Reacting to Carpenters : Karen Carpenter Drum Solo ( 1976 )

[@danastearns7939]

She was happiest playing drums. She was on an audition to play drums for the Wrecking Crew when by accident her singing voice was discovered by the Manager. The rest is history. She could play drums with the best of them but didn't get that recognition - her voice stole the show.

[@crashcorrigan9733]

They say she really enjoyed drumming most of all. Go figure. When talent rains, it pours. How good God is to give us Karen Carpenter, if only for a while. Thanks for the play.

[@4EyedAnimation]

She wasn't just a good drummer she was phenomenal

[@thomasrocker7408]

In the mid 70's Karen was voted one of the best drummers. In fact she was rated higher than John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. He was pissed. He said that Karen couldn't complete one Zeppelin song. So she did 3 in a row. As a retired studio session drummer myself, I loved Karen's playing.

[@carytakagawa2760]

It was a 1975 Playboy magazine survey that voted Karen the best rock drummer of the year; Bonham was definitely not happy with that result and publicly said so.

[@thomasrocker7408]

@@carytakagawa2760 absolutely correct.

[@lokithecat7225]

I'm reminded of the Terrible joke: "What has 9 Arms, 10 Legs, and Sucks? Def Leppard" Their Drummer (Rick Allen) lost an arm, and continued to be a successful Drummer.

[@imuawarriors]

I heard that Buddy Rich liked her drumming as well...

[@nirmalsuki]

@@imuawarriors Buddy rich was a famous curmudgeon who was very hard to please, so Karen had to have been great, and she definitely was.....

[@Freddles279]

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

[@stingosdungeon]

Karen was fondly known as a DRUMMER who could sing. 😊

[@BuckingFitchCA]

The record company didn't want her behind the drums. They wanted her upfront.

[@williamsmith-kd4bd]

Karen loved singing, but she wanted to do it from behind her drum kit. She knew her fans wanted to see her out front, so she summoned up the courage to overcome her shyness. She had tons of courage. Yes Marie, Karen was gorgeous and funny, sweet and very innocent. When she wasn't working she liked to be home at night watching tv while doing her needlepoint. There will never be a more talented lady to grace us ever again. RIP lovely, Karen.

[@albertschepis]

VERY well put.

[@davidmeir9348]

Not only Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel, but she was one of the greatest female drummer of all times. Sadly her brother did pressured her more on singing (with her exceptional voice), but she was truly happy when she was drumming. Sadly the pressure of touring recording, her brother, her failed sentimental life, all that contributed to her anorexia. At the time the disorder was virtually unknown to the public and her death raised awareness to it.

[@willarth9186]

"I'm a drummer who sings." Karen Carpenter It wasn't Richard that really pressured Karen to get from behind the drums. it was the music producers. Karen was only 5'4" and in concert, the audience couldn't SEE her behind the drum set. She was very uncomfortable 'out in front'. She would have been so much happier if she could have stayed behind her drums while singing.

[@carolcoates3750]

Such a talented lady, a voice like velvet and killing the drums and a terrific sense of humour. Gone way too soon, I really miss her.

[@glen6945]

true

[@badplay156]

At one point Rolling Stone magazine listed Karen Carpenter as one the top drummers in modern music.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

Hi Carol. I believe you were Karen's dear friend (correct?) and though I never got to meet Karen, I did get to see the group twice in Columbus, Ohio when they first hit the charts and I would love to have been her friend, too. She was so happy behind those drums and her singing voice could not be beat. Her death at such an early age was a huge loss to her family, friends, and the world of music!

[@timwoody3835]

From what I’ve read Karen was always happiest playing the drums, even though she’s better known for her voice.

[@kristinakorpi6979]

I believe that Karen was posthumously named one of the top 100 drummers if all time by Rolling Stone. The drums were her first love, even before she discovered that she had an incredible voice.

[@capttheo1]

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

[@davideoverton]

The first thing I noticed was Karen's smile and laughing while Cubby O'Brien's look of sheer concentration while keeping up with Karen. Karen's passing was a devastating loss to me.

[@nancyoleksy]

Karen loved being behind the drums. When they pushed her out front to sing she hated it. But she was tiny and like Richard said you could barely see her, but I think that is why she liked it. So talented and gone to soon.

[@spideydew20]

As a drummer myself, it's SO fantastic to see these insanely awesome drum skills come from the person who also has my favorite female singing voice of all time. (As yes, Richard is amazing too.) For anyone who has ever scoffed at the notion that a female who sings that "light rock easy listening stuff" can have mad drum skills, they need to watch this video. Great choice FrenchTastic!!

[@carolhesterberg7526]

When they occasionally let Karen go back to the drums after bringing her out front to sing, she and the other drummer, Cubby O'Brien, played identical parts perfectly. I think they tried to let her drum at least once during their concerts, but when I saw them in concert early in their career, she was still the band's only drummer.

[@user-David-Alan]

Your reactions are priceless. I read the reason for Karen to only sing was because they had trouble recording her voice over the drum beat. Plus her voice was pure gold.

[@IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony]

I know how much she wanted to play the drums, and I know that she did not enjoy the spotlight of being lead vocalist. But... there have been a few great drummers throughout the years. And there has NEVER been a female voice like Karen's. Her sacrifice has brought an unmeasurable musical gift to this world. Her voice was truly astounding.

[@kingskidgirl2]

As you can see, Richard was (is) no slouch on the keyboards! His talent is amazing! They both had tremendous skill/talent. Miss Karen so much.

[@kingskidgirl2]

I predict you will have a Carpenters playlist soon... If you don't already! 😁🎵🎶😁🎶🎵😉

[@tweetybird2968]

She loved her drums!!

[@rcinsley]

Audience reactions shape the development of entertainers, and we couldn't get enough of Karen's voice. She was a good drummer, but there were many other good drummers (none were female, however.) There wasn't, hadn't been, and hasn't been a single voice as beautiful as Karen's. Richard and Karen wanted to succeed as a musical act, and they learned (from audience reactions, record sales, and overall demand) that their best path to superstardom was putting Karen up front and creating music that showcased her voice. As you can see in this video (and other videos showing Karen at the drums), drumming was the love of her life. She lit up when there was a set of drumsticks in her hands.

[@barrystrachan6340]

So right...I think she really took the pressure to succeed onto herself and over time that really weighed her down...

[@frankiebowie6174]

The money was in the basement.

[@honephillips3840]

Karen always considered herself a drummer who sang rather than a singer who drummed.

[@dallasstiles118]

There have always been great female drummers although recognition for the ladies on all instruments hasn't always been what it should be as we all know.

[@neo4822]

The amount of material that exists on the Carpenters' KZbin is fantastic. Whenever there is a reaction to the Carpenters I need to watch. I will wait for more and more beautiful french girl.

[@sc503-vetnut]

Thank you for your video on Karen, your insights and delivery are so refreshingly honest. Don't polish your style to be more "professional" you are enjoyable to watch and listen to because you are REAL! Good job!

[@philipcochran1972]

If you watch 'Carpenters - Rainy days and Mondays (official video)' you can see her sing and play the drums

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Also the official video for Close to You, as well as an old video (from before they were famous) of Dancing in the Street.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Karen always thought of herself as a drummer who sang. In a Playboy magazine survey she was once voted the top rock drummer in the U.S.

[@JENDALL714]

@@CA-rl1hg She could play Rock,, there is video of her playing Dancing in the Street when she was just 18.

[@scottdunn2178]

I love Karen... but I'm sure Neil Peart must have had a chuckle to himself reading that Playboy poll.

[@toddhutchins2492]

Karen considered herself a drummer who could sing. You can see how much happier she is while playing drums.

[@quietwoodworking]

She didn't mind singing, she just wanted to do it while she was playing the drums. She never felt comfortable singing while standing front and center. Check out Karen Carpenter playing drums while singing Close To You kzbin.info/www/bejne/raCufKF7o52bb9k

[@therealityspectrum-epictvp4988]

Karen loved playing the drums more than she liked to sing. Some songs should would not sing unless she was playing the drums at the same time. Then when the Golden Voice was "discovered" by the Producers and others, they forced her away from the drums and out front to sing. However, if you look at the performance "We've Only Just Begun," you almost needed binoculars to see her way in back of the set singing, then inside an enclosure to boot. She did not like being out front as the star performer., unless she was behind the drums playing.

[@artistbrindle]

Richard played piano, but oftentimes played the Fender Rhodes and other electric pianos. Karen was insanely talented. Check out their early concerts from around 1970-72. She did almost all of her gorgeous singing from behind the drum kit (where she was happiest).

[@patrickpost4294]

Good morning MARIE! 6am here in Texas. 1st cup of coffee in hand with caramel, cream, and cinnamon. Then my french friend wants me to watch Karen Carpenter on the drums! I"M AWAKE NOW! LOL!

[@FrenchTastic]

Good morning 😁🤠

[@Неясыть_224]

@@FrenchTastic 10:49 in Bashkortostan!

[@TheNo1BandDad]

What a team. She was as talented on drums as he was on piano.

[@tomdixon2959]

Good morning from the USA. Great reaction! The Carpenters were a terrific act. Her story was sad but she left a terrific legacy in her music. Stay safe.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

Karen's brother is genius. He is good at the keyboard and he composed most of their music and gave his sister the best singing parts. He took his sister's death very badly and is still mourning her to this day!

[@anthonygeurtsen7143]

If it were not for Her brother Richard and her mother, continuously pushing her to do things she was so uncomfortable with.....we may still have her with us today. Yes, he has talent....but that does NOT make him a good person.

[@kens32052]

The only time I ever really see her smile is when she is playing the drums.

[@rcinsley]

Her eyes sparkle!

[@bbwng54]

You raise a very good point - I have never seen her smile while singing. Most of her songs also had a hint of sadness.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

"Sticks" Carpenter.

[@Tribblepuppy]

There, let Karen be the inspiration for you to learn to do drums. Yes she was happiest playing the drums. And yes, it was really cool, like your reaction 🥁✌️

[@kingskidgirl2]

Karen has inspired me to learn the drums... Been at it for a month now! 😃❤️🥁😃❤️🥁😃

[@gregroeper2976]

A friend of mine's mom went to high school with them in Downey, CA. She remembers seeing the Dick Carpenter Trio play at the local malt shop with Karen on the drums.

[@andrewbrace7812]

Very talented, thankyou for sharing this old treasure. Keep up the good work Marie

[@susanlawens3776]

Karen Carpenter, what a talented lady, we loved her, still do. I think she might not be as talked about as other singers, because those of us who remember her, it was tragic the way she died, self imposed, and, at least for me, it's hard to hear her or see her, knowing that she didn't have be taken from us so soon. Looking at how thin she was, her wasting away before our eyes, and yet, she didn't think she was thin. And her little little body, her little heart just gave out, having been damaged by her starving herself. She's on the list of Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 100 greatest singers of all time, deservedly. I was a little kid when she died. I remember me and my sister butchering the lyrics to "Top of the World", well, mostly my sister. I remember seeing this on tv. I think The Carpenters had their own tv show. I also love the drums.

[@mariorojas8424-r8v]

Thanks for the reaction, I'm Always looking forward to see what else you react to, it makes me happy when there is something new from you.

[@danstarnes2375]

Not so easily done, singing and playing drums at her skill level! She proves to be a master at multitasking! Thanks for sharing!

[@RealTechZen]

Burt Bacharach said of Karen Carpenter's voice that with a good arrangement she could sing a page from a phone book and have a gold record.

[@surlechapeau]

You must hear the Carpenters "Close To You". It was written by Burt Bacharach/Hal David.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

@@surlechapeau And for a novel approach, KZ Tandigan's "hidden talent" version.

[@stevetournay3731]

And of course, with her brother around, a good arrangement was pretty much inevitable. (Check out "Intermission" from the end of Side One of the "A Song For You" album...)

[@willfromyadkinville]

i do not disagree as a black who secretly listened to other " because it was good" i loved her!

[@artisancans3954]

She went through very troubled times and it is such a shame her life ended so early. Thanks for posting this so we can all remember her...x

[@stephanietip]

It's said she hated singing but her brother made her do it.She loved drumming and that's what her true passion was.It was either this morning or last night (I have been awake for 3 days)and commented she loved drumming and you should react to it.I am so pleased you already knew about it.All of her concerts she seemed unhappy,but when playing her drums and living her passion,she was just so happy.If Richard would have just backed off and let her be herself,she would have lived a much happier and longer life.She did what she did because food intake (or lack of)is the one aspect of her life that was hers alone.

[@marcallen7233]

👍 Karen was so gifted musically! She was a great drummer and had the most beautiful voice I think I have ever heard.

[@RandallMorris222]

That was fun! I'd never seen that before. Thanks!

[@stoleyourmojo2162]

getting joy from other peoples happiness is a great testament on the type of person you are . Awesome

[@sardine7768]

Great performance for a woman who was already ill...But with a lot of energy...thanks for share.

[@goodcompany6494]

Performance like these were on any number of television programs back in the day. When they first began she both played the drums and sang. It was business, for sure.

[@theresamarion823]

I graduated high school in 1976, I was 17. I still have my Carpenters music only it is on CD's now. I loved them and The Captain and Tennille.

[@Nitro1970]

She was at her happiest when playing the drums, that smile says it all 😊

[@srothmissouri61]

Im so glad you have discovered The Carpenters!!

[@charlesturner3688]

Look at that smile her happy place.

[@jackdorman4894]

So much talent on one stage - these people are effortless 🎶🥁😁 enterainers !!!

[@davemadman7093]

They were both very talented. Loved them .

[@patriciadowning4036]

And she has one of the most beautiful voices in the world.

[@russeli1941]

Why have I not seen this? I'm 58 and have always loved Karen! Your reviews are top! Merci beaucoup for doing this video! And yes, keyboards.

[@stevecisco2175]

I love watching the amazement, wonder, and love of your expressions. I lived in the 60s and 70s. It was a amazing wonderful time to grow up. So much freedom, friendship, and opportunities we had then. The Carpenters were a big part of the music we listened to. Karen was a pure joy to watch and listen to. Like the time I grew up in you didn't realize how precious Karen was until she was gone. As a man in my sixties I spend time everyday revisiting my memories of that wonderful time and people like the Carpenters.

[@Urgelt]

I knew the Carpenters from their albums. I never saw them on TV, and I hadn't seen this performance. It's very cool! Thanks for bringing it to us on your channel!

[@TomLloyd-18]

Originally she didn't want to sing (imagine that) . . . she was totally happy just being the drummer. So glad she gave in and started singing. She did both on a few of their hits.

[@kenglasson2920]

What I love sbout your response is how happy you are that she is so happy.

[@tsan3870]

Karen was hapiest when sitting behind the drums , but as the popularity of the Carpenters grew, they began to insist she be out in front singing. This contributed to her warped self-perception and eating disorder. It is stated somewhere that bby the time of this airing she was already affected by Anorexia Nervosa.

[@charlesturner3688]

Now one more time with drums. Thanks for Karen. Buddy Rich The impossible drum solo. TY

[@LoveOldMusic808]

I saw the Carpenters in concert when I was 13 years old. She had such a great voice, she sounded like her records singing live.

[@eggy1962]

superstar bbc recorded version is a live vocal but trust me its hard to tell as its almost identical

[@t.r.1708]

Thx! She was the princess of the drums! Today she would be queen! She is in a sense... It’s okay to call that a solo, or more precisely an accompanied solo. Or you can say she was spot-lighted. Then in a sense she is the spotlight! Thx again Marie! -Terry, Canoga Park

[@russellcannon9194]

I have been a fan of The Carpenters since 1970, but I have never seen this. Wow! Cheers, Russ

[@davideoverton]

Great reaction to a fantastic drummer and vocalist!!! Karen's passing was and is a devastating loss.

[@boosuedon]

She said that singing paid the bills but her passion was always the drums.

[@michaelbartelme9761]

I have seen the Carpenters live but I never saw her play the drums. They were a favorite of mine back in the 1970's.

[@calme-dx2dp]

She started off as a drummer who had her own all female band at one point where she was not the lead singer. She was well content with being the drummer. Later when they started going before record producers her brother convinced her she should sing lead and allow someone else to play drums. The rest is herstory.

[@raymondgorneyjr6862]

She was actually very insecure physically and would rather sit behind the drums than be out in front. I've always been a hard rock fan, but her voice had always been, I thought, one of the most beautiful I'd ever heard coming from such a tiny little lady. I'm sure you know she suffered from bulimia and that would eventually end her life...it's awesome a young lady like yourself gets to discover her for the first time and appreciate her talents and that absolutely amazing voice.

[@phillipmorgan8220]

I got 3 of their albums great songs

[@jimyoung1011]

Hi Marie. I remember seeing that performance on tv. Karen was happiest while sitting and playing. You can see it in her big smile. Her passing was one celebrity death, that brought tears to my eyes. The other celebrities are Robin Williams, and Heath Ledger. Thank you.

[@chrisspradlin5671]

Oh my God I was so sad when Karen died. My aunts and uncles called to ask if I was okay because I would sing to her almost every day around the house. The others that hit me hard was Stevie Ray Vaughan and of course Robin Williams 😢

[@rcinsley]

@@chrisspradlin5671 It really was like losing a member of the family.

[@steevee1945]

There is a video of the Carpenters concert in Australia, in which she sings and plays the drums at the same time. It demonstrates her full talents.

[@babyfry4775]

I’ve never seen this video. She was so talented and I miss her so much. Keep reacting

[@GinMae]

YES! never saw Karen happier than when she was playing drums... !

[@flugelcorn]

Your expressions are what Karen Carpenter wanted... happiness!!!

[@harrynewbrook5103]

Had the priilege to see The Carpenters live in concert in Birmingham UK back in the mid seventies,only one word to describe it and that is AWESOME.Karens Drum solo was something special.It was so sad she was taken from us at such an early age.

[@davisworth5114]

I love you reactions!

[@michaelg3074]

So much attention is payed to their hit songs, that many don't realize that both Richard and Karen were masterful musicians. Before the hit songs, they were a 3 piece straight ahead, Charlie Parker performing jazz group. They both had CHOPS.

[@angelamarkle7968]

I wish she had known how beautiful she was. We may have been blessed with her for much longer. Not that beauty is more important than talent... her talent and her joy in music is part of what made her beautiful

[@GODEED]

Frenchtastic! You made this video so enjoyable watching you see it for the first time! Your wide-eyed reaction really added to your enthusiastic wow's! She looks so happy and you looked so happy viewing it! I imagine that I saw this as the original on tv! Now It looks and feels like she never had to utter a peep and she would be happy just drumming her heart out. Thanks for the post!

[@jeffthepoet7]

"Close to You" by Carpenters is number one. Her mother sent me some fan visors and prints. Her drumming and singing at the same time is a double treat then add her beauty, charisma, and joie de vivre. Thank you for the video.

[@ricky1954elliott]

I love this, I am a fan of the Carpenters, thank you sweet lady for this reaction to the Carpenters..... They are my very favorite band ever!

[@WillieDuitt1]

Hey Thanks for the video!!! This is the first time I've seen your one of your videos and the first time I ever saw this video and I was a child when The Carpenters were on television quite a lot back then, they were both talented musicians.

[@Jeff_n_Texas]

That was awesome! Im in my 50s and have never seen this. Thank you for reacting to it.

[@kristinakorpi6979]

I know I just posted, but I must share the fact that Karen LOVED playing the drums. She wanted to be on the drums for every Carpenter song, but people wanted to see who had that lovely voice, and because she was the only girl in the band ( the guys wanted to see her) she was put out in front with just a microphone. She was so self-conscious!! She hated being front and center. When a critic wrote that she was chubby, she began to starve herself to be thin and "beautiful". It was the beginning of the spiral downward. If you can, watch "The Karen Carpenter Story" on KZbin. It is heart wrencing!!

[@paulgoode994]

Hi French lady enjoy a few of your videos discovering the Carpenters and other singers Sad she was only happy playing music but it was her gift to us and so sad she died young Nice to discover you too take care 😊

[@proverbs35-67]

She always played drums in the beginning, but then their manager and Richard thought it would be better if she stepped out front. She really fought it, but in the end she left her drums. She considered herself as a drummer who also just happened to sing.

[@jbs256]

I’m so happy to see more and more young people people discover The Carpenters. Since this video is 2 years old I’m sure you’ve seen more of Karen’s drumming. Yes it was $$ related but THAT voice. People in the audience wanted to see her and she want very tall so the drum kit would hide her. So front of stage was a must. There are a few videos with her on drums but not like this showcase. Rainy Days.. is in a Jazz style in the video, soft drumming. There a video from 1968 I think where 18 year old Karen was with Richard and a bassist who’s name escapes me. It was a televised college contest of bands. They represented their college. It was great KZbin have it. Richard besides keyboards did most if not all the arranging and orchestrating and back up vocals. He did lead on a few songs but his speech impediment held him back. As someone who suffers from one it had to be torture as his harmonies with Karen are amazing. He wrote or co-wrote some of their songs, including Goodbye To Love. Including Tony Peluso on lead guitar with the first screaming guitar solo in a love ballad. Thank you Richard Carpenter for thinking that was a good idea. Every hard rock band that does a soft song with a screaming guitar solo has Richard to thank. I hope you reactions of their music. I’ll check…

[@harvey1954]

Matched grip is when you hold the drum sticks so your thumbs are on top and the other fingers are gripping the sticks from below. Traditional grip is one hand staying in Matched grip while the other hand has the drumstick crossing the palm of your hand with the stick between your thumb and index finger and also between the ring and middle fingers, so the tip of the drum stick is closer to them.

[@willfromyadkinville]

she seemed so happy just playing the Drums!

[@500Akoni]

AMAZING KAREN...Producers want her to be seen while singing! well, sacrificed one talent for another.... so sad! Richard is a genius with musical arrangement. Missing her! Multi talented person with pitch perfect voice! wow. Thank you for reacting to this.

[@ernierivas2334]

Karen would've been happy being a drummer and backup singer in Richard's band. Her beautiful voice would change that plan.

[@barrystrachan6340]

What I liked the most, not to diminish her talent with the drums, was how mesmerized you were when you were watching this. I really enjoyed the reaction...:-)

[@DF-ee8vt]

She played drums in some of their live appearances, even while singing.

[@deborahscalise3215]

There are large number of songs to continue to listen to. Check them out. Thanks for discovering what we who grew up with her already know. She was such a talent that we have missed all of these years..

[@rcinsley]

She died 37 years ago and I still tear up whenever I hear her voice. She was an angel.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

This clip doesn't show it, but she was a legit jazz drummer. Super-talented woman.

[@195511SM]

I think it was around 1981, when I got to see them at Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe. I wish I could remember their set list though. Their album 'Close To You' was one of the first 2 or 3 albums I recall owning, back in the early 1970s. The others were a Bee Gees album....& something by The Fifth Dimension..

[@dmonat]

Karen always loved the drums. She hated getting out in front of the band. We are so glad she did!