Special Meeting with Richard Carpenter!

[@timothyflyte9443]

Richard never got the recognition he deserves. Those vocal arrangements on those Carpenters songs are amazing. They stand up as some of the best backing vocals of the era.

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

We agree with you 100%!!!

[@elmertoralba6410]

Yes i agree too! Mr. Carpenter should be recognize in American Songbook from the Kennedy Awards Night, They contributed so much beautiful songs. Even Ms.Karen with an angelic voice a few voice cannot copy, were up to now still in love to her voice amazing!

[@TheLarryBrown]

You're right. He didn't get accolade one on Venus nor Mars. Of course here on earth he's one of the most celebrated musicians in history.

[@SPHau]

I didn't know until recently that both Richard and Karen did the backing vocals and overdubbed them to sound like a small choir which I had always assumed it was on all those great recordings

[@spang9782]

Totally totally agree! I mean, it was Karen's beautiful vocals that people recognize instantly and became what The Carpenters were known for, but it was Richard's arrangements that really made them "Carpenter" songs. Even though most of their hits were covers, written by someone else, it was Richard who brilliantly arranged them to fit their style.

[@walterheinen5298]

Hard to see the greats get old. Funny, as he played, I could hear Karen start to sing. Still,gives me goosebumps.

[@renarga6886]

Me, too.

[@katiegrundle9900]

I sang yesterday once more at karaoke. There was not a sound in the bar at that point. I believe Karen is still with us and always will be.

[@ncfamily4]

Thank you Richard for all the beautiful music you and Karen bestowed upon the world.

[@brooksiefan]

The Carpenters are a treasure of mankind. Their names belong to history.

[@arquitecturaconstruccioncv2347]

Miss you Karen forever!!unforgatable Lady

[@writereducator]

Richard Carpenter is a national treasure.

[@ralex3697]

Genius

[@renarga6886]

A world jewel.

[@sergiop746]

Karen Was...

[@thomastimlin1724]

A national hidden treasure unfortunately...what he did for music is beyond measure, and all he got for it was losing his sister. i am sure he would give up all his Grammys and such to have her back.

[@mrxman581]

What a special treat. I still think he hasn't been given the recognition he deserves as a composer and arranger. He's up there with Burt Bacharach, Nelson Riddle, and Henry Mancini, just to name a few.

[@edwardhenry3158]

I totally agree with you 100% what a tragic loss when we lost Karen also she had the voice of an angel and was one hell of a drummer

[@unclewilbur8976]

Karen was an extraordinarily talented lady. She was persuaded by Richard and A&M management to take center stage. She was beautiful, and she had charisma. So, it's no wonder why she got more attention than Richard. She stood in the center of the stage to promote the band. Nevertheless, Karen was noticeably happier playing her drums. But, as Richard said, "Karen and I were born to compliment each other." There wouldn't be the "Carpenters" without Richard. He made their unique sound happen. Full disclosure: Karen's beautiful, big brown eyes are irresistible to me, and many others.

[@TheLarryBrown]

Richard sold more copies of the "Close to you" album than did those other three entire careers you mentioned combined.

[@AllenJones-w3p]

I'm glad Richard is keeping the Carpenters' legacy alive!

[@erikmanzano8144]

He’s an Icon. He and his sister are Musical Legends!

[@SueRosalie]

He has such an elegant, beautiful piano style. He always seems so down to earth and somewhat modest, too. He's a musical genius.

[@dibber43]

A very special sister and brother, Karen & Richard Carpenter. We miss Karen so much.😢

[@KC2QMA]

Richard Carpenter Is a Genius. Thank you for some of the greatest music ever created!!

[@RubyBandUSA]

not to take away from Richard, but let's face it - Karen was the game changer.

[@jacquelinebodkins8161]

He is definitely a musical genius. And she was a superb singer. Both have there strengths that made them what they were.

[@Stevo_Drums]

Such a gifted musician and sweet human being! My heart still aches for him losing Karen. We all miss her so.

[@austinskaggs4184]

So glad that Richard is still with us. Rest in peace to his legendary, gorgeous sister Karen

[@jeffprokes8990]

Richard is an amazing musician, composer, arranger and vocalist who along with his sister Karen has given the world some of the finest music ever produced. ✌️💜

[@jeffprokes8990]

I'm on the top of the world..lookin' down on creation..😊💜💜

[@jeffprokes8990]

🤟🤟 🎸 💜💜

[@jeffprokes8990]

💪💜

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Watching this clip and smiling involuntarily throughout. God Bless Richard Carpenter ! With Gratitude & Best Wishes - John

[@kevinlucas8437]

What an amazing experience !!! Their music is timeless. Karen was a special kind of talent, and Richard is a musical legend !!!

[@Seibling]

what a humbled man richard carpenter is. god bless him, his sister and all his family. and thank you for the music, sir.

[@1mespud]

When he played the intro of those songs, I started to weep inside my time machine. Those songs were part soundtrack of my once young life and still today. Thank you, RICHARD CARPENTER for your contribution to help save and tame mankind with your gift and talent.

[@gamecity94]

Unbelievable. i got Goosebumps watching Richard...those songs are timeless and hes still got it it....

[@devydu]

What a joy to hear Richard Carpenter play excerpts from The Carpenters’ most famous songs on his piano. Loved him explaining how he arranged Burt Bacharach’s “Close To You” which catapulted Richard & Karen to win Record of the Year Grammy for their “Close to You” album in 1970! At the end of this video, he modestly says “I need to practice”. Lol! If there ever was an expert on playing Carpenters songs, it’s Richard!

[@SayItAintSo4real]

Marvelous. I'm so glad you were able to be there and go inside. He's an absolute sweetheart and most definitely loves his cars and warehouse. Haha. I don't blame him! They worked hard for their music. So love how amazing he is on the piano, just an incredible musician and songwriter. Absolutely, he's one of the best and most musically gifted icons ever. Keep soaring, Richard. I love you, dear man! And precious Mary, too!

[@pscottdouglas]

This is Gold. What an honor this must have been, to meet one of the most talented individuals in the Music Business. So happy for yourself and Ned. ❤😊

[@1949rangerrick]

We went to a Glen Campbell concert at the Richard and Karen Carpenter’s Performing Arts Center in Long Beach about 15 years ago. Glen was fantastic, we managed front row seats. We had paid extra for a meet and greet after the performance. Glen was very nice and gave me his guitar pick from the show. Richard Carpenter was the host of the show and was also greeting the fans. I grew up a couple of miles down the street from the Carpenters, and every Christmas we would drive by their home to view the fantastic decorations. He was standing alone for a minute and we approached him. He greeted us, the wife and me, and was so darn nice. I told him where I grew up and how we loved his and Karen’s music. I told him that my parents were buried close to where Karen was laid to rest at Forest Lawn, and that every time I would go see my parents, I would place a rose on Karen’s crypt. He asked us our names and thanked us for that. I did see where he had moved his family to a new location, so I won’t be able to continue the tradition. I just can’t overemphasize how nice he was, he gave us all the time we wanted to chat and wanted to listen. We had a double treat and both autographs, and a guitar pick, proudly hanging in our office.

[@Sarasdad91]

I sure miss Richards playing. A living legend. And you're not rusty Richard, you're perfect.

[@afvet5075]

Richard is a musical genius. He made a host of studio firsts that he doesn't get credit for. The Carpenters will live on forever. These people are extremely lucky to be able to spend some time with this icon. They obviously be in the Rock N Roll HOF.

[@The.Conservative.Christian]

What a international treasure. What an incredible man with the purest of talent. Words can't describe how much I'm greatful for him and his sister. Can't wait to see him in September ❤ Great video ❤🙌

[@uscgmom9796]

I grew up in Downey until the State of CA was going to build highway 105 right past our little house, so my parents moved us to HB in 1968; but my first guitar teacher at Downey South said he was the Carpenters' teacher. And my uncle lived down the street off Paramount Blvd where a little green tavern he said was one of the first places Richard and Karen played. And recently I realized the Carpenters didn't live very far from my uncle. The Carpenters were always one of my favorites, and my freshman school yearbook theme 1970 was 'CLOSE TO YOU' - oh how we love their music, Karen and Richard, and Richard was indeed never accoladed as he should have been. What a huge talent they both were. We were hugely blessed to have their beautiful, phenomenal music in our world.

[@kwnzgtube]

In the 80's I and those I worked with at Leo's Stereo in Downey CA met and got to know Richard Carpenter because he would bring in his cars for audio systems...he was so congenial and friendly as if he was a member of your family. Definitely treasured memories.

[@TheLarryBrown]

He seems kind of tunnel vision in this video. Only focused on what he is saying and doing and not really paying attention to or interacting with those around him. Did you notice that? Can you see a difference between his behavior in this video and the behavior you noticed in him when he was younger?

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us Karen and Richard. 🙏🎼🎹🥁🌹

[@mdezii]

I always loved and admire Richard. What a talent.

[@stevegross9477]

Thank you for posting this special meeting with Richard. Fantastic

[@michaelchalkley5484]

I was fortunate enough to be a child choral singer in the early 1970s, as I was chosen, as were so many other talented young kids, to sing in the Choir that backed the Carpenters for the song 'Sing'. I was also extremely lucky to actually get to perform that song live at The Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA, where I met my then idol Karen Carpenter, and her brother Richard at both rehearsals prior to the concert, as well as Herb Alpert who was the opening act. I was in second grade.

[@Jukebox45s]

The most talented musician of my lifetime. Every album was meticulously crafted to perfection. My brother and I love cars, so we would have enjoyed even just that part of the tour without even getting into the music. You lived a dream of mine. Congrats!

[@TheLarryBrown]

Sadly not every album was produced to the same standard of excellence. The first albums were incredible. The last ones not nearly as good.

[@Jukebox45s]

@@TheLarryBrown - I see it differently. The last albums are the ones Richard released after Karen's passing. He was tasked with salvaging songs and performances that were not good enough to be released prior to her death. All I can say is what he accomplished was phenomenal. When those albums were released in the 80s, they were far better than the albums of brand new material being released by other top artists of the time. That was when I raised Richard to not just one of the best producers and arrangers of the 70s and 80s, but the very best. No one else could have possibly done a better job.

[@dm95422]

What a wonderful musician. A music legend !!

[@ELIASyIBARRA]

Richard Carpenter is an amazing and outstanding music arranger. His body of work has shown that.

[@cheribee968]

What a rare treat to meet him and hear him play He’s aged well

[@phillloyd5233]

I was honoured to attend Carpenters concerts in England in 1974 and 1976. They will always be my favourites.

[@stevekrause5931]

Wow, that was great. Thank you. I especially love For All We Know.

[@andrewlorenz3139]

I wrote to Richard last year it being 40 years since Karen's death. I am a long standing fan from the UK. I was a member of the fan club and was fortunate to see them live in London. I felt it was simply time to personally express my admiration. Whilst not expected on my part I received a reply from the great man. I had discussed the Horizon album and that feeling that Karen is almost sitting in your lap as she sings, her pure voice being even more to the fore. Richard confirmed that the studio mikes used on that occasion were selected for that very purpose. A great composer, arranger and human being. Thanks to Richard and Karen for the music.

[@TheLarryBrown]

How did you get his address? and what is it?

[@Salutimondo]

With all due respect, every time I've read of similar experiences people have had with other celebrities it opens the floodgates for others to demand how did you do it, what is the address etc etc. I'm guessing you will respect his privacy and not divulge any further information so that he can be left alone.

[@andrewlorenz3139]

@@Salutimondo Good morning from a wet UK 😔 You are correct that I will not be giving addresses etc. I have too much respect for Richard, his family and of course Karens memory. It's over a year since I wrote and received Richard's reply. By coincidence I looked at it again this morning before reading your comments. Still gives me so much pleasure and just confirms what a gentleman Richard is. I like to think I am the same. My best wishes to you.

[@matthewfarmer2520]

Glad to see how Richard is doing, thanks for sharing this. My mother loves the Carpenters has every LP records they did.

[@micktiano9386]

Oh wow guys, that's fantastic that you hung out with him

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Yes! Best day ever!! 🤩

[@drsauce4347]

RIchard is a real first class human being. Along, with the fact a great song writer and musician. So humble and kind. The Carpenters were ahead of their time and not as appreciated back then as they should have been. A great duo. RIP Karen.

[@michaelhudecek2778]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ptg01]

Love the Carpenters !!!

[@stelvis7413]

The mother of one of my very dear friends, Mrs. Dickerson, owned a dance studio in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1950s. Two of her students were Richard and Karen. They left Connecticut & moved to California. In 1970, Mrs. Dickerson received a card in the mail from Richard and Karen thanking her for her tutelage and guidance in showing them how to perform in front of people. They wrote that they wouldn't be where they were without her instruction. Mrs. Dickerson is gone now, but her daughter, Barbara, still has the card.

[@michaelhudecek2778]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Thank the Lord individuals shared their gifts. Huge Richard and Karen fan. I resumed drum lessons after a 52 year break due to the infatuation with Karen and her drum appeal. I am 63 and my instructor is a gifted female who teaches drums, keyboards, guitar, and ukulele here in Summerlin. Born and raised in Manchester Connecticut. I am FORTUNATE and blessed.

[@6821hominy]

That shows what special people Karen & Richard were. They were the consummate performers. What a wonderful story - thank you for sharing that!

[@MichaelVeillette]

Thank you so much for sharing this moment with us!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

You are most welcome! ☺

[@jesuscorrales9471]

Woooww!! Excellent Richard!! Beautiful memories!! I love The Carpenters!! Greetings from Buenos Argentina 🇦🇷👋👋👋

[@Mrvictorfernandes]

At 3:13, when Richard played the intro to "Won't Last A Day," I was reduced to teary eyed goosebumps within moments... Whoa... 🥹

[@bumble8588]

Love you Richard; thank you SO much for the peaceful heartful vibes of the 60s and 70s - a beautiful vibe out there because of you and your sister Karen.

[@moonspots01]

Very interesting to see him after all these years.

[@koreancanuck]

That is amazing and awesome you both got to meet THE Richard Carpenter.

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Yes, it was a very special day and we’re so grateful to have met Richard. ☺️

[@TimothyBruneau]

Wonderful meeting, so great to hear him bring back those favorite song they produced. He and Karen provided the soundtrack of our young lives. Thank you Richard!

[@EmilyTienne]

I hope Richard is around and playing Carpenters tunes for decades to come. ❤

[@CliffMcAulay]

Thank you for showing the great composer in relaxed mode. Such a treat, and very kind of you to share these moments with us.

[@Sandra-cm1du]

Class of 1973. The Carpenters equals HAPPY FEEL GOOD MUSIC.

[@ukiahsguitarsolos3436]

Very cool. Love the Carpenters.

[@pegbutwin7189]

There is no better music in my opinion. Lifelong fan!

[@dgcmusi]

An absolutely one of a kind Composer and Arranger….a Powerhouse 💥

[@Blueeyedsoul1986]

That was I’m sure a dream come true for you and Ned to meet Richard . I would have been shell shocked

[@jayf6525]

Timeless beautiful music. I saw The Carpenters in concert at Mershon Auditorium on the campus of THE Ohio State University. I can't begin to remember the year. 1970 something. What a great concert and a memory I'll take to the grave. Bless.

[@Airbrush208]

Real Music

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Yes!! 🤩

[@protochris]

what a thrill to meet this man! A true genius.

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Yes! It was an amazing day for us. 😊

[@michellemurlin5430]

Very cool! Congratulations!!!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@josephineives5749]

Absolutely loved the Carpenter's, when I was in Jr. Highschool 🥰

[@Kritiker313]

What a great composer and performer! Together with Karen, he built a big chunk of the music I grew up with and loved. Thank you!

[@tomdinder2109]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Carpenters fans👍🎶👏

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

You’re most welcome! More to come… 😉

[@jamesbond4633]

NOw that was entertaining!! Guess it was a very informal event as people talking in the background. I would have been glued to every word Richard was saying. Amazing how music works ...even those little snippets he was playing evoked so much emotion. The sign of truly great music. The icing on the cake ....Karen's voice. Thanks from Canada for posting!!!!!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

It was a private meeting so therefore informal, hence the voices in the background at certain points. Just glad to have had the opportunity to capture some of these moments on video. Like you, we were glued to every word Richard spoke. A surreal and amazing experience. ☺️

[@jamesbond4633]

@@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy Very COol!!! Such a talented man!!!!

[@TheLarryBrown]

Richard has a "star" piano style that comes out so clearly in this video. Even when he's way old, out of practice, and just noodling, you are immediately affected by the sensitivity and musicality of his touch. That's part of what allowed him to reach the success he did.

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

@@TheLarryBrown so true! 🎵❤️🎹

[@TheLarryBrown]

@@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy Greetings from Houston, Texas and i'm honored to make your acquaintance.

[@timbuiepiano]

This man is pure genius! The real deal......Thank you, Richard for your great talent that you and your family shared with the world

[@angelman51266]

Glad to see Richard!

[@carolhesterberg7526]

As a native-born Cincinnatian, I was glad to hear your praise on the Baldwin piano, which was also "native" to my city! And I am also glad to see that you own a Steinway, another American-made piano. I have a 1925 American-made baby grand piano (Duo Art by George Steck) that I inherited from my grandma, whose dad was part of Cincinnati's "Porkopolis" legacy by starting the Busch Sausage Company in the mid-1800s. I admire your musical genius so much and always thought that you were the backbone of the Carpenters and every bit as important as Karen, even though many people didn't realize the importance of your contributions. Her voice was absolutely exquisite and still gives me chills, but you are the one who really brought that sound out of her with your beautiful arrangements and the keys in which you chose for her to sing, not to mention your talent on the piano! I saw your group twice in Columbus, OH and will always cherish the memories of seeing you when you first became famous. I was devastated by Karen's death at age 32 and still remember the moment when I heard the news. It was truly a sad time for all who loved her and I know that you and your parents were especially stricken by this giant loss. God bless you and thank you for the gorgeous musical legacy you and your sister have left to the world. That music will never be forgotten!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

We agree with you 100%. Richard is the unsung hero and one of the most underrated pianists, arrangers and composers of the 20th century. Without Richard there would be no Carpenters.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Loved this. Richard is so gifted, a love for music - pianos and cars, love it.

[@ignatiusjk]

Absolute class act, and incredible talent.

[@golfergal]

What a fantastic video! My husband and I attended your show last Monday night. You and Ned were so great. I can imagine how exciting it must have been to meet Richard in person. God bless him. He is a true treasure!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed our show!! Yes, it was wonderful meeting Richard. We are absolutely ecstatic! 🤩

[@noelsicot6103]

Merci pour ce partage d’émotion de france

[@kathypellette2509]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@markbosnick8006]

This is great. To see Richard in a video today. In 1973, my wife and I married. Our wedding song was, “ We’ve Only Just Begun,”. We both loved the Carpenters that much to have their song as our wedding song. I surely do miss those days as I do their music. Although I do watch the old videos. Both Karen and Richard will always remain alive in my heart. Thanks for this video.♥️

[@petersguitar9382]

Imagine how wonderful that would be to have Richard Carpenter playing the piano in your house. 🎹

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

It was absolutely marvelous. 😍

[@TheLarryBrown]

Or even better, at his!

[@douglasmills3844]

*Richard is the *MOST BRILLIANT piano player I have ever listened to!

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

We agree with you 100%!!!

[@michelemartin5262]

Oh my goodness. I loved this video very much. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy]

You are most welcome! 😊

[@JohnMiddletonBunny]

In the 70s I worked briefly in a record store where I could put whatever I wanted on a turntable. I soon learned that if I put on the Carpenters, customers would buy the lp. And I learned to really like the Carpenters for their unique musical genius.

[@hectorflores45]

Great master, Mr. Richard Carpenter

[@shawnbooth4990]

Oh how I wish I could have made the trip out there for this! What a treat to have met him!!

[@margaretbehler4935]

I was a freshman in high school when Karen died. I had just gotten home from school. I cried.

[@mikegarippo7815]

Nobody cares what age you were in 1983.

[@casablanca181]

Karen was amazing. Richard still is amazing. When I got the news of Karen´s passing felt like someone kicked me in the stomach.

[@margaretbehler4935]

@@mikegarippo7815 You sound unpleasant. And you cared enough to leave a nasty comment.

[@jaf8771]

@@margaretbehler4935 He's still constipated......obviously, the enema didn't work.

[@6821hominy]

Try to have some “class. “

[@spellman46]

God bless you Richard - your hard work and true genius made those early albums such masterpieces! You are right up there with the maestro (Bernstein) IMO.

[@viniciogomescompositor]

Grande Richard Carpenter!

[@mikemurray2298]

Richard Carpenter is an absolute legend! As we all know he did most of the songwriting, producing arrangements, and collaboration's along with Burt Bacharach. The Carpenters will historically be renowned as one the greatest music talents in history.

[@Chazd1949]

Although I still listen to the recordings, I got goosebumps at the start of every piece that Richard played. "Close To You" came out in my second year of college. Although the late 60s and 70s were depressing in many ways, I had a cool car, a pretty girlfriend, a good job, and this music. I believe that the 70s pop music produced was better than at any time before or since; and the Carpenters were the best part of it all. These were the most popular, musical, and romantic pieces on the charts. They will live on and on. RIP, beloved Karen. You are so missed.

[@TheLarryBrown]

What car did you have?

[@Chazd1949]

@@TheLarryBrown Hi Larry - I had a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340, 4-spd, Formula S fastback. Bought it new in March of '69. I remember it cost about $3,400. Those were the days.

[@IsmJism]

Much Respect !

[@1aikane]

Awesome to see him!

[@lindcoop950]

Wow! It doesn't get any better than this.

[@fakerating]

Lovely! I had a Baldwin piano as a kid from 1968 for about 30 years, they were top quality.

[@CH-dz9nn]

He seems like such a nice man!

[@timothyslaughter476]

Back in the 70s, really in their heyday, karen and richard came to my hometown as they had first cousins who lived there. It was quite a crowd as word got out they were coming. They showed up in an old station wagon and just looked like two neighborhood teens. I guess i was expecting a red carpet and spotlights...lol. They were extremely nice and signed autographs and i remember it like yesterday.

[@thx2468]

How exciting to meet Richard! When I was a kid, my mom used to listen to a radio station where they played their music, and now I realise Karen's voice is unique! I have some of the albums on vinyl.

[@waynefoote3781]

How Very touching WOW!

[@therealrobschroeder]

Oh wow. Thank you for that gift.

[@shareenmasher4833]

Lovely

[@barneshomestead1240]

I lost my sister 1/8/2022 among her many photographs was a pic of Karen taken backstage at an amateur talent show hosted by an AM radio station near Birmingham Alabama...it was right before they hit the big time. Karen was described as very warm down to earth individual and that picture certainly showed it. Very few brother-sister acts out there...Donny & Marie Osmand Michael & Janet Jackson & Karen & Richard Carpenter. I've yet to see any others out there like them. Thanks for sharing.

[@WascallyWabbitt]

Thanks for sharing. "Goodbye to love" was the third record I ever bought.

[@michaeldavidson2765]

What a musician !

[@garycurry4600]

What a living legend! ❤

[@paultornbohm2769]

Fantastic!