannot believe you were not complete floored by that iconic performance? Were you not moved by it? It is incomparable....

[@johngibsonmusic]

It's an incredible performance! I've listened to it a lot since doing this reaction. Love it.

[@johnpage4581]

Burt Bacharach said she was the best,and believe me he worked with some of the best.Taken too soon.

[@vmdisenocreativo4471]

Excelente the carpenters

[@georgebur]

I can't believe that anybody has never ever heard the Carpenters before. Especially someone with an interest in popular music.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Unfortunately, they are not too popular here in Germany.