Rapper FIRST time REACTION to The Carpenters - Close To You (1970)! OMG...

[@tjrivers]

One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, IMHO.

[@James-ju3ok]

Not really

[@katkat-fm3wj]

Listen to For All We Know. You may change your mind.

[@dawnyoung8]

This is the song we sang to my beautiful nephew . It perfectly described him . He died in January and we played it at his funeral and it broke my heart , but it still reminds me of him and singing it to him ! Of course one person would start and we’d all sing it to him . I’m sure it annoyed him , but I love it and him . I feel blessed to have it

[@jenniezamek2849]

Absolutely my favorite. Still gives me goosebumps. Dreamy❤.

[@deniseriley6622]

​@@dawnyoung8so sorry for your loss ❤😢

[@kevinehle6637]

I was a hardcore 70s rock... but when Karen came on the radio, I turned up my radio. She is a national treasure. Good call out on Richard's contribution.

[@normankennith7919]

DITTO!!

[@garynorred4643]

Same here, and consider myself an out of the closet Carpenters fan.

[@normankennith7919]

@@garynorred4643 I LIKED THE CARPENTERS, SANTANA, WISHBONE ASH, DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEP & YES IN THE EARLY 70'S!!!

[@TheGreatGig73]

All us ROCKERS loved The Carpenters. They were PERFECTION!

[@lizreynolds4554]

Absolutely!

[@joeyryse7891]

She doesn’t seem real. She’s so angelic with her voice

[@kimberly3131]

@joetpyryse7891 She had such beautiful control of her voice. She would go from soft and grow right up to powerful in one note. She enunciated the words so clearly and could bring that slight tremble. Not sure if I'm making sense, Her voice just envelopes you like melted caramel.

[@Mainecoonlady.]

I just can’t watch her and listen to her, without tearing up. Truly angelic.

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

Same ❤️

[@Kayellen]

Same! My 13th summer!

[@malagastehlaate9923]

I can't either... from the first note to the last.

[@greglegakis4177]

Angels name Karen Carpenter as their favorite vocalist.

[@maybedrinkin3241]

Angels wish they could sing like that. :)

[@markkeane6491]

Karen deserves every accolade for her amazing voice. Richard deserves every accolade for his arrangements

[@mamaasaiz]

Another wonderful song from Burt Bacharach and Hal David... The Carpenters handled their music very well!

[@machtshnel]

I did not see you response and made the same comment Black Pegasus is touching on some real gems lately

[@highpath4776]

​@@machtshnelstill prefer the spike Jones version

[@SceptiGus]

Bacharach said her voice was the perfect voice for his music. He was not wrong.

[@june6900]

How can I make a comment when there's no comment place to put it This guy is great he listened to Elvis today and he was amazed The carpenters were great You should also listen to Abba They are amazing their songs are just wonderful there's so many people from the '60s and '70s that should be listened to more you'd really like their music and you can understand what they're saying I hope this guy could you please tell him that I can't talk to him because there's no comments for me Thank you

[@mamaasaiz]

@@june6900 He should be able to see your comment, June... it is showing up just fine.

[@lyndabrown9431]

I'm privileged to be a 1st generation Carpenters fan. I even watched their variety show.

[@dahuffy]

Same here. I'll be 67 this year.

[@TexasTigressDesigns]

Same! I loved their sound and she was so angelic. I cried the day she died. I heard it on the car radio with my Parents. No clue where we went I just remember being in the car crying when I heard it. Everything after it is a blur.

[@dillodefense]

Same!

[@terrismith1980]

My favorite!!!! ❤

[@truthfacts57]

@@dahuffy Same 68 here , great music to grow up with

[@jamesbumbry8358]

As a black man growing up in the 1970's, I too fell in love with Miss Karen Carpenter voice. With the racial atitudes and divisions in life at that time, I had to keep it a secret that I love "The Carpenters" to myself. I am so happy that so many black people love the soulful extraodinary voice of this Angel sent from God himself. Happy to see your emotions. Its exactly how I felt hearing her on my AM/FM radio in the 1970's for the first time.

[@ThePattymom8]

I was a teen through the 70s and I never told people🤷🏽‍♀️

[@danieldolce5734]

I didn’t have any Black friends years ago who appreciated them, so thank you for your words.

[@jamesbumbry8358]

@@danieldolce5734 I couldn't tell my black family or friends, I loved The Carpenters, Their where many white people as well that hated the squeaky clean Carpenters in the 1970's as well.

[@Markrealguy51]

I was 19 that year and I do very much appreciate the emotion from this song you display;I am a white man and to me nothing is more uniting in life than beautiful music

[@steve8170]

Well said I feel your sentiment & agree with you 💯

[@ccc56ccc]

Karen is one of the best female vocalist I've ever heard. I love her angelic voice. I grew up in the 60's/70's listening to the Carpenters.

[@theodoreritola7641]

SO DID I BORN IN 1960

[@kens32052]

I was lucky enough to see them in concert such a long, long time ago...sigh.

[@beedeegee9374]

@@kens32052 1972 for me, one of my favorite memories!

[@lisaschulze7980]

My mom sang this song to me when I was little when she was rocking me to sleep. I in turn sang it to my kids, then I sang it to my granddaughter when she was little. Holds a special place in my heart ♥️

[@eloisecarlin8695]

Simply put, the Carpenters were musical geniuses

[@James-ju3ok]

I thought billy jole. Was

[@spadams999]

Notice the guy in the back that does vocals, plays the trumpet, AND plays the flute. In other songs, you'll also see him playing the harmonica and tamborine. Really talented.

[@neillenet291]

Completely agree. That guy does everything.

[@shanegooding4839]

I think it's Jim Horn from the Wrecking Crew. Legendary session musician.

[@Rkbmomma]

The guy playing the flute was wearing glasses and in a flowered shirt. The guy who played the trumpet was wearing a rusty colored shirt & is on the opposite side of the band from the flute player.

[@spadams999]

@@Rkbmomma I missed that guy in the corner. So, which guy is Jim Horn? And who is the other guy?

[@catherder78]

On virtually every Carpenters song recorded in the studio, the person playing the tambourine was... Karen. Richard, in noting this fact, said she was never credited for her in-studio tambourine playing.

[@L70s]

No Christmas is complete without The Capenters, Merry Christmas Darling.

[@OHsopositive]

Christmas Portrait is still the best Christmas album ever made IMHO

[@Linda-zm6lk]

Prettiest Christmas song ever!

[@ArmandoG2013]

her voice was that of an angels, so sad she was taken too soon

[@sandralybrand9425]

I blame the promotion people. They told her she needed to lose weight ( she didn't) she starved herself to death, because she became anorexic. Her heart finally gave out. So sad to die at such a young age. 😢 We lost so many talented young people that made their mark on music. 😢😢😢

[@fizzyridertoo]

I'm continually impressed how you have stepped out of your comfort zone to listen to so many artists that you might have just dismissed out of hand before. The good thing is that there are so many more that you have probably never heard before. Enjoy the trip.

[@_Lisa_S_]

She was an amazing drummer as well as one of THE best vocalists ever XO

[@cwby2854]

she didn't drum on the records.....that was Hal Blaine of the Wrecking Crew.....

[@_Lisa_S_]

@@cwby2854 but she did play at shows/concerts - so you cant take away from her talent in that arena - and yes, Hal was great!

[@eggy1962]

@@cwby2854true of all the early hits but not all, i believe karen drummed on Only Yesterday, plus she was very good at jazz drumming which they did prior to getting their breakthru into mainstream

[@cwby2854]

@@eggy1962 nope....that was Jim Gordon....who ended up killing his mother with a hammer....

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

@@cwby2854 🤯

[@lesliebrown1517]

We've Only Just Begun is another classic Carpenter's hit. Played at many weddings in the 70's.

[@beedeegee9374]

Yep, sung at ours. Sadly just two months after her death. 💔

[@gkiferonhs]

There are stations that do spectral analysis of singers and Karen is always perfectly on pitch. No autotune or studio manipulation. She was an amazing voice.

[@stuarthornsby7023]

I watched a video by a vocal coach who compared recordings of her in live performances & in the studio. The "pitch analyzer" actually showed she got to the notes, her vibrato was perfect & her voice was more constant during live performances. She was an amazing talent.

[@highpath4776]

Wings of pegasus has also noted how difficult it is to play drums and sing at same time, though I guess they would be separate in recording studio?

[@WahleeUT]

@@highpath4776 The studio recordings were definitely recorded separately, and in fact, she didn't play the drums at all for most of the albums-the Wrecking Crew helped out with most of the instruments. But, especially in the early years, Karen did play and sing at the same time in live performances. It's amazing to watch.

[@d.s1014]

No need whistle note, 4 octave high, no scream. Just a soft and angelic voice.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

She just sang beautifully and simply.....didn't try to impress anyone with her power and vocal gymnastics.

[@lenom1289]

And no Auto-Tune! Pure talent.

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

She wasn’t afraid to sing the song as-is. I think that’s the problem with singers nowadays: you never actually hear the melody on most songs because singers must have a chip on their shoulder: They have to prove they’re singers. So they jump in with the acrobatics and you never hear the actual melody all the way through, even once. Karen has never had to prove she’s a singer. She was sure of herself and her singing ability.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

@@ElizaHamilton1780 Yes. She was humble and didn't feel the need to show off like other singers who "over sing" and try to impress you with their power. She also studied the lyrics of the songs carefully before singing them so that she could convey her perceived understanding of the words. That's why we always felt like she was singing just for us.

[@floydlawson3765]

My parents dragged the family to see them for a dinner show at Harvey's, Lake Tahoe in 1974. I was 13. Hated going but fell in love with her by the end. Became a forever fan.

[@denicesanders4586]

My uncle was head of security there.

[@samueltabo3390]

This was the breakthrough song for the Carpenters. Herb Alpert the founder of A& M records was looking for" the" song and legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach gave Close to you for the Carpenters, a song that hadn't had success with other big artists. It was all Richard's creative genius in arranging and of course the voice. It was the song that went to # 1 in the summer of 1970 and earned them two Grammy awards, Best New Artist and Best pop group vocal. The rest is history

[@supasoulproductions]

Actually Herb recorded the song himself on the heels of his big hit 'This Guy's In Love With You'. He was unhappy with his version so he shelved it. Then after he signed the Carpenters, he felt the song was perfect for them so they collaborated on it and it was. Richard had intended that solo to be for Herb, but he was unavailable at time of recording, so the guy they hired eventually played it in Herb's style.

[@lillianschild17]

What's funny is that Burt Bacharach had originally composed this song for a bank's advertising campaign.

[@Linda-zm6lk]

@@lillianschild17 I think you might be confusing this with the song We've Only Just Begun which was written for a bank advertising campaign by Paul Williams.

[@lillianschild17]

@@Linda-zm6lk Yes, you're right. ;)

[@Linda-zm6lk]

@@lillianschild17 🙂

[@RLU-wt8vi]

I have 5 of their original albums from the 70's - UN REMASTERED. The perfection in her voice was iconic. No auto tune. Vinyl handled, literally, with gloves, stylus replaced every year like oil in a Ferrari. I can still hear her voice.

[@debbie9021]

Sorry I’ve missed several days but my 79 yo mom fell off a chair and broke her neck. So I’ve been at the hospital. Came home for a break (she’s had surgery and is stable) and this is one of her favorite songs! Thank you so much! I am taking this as a sign things will be okay! Oh and still waiting for Ray Stevens ( the Streak, Mississippi Squirrel Revival, ect)

[@LaPinturaBella]

I'm relieved to hear your mom has a good recovery prognosis. Please tell her she has strangers sending her love and healing.

[@debbie9021]

@@LaPinturaBellathank you so much. She needs the love and prayers❤ I played this reaction to her this morning and it almost brought her to tears. She remembers singing it to dad and it was her lullaby for us kids and grandkids. Great song and wonderful memories.

[@maryalbrecht5602]

Such a beautiful talent, gone too soon. 🙏 There are no bad songs by the Carpenters, in my opinion. Great reaction!

[@MaryannTurton]

Black Pegasus, just waiting for that look in your eyes the moment she opens her mouth! I know you have reacted to the Carpenters a few times now, but that voice gets us all, every time!

[@happydaylike4342]

I loved Super Star

[@lisatilley8751]

That's my all time favorite!

[@mannysense3703]

Luther Vandross covered it masterfully.

[@mannysense3703]

Luther Vandross covered it masterfully

[@curtislong6806]

One of the most perfect voices in history

[@KennyRansom-l5k]

"If Honey Could Sing , It Would Sound Just Like Karen Carpenter ." ~ anon

[@melanieredfield9736]

❤ it was sung at my wedding in 1977

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

or the warmest hug, most refreshing breeze, seeing a long time friend for the first time in years, the scent of the greatest burning wood, and other descriptive phrases...

[@bjw0515]

I forget how wonderful they were! Thank you for playing this wonderful song,

[@nellieknifton]

Such a beautiful song. This was my parents ‘song’. We lost my dad early in 1995, tomorrow would have been his 86th birthday, so sat in tears looking out over the Bristol Channel/Irish sea in W. Cornwall crying my eyes out listening.

[@hillbillyatheart7686]

The Carpenters, makin a grown man cry! DAMN!!!

[@chrino21]

Richard's arrangements are PUUUURE GENIUS. Everything they did was perfection. I'm always amazed that Karen Carpenter thought she was a good drummer who sang a little, and Nat King Cole thought he was a good pianist who sang a little. Talent is humble, for sure. "We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" by The Carpenters, and "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole!!!

[@reginacarter431]

"Superstar" (which u already reacted to) still gives me chills every time I hear it. "Goodbye to Love", a song composed by Richard Carpenter & John Bettis, is a sad reminder of Karen's undeniable talent & unfortunate real-life pain. A must hear imo.

[@CRSoundDoctor]

Karen's voice has a smooth "velvety texture" that just has a way of soothing your soul and reaching the depths of your heart!!!

[@jimaccosted9328]

Karen had the voice but Richard was and is still a world class arranger. It would be nice to see modern musicians perform at this level. It doesn't seemed to exist anymore

[@lordessducky8494]

Thank you…I was just looking through the one month old comments before I commented regarding Richard’s amazing arrangement talents.

[@ruthhibbett595]

It doesn’t seem like it does to me either

[@Spo-Dee-O-Dee]

Students audition for Julliard with better chops than the graduates had 50 years ago. The level of technique the younger generation has is absolutely staggering. Whether it matters anymore in an age of image and charisma is another question altogether.

[@NaeNae62]

When I was in 6th grade 50 years ago, I (and my 6th grade class) had the opportunity to sing with the Carpenters. They came to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. It was THEE best experience of my childhood! I'm so happy to see the next two generations learning about them and falling in love like I have been with them for over 50 years. He death brought unbelievable grief to so many people, including me. Karen's voice was truly the best. And Richard's talent for arranging is like none other. I still love to listen to them ...at 62 years old!

[@lanettezunica7314]

LOVED YOUR REACTION. Love to see younger generation love them like we did. When u are stressed, have a bad day, Come home, turn off lights and listen to them. We need this music in this day. Funny note. If you have never seen the movie Something about Mary, watch it. At the funniest part of the movie, Close to u is playing! Funny

[@angelark2011]

This is my favorite song of the carpenters. I do love most of their songs. My mom would play their songs on an 8 track when i was kid & i loved them from then on.

[@klb85206]

they are amazing and they have a song called "Sing, Sing a song" its great too!

[@yellowfin1962]

Karen, in my humble opinion had the most beautiful voice ever!

[@susanengland3919]

She does a beautiful Christmas song called "Merry Christmas Darling".

[@mlramey8632]

This is the song I sang to my baby girl when I rocked her to sleep. That was 52 years ago and I still get misty eyed when I hear it. The precious memories of holding my baby in my arms.. ❤

[@ajiscool615]

Oh My! That’s a perfect song to sing to a baby. I pray that I will get to sing it to my future grand babies one day. 🥹

[@mlramey8632]

@@ajiscool615 When my granddaughter came along 24 years ago she had a completely different taste in lullabies. I sang the theme to COPS ... "Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when they come for you ..." and rock to the beat!!! When I stopped singing she would wiggle until I sang it again and again and again!!! I miss those days too!! 😂🥰

[@wearesiamese5]

I was 11 years old in 1970. It was so nice growing up to music like this. The Carpenters were special and their music was always a favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing!

[@billsherk9198]

I was three in 1970 and I still remember it. And yes, it was a great time for music.

[@threekidzmom04]

I was 14 and loved their music too.

[@KMS58]

I agree! I was 12 in 1970.

[@johnredhd]

I was also 11 in 1970. The Carpenters were a huge part of my childhood.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

That version is a shorter one. The ending went longer. Go and find the full-length version. Loved your banter! Try out "This Masquerade" too. Itll blow you away. Phenom enal jazz piano solo by Richard and great flute solo by Bob Messenger.

[@andreweaves7975]

The Carpenters are American Icons. A brother/sister team with this talent is literally unheard of. Karen's one-of-a-kind voice and Richards inane ability to arrange music is about as good as it gets. Simple, nothing complicated, no autotune no electronics or computers….Just her voice and the notes. Iconic.

[@paulinemarvin894]

It’s so wonderful to see the youth enjoying what we grew up with and fell in love ❤with our music ❤❤❤❤❤

[@marklynn7618]

This is what heaven sounds like.

[@theodoreritola7641]

I cant wait Thats where Jesus Christ is and my MOM among millions of more precious souls that Have Put their trust in JESUS CHRIST ALONE And still are

[@wordygirlandco]

❤The Carpenters is a group of very talented musicians. Sometimes that gets lost because of Karen's amazing voice. She was such a cool drummer too. Richard is a perfect composers. This group has some of the tightest harmonies ever and were able to sell over 100 million records in a time when Rock and Roll music was very good and out numbered the easy listening groups💔RIP Karen

[@bobduerwald9805]

Karen had the voice of an angel. Her vocals were always so smooth. She is the best female singer of the 70's.

[@barbarawayland2424]

I love their effortless talents....just to name a few.... Superstar, We've only just begun and This Masquerade... they have so many amazing songs.

[@lawlover716]

sings like an angel while rocking the drums hey are awesome

[@lookin-up]

And that's really how it feels to be in love! Good Lord, Karen was fantastic!!!

[@starlawilson9011]

Her voice is like butter. It's sad that she died so young, and of something so tragic.

[@averagejoe845]

Richard C. is still alive at 77 years old.

[@PaulForeman-indievisuals]

It was interesting see him meet Tori Holub who also was invited to sing at a memorial for CC kzbin.info/www/bejne/faGmf2utZctlnZY

[@jbs256]

@@PaulForeman-indievisualsyup, I was there. KC I think you mean. It was more a celebration of Carpenters than a memorial. Though we did visit Karen to pay our respects. It was a four day event. Tori sang on night 2, Richard was the surprise guest on night 4. After the group photo at the finale of the night. Tori and other dignitaries were whisked into an adjoining room for some private time with RC. There is a photo of them together. I used it as a thumbnail for my video of Tori’s performance. Click through my name to my channel to, see it. I also pinned a comment where I link all related 55th videos. If you haven’t seen them, it’s a joy, including the RC interview with his coauthor Chris May. BTW, Chris produced Tori’s “Georgia On My Mind” late last year. So, when did RC know about Tori? Hmmmm. I just posted my request for BP to check Tori and It’s Impossible. I want to stay away from a Carpenters cover, for now. Just show Tori’s voice. Joe

[@Anna-h3t2h]

Wow, thanks for that info

[@Anaj-us4eo]

we’ve only just begun, was a hook for an ad for Crocker Bank, written by Paul Williams. Richard asked Paul if he could add to the song, of course Paul was yes, the rest history. Karen had the most incredible voice, but Richard knew how to showcase it to its best ability. Then adding the trumpet per Herb Alpert who signed them to his label. Throw in Bacharach and David and it’s gold everyday all day long…..

[@hsmith2074]

absolutely gutted was due to watch Richard next week on his UK tour, unfortunately he has had to cancel due to health issues - get well soon Richard

[@reneemanning6760]

I can only imagine how much she would have loved knowing that in 2024 there would be a young man hearing her voice and loving it!!❤

[@dianetempleton8707]

Being 70 years old. This is so fun cause I know the parts coming up and watching your face when it hits your ears is perfect. Thanks for learning about my generation’s music and appreciating it.

[@annb8296]

Great reaction. I love how you appreciate good music ❤️🥰

[@donnac1279]

You didnt miss a thing, in fact I think you got hit right in the heart....as we all did the first time we heard Karen. You didnt miss the Carpenters when you were young. I think they may have come and gone by the time you were born? 1980 The Carpenters will never leave my music collection. They have many hits! I know all the words to their songs and when you react to one, I sing along watching you in the video. I just love this reaction s*it, it's so endearing 😆, like watching a baby take its first step 🌹 Play and sing this to your babies..all 3

[@bln3576]

One hell of a drummer. Fact

[@ssjb7542]

50 yrs gone by in a blink of an eye... surreal!!!!! 70s was a great time to be a teen ps: great heartfelt reaction TY

[@gailg2327]

So great, so tragic too. Love your appreciation of the song! Thank you.

[@joymiller4253]

LOL Your face!!! Loved watching your face during this performance. It's one of the most beautiful songs ever conceived. : )

[@mnabeelmansoor]

Top of the world by The Carpenters is a must react ❤

[@ladyjade001]

This song was written for a bank commercial. It was a hit, so they recorded it & released it. It became a huge hit for them. It is still my favorite song! My 2nd favorite is I Saw the Light by Hank Williams Sr.

[@jbs256]

That was We’ve Only Just Begun for Crocker Bank, in California. Look up the cover of that song by Tori Holub. Brace yourself.

[@gizmo5925]

Imagine being a 13 year-old boy who is obsessed with the Carpenters, when all your male classmates are listening to Led Zeppelin, the Who, Aerosmith, Bad Company, and all manner of hard rock. I hid my obsession for years during this period in the interest of self-preservation.

[@Bethann960]

Me too, you got teased if you liked them.

[@jeanostrom4860]

It's always so fun to watch young people discover this wonderful "old" music.

[@christinawilliams]

Brings me to tears......

[@premasru]

Oh yes 😪

[@nikkikat1325]

Absolutely Velvet smooth

[@shirleytreumuth1692]

"On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and star light in your eyes of blue". I used to sing that to my babies. Now they have their own children. ❤

[@tracymetherell8744]

I am loving watching you react to Karen. She was a once in a generation voice. Richard is a wonderful musician who knew how to arrange for her voice. I love the song Superstar, have you checked it out?

[@melissacaddell2604]

She has the voice dreams r made of. Gorgeous. So pure.

[@MikeM275]

Another song from my era. I was a rock n roller...but the smooth *perfect* sound of the Carpenters was every bit as genius, inviting, and mesmerizing as any of the hard rock groups. Karen's voice was one of the few perfect voices that ever existed. Pitch perfect. And a voice that when it came on the radio way back when....no matter how many people were cruising in the car...we all...I mean we ALL...went silent, and listened. Every...single...time....

[@suzanneprock7286]

Love the Carpenters, they were my first love when I first heard them in grade school. My childhood wouldn't be the same without the Carpenters. They were very popular in the 70's.

[@pamelastorr504]

She was a gift from the heavens. ❤

[@michaelparsons5299]

I can't listen to Karen Carpenter for more then 30 seconds before I start crying like a baby. Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful singer, just like an angel!

[@SayItAintSo4real]

I love your comments and I'm so happy with how much you like them and their music. Karen's voice is truly one of a kind, and incredible. No one else sounds like her either. I was 10 when this song hit the airwaves. And it's as beautiful now as it was in 1970.

[@tommadrid322]

The background vocals were also Richard and Karen! Richard came up with the idea for him and Karen to I think it’s called overdubbing ,their vocals multiple times! They were both extremely talented to think they did all that at such a young age!

[@cliffordlowerre1381]

This was a must play at every high school dance when I was young. On the day that she was born the angels got together and decided to create a dream voice come true. Rest In Peace Beautiful Karen. Loved your reaction to this dynamic duo and group, especially your appreciation of Richards immense contributions. Karen's beauty, drum playing and ANGELIC voice made it easy to overlook Richard's awesome talents. Your use of the word " wholesome " in describing Carpenters music nailed it on the head! Keep up the good work!

[@drumbelly]

Thank you so much for the reaction to the Carpenters. Karen may have had the greatest female pop voice ever. Ask Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Elton John what they thought of her singing-they all said she was one the best. Frank Sinatra said she was the one singer he would pay to see/hear.

[@rff2552]

I have always loved the Carpenters, and your appreciation, strangely, brought a tear to my eye. I loved them when it wasn't cool to live them, beginning in 1971

[@Jane-d4w]

This one was HUGE!!! I remember this one so well it's like part of my DNA, I'm sitting here going, he hasn't even gotten to the "waaaas" yet... Love The Carpenters. Have a giant box set. They have so much great stuff...❤

[@sedatedape315]

The Carpenters. Enough said, period! Also a 1st Gen fan here. Of all the amazing music I got to experience as a younger person it's still The Carpenters that makes this old man smile, and sometimes tear up. ❤

[@jazzmaan707]

So glad you got to hear the Carpenters. John Bettis, who co-wrote about 30 songs for the Carpenters, with Richard. During an interview, John was asked, "What did Karen sound like, when you first heard her?" John's response was: "She sounded just like she does when she was 30, but she was only 16 years old. She had the God-given voice, that she didn't have to work on to get. The funny thing is, she never wanted to sing. She just wanted to be the drummer in the band. But thankfully, Richard convinced her to sing, because of how good her voice was."

[@ndpd11]

Everybody said everything I could possibly say. Thank you for discovering the Carpenters. I grew up with them, and I love seeing young people discovering this beautiful music. Please listen to and react to the Carpenters "This Masquerade".

[@stephaniewarthen]

My mother and I used to sing this to each other .....

[@pjmurphy920]

Most of the Carpenters' songs make you feel good and chilled. Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote the finished version, using sections of the earlier version which was written by Cathy Steeves. Such a crystal clear, angelic voice. Karen died just before her 33rd birthday from anorexia. So much real music from the 60s and 70s. We had the best. Karen would be 74 today, same as me. I love your facial reactions on your videos, BP. Lol.

[@andrewdavid9412]

Sound engineers and producers all said that Karen was a genius that rarely ever made mistakes, nailing most of her recordings on the first take.

[@michellegotthardt5263]

Richard is one of the first arrangers I remember to layer vocal tracks.

[@deborahscalise3215]

It was Les Paul and Mary Ford that gave him the inspiration/

[@gracemichelli.2am124]

Such a beautiful voice and song. ❤

[@conniewagner4234]

Love, love, love Carpenters’ music! ❤

[@JAYWALKER1000]

OMG! is just about the perfect comment on any Carpenters' song. Went into a bookstore one day - the background music was Don't Cry for Me Argentina - think it was between the Broadway musical and the film with Madonna. Immediately recognized it was Karen singing - came to a standstill - stayed in place for the entire song. SHE WAS SO GOOD!!!

[@deegomez2089]

#1 on my top 10 female singers 💚🎶🎵

[@sharonflaherty2768]

I’m 68 years old and as soon as it started I still…….know every word to this song and I’ve just been reminded of out over thirty years later! Can’t remember what I had for breakfast,but I know every word!! Love the memories you bring us!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TexasDonna-xu6fq]

Rest In Paradise Karen!!! 💔

[@paulinemarvin894]

My favorite ❤️

[@davidfrania8990]

Karen Carpenter had a voice as clear as a bell, along with perfect pitch. Such good music...such a sad ending. RIP Karen.

[@hollycook5046]

Her voice is like biting into a caramel

[@jeanniedebartolo5965]

Lost a great friend earlier this year and her brother just last week. Tommy loved the Carpenters and played their music all the time. So thanks for this magical memory ❤

[@achebwahs1111]

Karen's voice and knowing her story just reaches in and tears your heart strings to pieces. God bless her.

[@joepowell7025]

The best music REAL music ever. I was so lucky to be born at a time when all this was around.