The Carpenters FIRST REACTION- Rainy Days and Mondays OMG!

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

Richard and Karen Carpenter were older brother younger sister. From 1965 to 1969 they played in a jazz band (Dick Carpenter Jazz Trio) in jazz clubs around Los Angeles with a short break in an easy listening band (Spectrum) which played at the Whisky A-GO-GO. Karen was 15 (in 65) and did not sing she was the drummer and one that would make you take notice. Richard (Dick) wrote part of the music they did and played keyboards Wes Jacobs (for the pre Spectrum) and Bill Sissoyev for the after Spectrum trio provide the bass. They won the Hollywood Bowl battle of the Bands in 1966 and Your all America Collage Show tn 1968. Karen and Richard signed with A&M (Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss) in 69 and A&M let them do about what they wanted. On their albums (except 1) the singing is all Karen and Richard. They recorded the harmonies on from 3 to 30 tracks then put them on the master (a trick Richard had gleaned from Les Paul and Mary Ford) Most of the time getting Karen was done in one take then to get the harmonies like I said from 3 o 30 times singing it. Richard also wrote a number of the songs they did and did all the arranging. They took a lot of abuse from music critics in the 70s and 80. One of the nicknames for them was goody4shoes. Their appearances were knock for not having a face. Karen at the time was the drummer too and was not easy to see, so they brought her from behind her drums. When they released "Goodbye To Love" I think the first real power ballad) they were hated on for including a fuzz guitar solo by Tony Peluso, When I listen to their music (which I do often) I can still hear hints of their jazz days in the instrumental solos Unfortunately Karen Died from complications from anorexia in 1983 (32 years old) Richard is still alive.

[@AngelDReacts]

Thank you so much! This is all very helpful going into my next reaction. I appreciate you xo

[@thomastimlin1724]

@@AngelDReacts Note: the Carpenters were not hated by everyone or they would not have sold over 100 million records in the 12 years [1970-82] they were in the spotlight. The critics that called them goody 4 shoes were a-holes who only liked "hard rock" because they couldn't grow up and open their snarky small minds to all kinds music, because they had a testosterone deficiency. Most of the music critics didn't have their own band or music experience other than listening, they were just paid assassins with poison pens. But you could catch them dancing with their girl in the gym or club to the Carpenters music lol. Yes I was a public school music teacher whose job it was to teach students about all kinds of music. The life story of Karen is so sad. She only lived to be 32, a few days short of her 33rd birthday. She was also a bad ass jazz drummer, praised by professionals like Buddy Rich.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

@@thomastimlin1724 I agree "Carpenters were not hated by everyone" in fact probably very few hatted them (outside of most critics). BUT they were considered to be very uncool, and MANY did not listen to them in public. While my taste in music was more orientated toward California or cool or west coast Jazz (what name ever you prefer) where I first ran across the Carpenter brother and sister in 1965. I was older (26 in 1969) and married with a 1 mo. old little girl. Cool or uncool were not something I worried about. I latter found that some of my "cool" younger friends had secret stashes of Carpenters singles or albums they listened to when alone. What is funny is a lot of the "Hard Rock" performers spoke of Carpenters with respect.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@A-whiter-shade-of-pale Let those critics get drowned in their own toxic acid..They did the same thing to other big names such as The Bee Gees and ABBA.But now they all got drowned in their own judgemental prejudiced /jealoysy-fuelled soureness and got burried in obscurity.We've had enough of them back then!Fortunately all those music acts who got 'convicted by them , are now survivors in the musicverse and have the last laugh enjoying acknowledgement by people who discover ,approve and enjoy the music legacy they've left behind.

[@OHsopositive]

Purest female voice ever! (and without auto-tune)

[@rich7995]

Her tone quality is unmatched!

[@MrRizzo1961]

Your listening to the voice of an Angel 😇 R.I.P. Karen Carpenter ✌️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@richardlicht7927]

Her voice makes me tear up all the time. It's not just her voice but knowing of her struggles and the way she died.

[@PAT8888-is2pd]

Even in the studio she was perfect every time. She was known in the studio for only needing one take.

[@SPOCK_TALK]

One of my favorite 🎄Christmas songs is The Carpenters "Merry Christmas, Darling"

[@BetsyDeal-q1p]

About 25 years ago, my sister took me to Best Buy and I got my first and second CD. Lynard Skynard and the Carpenters Christmas special. I love it so much, I start playing it in July and all the way through to New Years! Only time I break it up is when the grand daughter and now two great grand girls come over and I'll play Disney Christmas!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Her delivery to that Xmas track breaths out such warmth,you sooth.

[@gingers.5933]

I assume that you are talking about their Christmas album entitled "Christmas Portrait", it is the only Christmas album that I own, in fact my first CD was damaged, and I replaced it the same day.

[@Perfect_Blend]

Carpenters were soft rock/easy listening in the 70's. Karen was such a unique voice. Best low register female voice ever!! Her brother Richard was the genius behind arranging and often writing songs as well. Without each other, they would not have been as amazing as they were. ANY songs by them are recommended, but try watching a video of Karen's drumming skills. She was amazing. I saw them live many times back in the 70's and they were just as good live as their recordings.

[@jbs256]

Hi PB❤

[@jazzmaan707]

Karen had that effect on listeners, in that when she sang, her angelic voice would touch your soul. To this day, 50 years later, no other voice has that effect on me.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

her voice and interpretations were and are therapy for the soul....

[@kangaroojack7678]

My favorite female singer in history period

[@Ozefan2580]

Me, too!

[@carolhesterberg7526]

Tears and goosebumps are a sign that you're listening to really great music that goes straight to your heart...so unlike today's radio offerings.

[@RockinTLH]

Karen could soothe your soul and break your heart at the same time. Absolutely fantastic!

[@dougwill8850]

A beautiful woman. May she rest in peace.

[@TheGreatGig73]

I have listened to her for 50 years and I still tear up.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Karen was the greatest female vocalist that I ever heard, hands down! Richard was a musical genius. He did their producing, arranging, and some of their writing. Amazing how talented they were.

[@davephillips7209]

Karen's voice is absolute Iconic, 1 in a trillion. Karen taken so young due to anorexia nervosa. She still makes me emotional when i hear that voice. Richard, her brother was an absolute master at arrangement.

[@alexcerdan4500]

Shes just perfect. I can listen to Karen all day. ❤

[@SPOCK_TALK]

Paul Williams wrote a 30 second song for a Crocker Bank Comercial and Richard Carpenter called him and asked if there was any more to the song? Williams lied and said yes and quickly wrote two more verses and finished the song. It became a huge hit. "We've Only Just Begun" ❤

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Karen can make lots of today's autotuned "soup-erstars" to hide in shame,never to come back again.The purest,most perfect crystal clear contralto female voice my ears have ever heard.Even some rockers and metalheads take their hats off to her and do some exception for her utopic vocal sound.

[@SPOCK_TALK]

Her brother Richard (piano) did all the arrangements for their songs. The first composer ever to put a hard rock guitar solo in a ballad. I.E. "GOODBYE TO LOVE" enjoy!

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

There was a sadness in Karen's beautiful voice. She always hit me in the feels, may she walk with the angels and rest calm 🙏

[@hongfang2348]

Carpenters (and Bread) defined soft rock in the early to mid 70s.

[@mikehammond4323]

Nice reaction. Karen was the best; and she considered herself a drummer that could sing - she was a world class drummer. I cried the day she died; so tragic.

[@CatO9lives]

One of my favorite Carpenters songs. But my favorite that used to send chills down my spine back in the early 70's when I heard it on the radio, that I recomend you react to is, "Carpenters - Superstar". It's live, so no worries.This song with her powerful voice is so hauntingly mesmerizing.

[@daveg.6820]

Hi Angel. Thanks for introducing Karen's exquisite voice to your Channel. Yes, she was the drummer, and when they asked her if she would try to sing, at first she refused. But, she started to sing - and you just heard the result. Since you asked, I will always show up for Sohyang. 😊 Cheers.

[@FUBAR1986]

Karen’s voice is so hauntingly beautiful!!

[@jimspetdragons3737]

Good choice. Karen & Patsy Cline are 2 of the greatest altos of all time. Still holds true today. Fantastic singers. Karen started out as the drummer and remained so thru most her career. Found her magical voice later singing down low rather than higher up and the rest is history.

[@deborahscalise3215]

I would include Canada's kd Lang in that comment.

[@mburkitt7678]

Karen was a drummer and thought of herself as a drummer who could sing. She took the front of the stage when her vocals began selling more than those with her brother. She was always my favorite female vocalist until the new generation of singers arrived (She is still in the top tier). I still personally put their version of 'Desperado' above all others.

[@misacastillo282]

Karen Carpenter the best voice in the popular music😢died very young. Please react Carpenters Superstar in live is amazing

[@LOVE2BTHEONE]

Karen Carpenter is easily one of the greatest female singers of all times. Her amazing smooth voice has a calming effect, and along with her brother they both created and made incredible memorable music. Karen, rest in peace, 1983 gone way too soon. Check these great Carpenters songs that are often forgotten, Hurting Each Other, Ordinary Fool, and Bless the Beast and The Children, I promise they won't disappoint.

[@SPOCK_TALK]

Richard Carpenter also did a great arrangement of The Beatles "Ticket to Ride" which Karen sang perfectly.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

And "Help"

[@markd5067]

She had perfect pitch. They'll never be another Karen Carpenter. RIP Karen ...

[@Randsurfer]

How do you know? In an interview her brother said she did not have perfect pitch. Or do you know what that phrase means?

[@jbs256]

@@Randsurferprobably meant pitch perfect. That KC was, she hit notes all over the place. Wings of Pegasus showed that. As he showed that Tori Holub is doing the same thing. Their accuracy was and is insane.

[@hongfang2348]

Karen could sing sad songs like no other, perhaps because she related to sadness.

[@Rickhorse1]

Anyone who hears Karen sing...whether in 1970 or today, has that same reaction...she makes you want to cry, her voice is so filled with emotion. I was in my late teens back then & my parents were in their 50s...they saw an interview with their favorite singer, Frank Sinatra. He was asked about "today's singers"..he said there is only one who he would pay to hear...Karen Carpenter. My Dad bought their album...I remember that to this day.

[@donsylvester2372]

Many singers are capable of exposing their soul with a song. Karen Carpenter had the ability to expose YOUR soul. She was (and remains) irreplaceable.

[@AngelDReacts]

I love this..you are getting quoted for this comment in my next reaction to The Carpenters xo

[@keith6485]

Karen's voice was a place for all of us to go when things got crazy. I don't think I could overstate how much she was loved by so many. I, like millions of others, cried when she died. I still cry when I hear her sing.

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

You just got Carpentered

[@kenglasson2920]

Nice, LOL, can I use that.

[@michaelasay8587]

So many...."Bless the beasts and the Children", "Hurting each other", my fav .."A song gor you".....and just si many more....do u like most and do much of thos beautiful woman. So glad i got to see them in 74!😢😂❤

[@timoteo950]

Good ones to choose from next: Superstar, We've Only Just Begun, For All We Know, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Yesterday Once More.

[@larrywright6214]

@@timoteo950 Bless The Beasts And The Children was beautiful too

[@TheToscanaMan]

"I feel like I'm gonna start crying." Yes please join me in a good cry. I've been crying since their first song. Glad you are finally hearing Karen and Richard. Please explore more of their music because there is a lot. Try their Christmas stuff since the holidays are not far off. That album is incredible. Loved your reaction ❤

[@rayfaircloth8253]

You'll be blown away by the studio version where you get the background vocals as well.

[@plefevre]

Absolute talent, that's how.

[@bodato5760]

Karen does that to everyone 😢

[@Sherman1fan]

Awesome live version! She is also a fantastic drummer!

[@charleslively1714]

The carpenters were great Karen was awesome on drums

[@dianalindenmeyer4847]

Karen Carpenter was one of the best. Her passion was actually being a drummer. She reluctantly sang. So sad that she passed so young from anorexia.

[@selfaware114]

She never missed a note. Very sad life and ending. Karen just eat we all loved you.

[@Shazzadut1]

I’m from Australia. She was also a great drummer, which people don’t mention much. I loved her as a teenager and the first album I ever bought when I got my first pay check was a Carpenters album. I’m 66 now and still love her. She makes me cry, her voice is like liquid chocolate. I love her singing This Masquerade. I remember hearing of her death. It was such a shock. She was so young. ❤

[@lisahaverluk4037]

She was the top reated drummer in her day...what a talent 😅😮😢🎉😂❤❤

[@IAMisLove]

👍👍Awesome, a timeless classic.🤗 🖖❤

[@TJHolloway-c8l]

Their genre was PERFECTION. Karen had perfect pitch, never had to re-record anything and sounded the same live as she did in the studio. She was also one of the world's greatest jazz drummers but was made to stand up front for the audience's sake. She was at her happiest when she was drumming. (Check out her drum solos from the TV specials they made) Richard didn't have much of a voice but it was perfectly unique when he accompanied his sister with the harmonizing. Richard was the music arranger and ahead of his time. He also is the reason we all got to hear Karen's beautiful voice. RIP Karen Angel

[@johnwatrous8982]

Miss Karen didn’t want to sing she wanted to play her drums. I was lucky enough to meet her back in1970, I was 12 and in love with her. Needless to say she let me down easy. Great classy girl unlike you see today.

[@AngelDReacts]

Awe I am so glad yo got to meet her! That is incredibly lucky, to get to meet someone you love and admire. You have that memory to last you your lifetime xo

[@steve9199]

A reviewer with Rolling Stone Magazine once said, "Karen Carpenter's voice is like the sound of a lover whispering in your ear."

[@stephen8639]

As others have said Karen was unique, one take Karen was her nickname in the studio. Died at 32 from heart attack brought on by physical damage caused from years of Anorexia Nervosa at the time no one really knew or understood what it was or how to treat it sadly. Her problem kicked off a better acceptance and understanding. When you look at some photos she looks normal and in others almost haggard must have been in a full downturn phase. She preferred and was happiest drumming and quite a good one but so are many others it was the voice that was the money maker but they arranged to have her drumming as often as possible but we lost her too young.

[@allan9603]

Best female singer ever in the Soft Rock genre! Gone, but never forgotten.

[@marksantos9225]

"A Song for You" by The Carpenters (studio version) ...

[@carolhesterberg7526]

Try out "This Masquerade" and "I Believe You." The first has some great piano work and the second one is incredibly romantic. It's also a bit sad when she sings the lyric "and love will turn into a freckled little girl who looks like we do." Karen didn't live long enough to have children, but she wanted them so badly. That's why that lyric always gets to me!

[@davidkneitel1840]

One of if not the greatest female drummer. I was 14 when she passed away. Sad day indeed. Elvis was my idol. He died the day before my ninth birthday. I wonder what a duet would have been like.

[@DeborahHamilton-qw1jp]

Karen Carpenter is the best female singer ever.

[@georgelebeau4792]

Try the studio version, she plays the drums

[@eggy1962]

@@georgelebeau4792 everyone else does the studio…..this one is as good and its fully live (at the BBC ) same as Superstar ….they were excellent live ..just many tv show performances were mimed.

[@jimsradiocheck936]

studio version is great man she's a fantastic drummer

[@tweetbleat487]

One of my favorites is "Now", her final song before passing.

[@jamesodle697]

The Carpenters would be classified as pop, soft rock and/or adult contemporary. They were very popular in the '70's and had a few TV specials.

[@KenBlair-jp5nz]

The Carpenters have a best of record that has 2 cds and its is titled 40/40 because that is how many charted songs are on it . I recommend it to anyone interested in the Carpenters

[@davidotis5598]

Best female vocals. She was the best at what she did.

[@tammielongino7485]

KAREN CARPENTER WAS. AWESOME. ALSO ANOTHER FACT IS THAT SHE IS ONE OF THE TOP 10 WOMEN DRUMMERS IN THE WORLD. CHECK OUT HER CHRISTMAS DRUM SOLO. 🥁🥁🥁

[@justafreethinker]

GREATEST Female Vocalist of all Time. RIP Karen "Angel" Carpenter

[@ericzeichert511]

I think there genre was one of three: Adult contemporary, Easy listening, or Soft pop. They were soft jazz before they were popular. Unfortunately, Karen was proof of the adage that only the good die young, as complications of an eating disorder took her in 1983, about a month before her 33rd birthday. Richard is still around at 77, and recently appeared at the Carpenters 55th signing anniversary at A & M records in Downey, CA.

[@queenrosered]

She was my favorite female vocalist. I was crushed with her sad, untimely death. 😢 Bless you Karen. Iconic.

[@AngelDReacts]

I need to do some digging because I didn't know she was no longer with us. I like to know a bit more for my second reaction.

[@queenrosered]

@@AngelDReacts She was anorexic before people were aware of the disease. It's quite a sad story. You can watch The Karen Carpenter Story free on KZbin. She and her brother Richard were quite a team. She also played drums.All songs from Karen are kissed by the 😇 😇 😇. I look forward to more of your reactions to her. Thanks so much! 😊 👍 ❤

[@Defensewhiz]

@@queenrosered the problem with the telemovie is that it really didn't depict how bad her mother was to Karen's psyche. Her mom definitely favored Richard, and was the first one to actually bring up Karen's weight, and then never really let off of her. The movie doesn't show that side of her mom so much

[@thjonez]

not a good time to bring it up celebrate

[@BetsyDeal-q1p]

I don't know why my name shows as user, I'm Betsy Deal, 65. Rolling Stone magazine was my music go to for back stories and one I read was that Eric Clapton was stuck at an airport in New York and the Carpenters manager overheard Eric's manager tell him the plane will be delayed and can't get another flight until tomorrow. So the Carpenter's manager talked to Eric's manager and told them they had a private jet and were welcome to fly to LA with them. They all boarded and became friends, Eric was stunned when his manager told them the Carpenters were selling out venues and topping the charts and Richard Carpenter invited him to that night's concert, backstage. He left saying "I have never heard a female singer with such a perfect voice. She's an angel." Then there was another article where they went to the recording studio and they let her sing the song (can't remember which one) but they let her sing it all the way through without the producer stopping for a retake. When they were finished with the song the producer said "That's it, we're done! No need for a retake, that was pure perfection!" One take! Also brother Richard is the driving force as a composer. He took a bank commercial about a newly wed couple getting their first mortgage for a house, asked the writer could he use it and turned it into their biggest hit ever, We've Only Just Begun! Sorry I rambled on, I love music trivia!

[@richardcranium6081]

Richard (Karen's brother) was a child prodigy and very gifted at music. Karen had such a mature and powerful yet calming voice at a very early age. In the earlier days she was actually the drummer for the group as well, but her vocals were and always will be legendary. RIP Karen you are so missed.

[@michaelhwenig]

The VOICE, The DRMMER, The LEGEND! The most pitch perfect, natural, effortless voice you will ever hear. Hauntingly beautiful. Her brother Richard was a masterful composer and arranger. He picked songs specifically to fit Karens deep rich voice

[@lynnecurrie7561]

The GOAT!! One-take Karen! gone waay too soon. RIP Karen.

[@christopheryochum3602]

Great observation about the deepness of her voice ... she's a contralto (a low alto). I have the same reaction when I listen to her; I start crying.

[@buukkreider544]

Thank you for your reaction to this Carpenters song from 1971. Karen certainly was special. Very sad that she only lived to be 32 years old. March 02, 1950 - February 04, 1983 -- that was a sad day for me.😮‍💨 Please also react to their song also from 1971, "Superstar" - thank you. Peace.

[@lindadescafano3749]

There are so many great songs to choose from by The Carpenters. Karen had such a beautiful voice and she played the drums as well. Great reaction and looking forward to the next one.

[@zigman8550]

She's singing this live too.

[@lonestarladytyler1980]

Yes, her voice is absolutely beautiful. Loved her from the first song I heard as a teenager. Richard was good, too.

[@garnetwilliamson7817]

One should remember that this was done in the days before auto tone and Karen had perfect pitch

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

This is definitely Live. Different from the recording but, as usual, Karen and Richard are perfect. Lovely.

[@allengray5748]

Nice! As I've mentioned on many reactions Karen Carpenter is of my top 5 favorite female singers. SUPERSTAR might be the big favorite song but my personal favorite is THIS MASQUERADE 💕💗 It's a Lounge ish soft Jazz. Other hits; TOP OF THE WORLD,,,,, CLOSE TO YOU,,,,,, IT'S A KIND OF HUSH,,,,, SOLITAIRE,,,,, well that makes 7 including today! Bedtime! Great Reaction Angel! I'll be watching for more! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@jackteppo9633]

Karen was a gifted drummer too.😊 keep checking

[@Siahtiahmilum]

Yeah 😢 this song makes me cry, it's so beautiful

[@roberormonde]

Her voice makes you cry. It doesn't tell lots of people. You know, beautiful things make you cry.

[@827dusty]

Brother Richard and sister Karen, comprise..."The Carpenters. Karen was the star, but Richard composed and arranged the songs, so while he wasn't "The Star he was very important to the brother and sister duo.

[@CapnBob2010]

"Superstar" You will love it

[@Salomon-pi8cb]

Karen was also a great drummer. I highly recommend you watch her drum solo video ❤

[@dasx2gra]

now do yourself a favor and listen to one of the most beautiful Christmas songs, Merry Christmas Darling!!!!!

[@manxkin]

Karen’s voice and Richard’s arrangements were absolute perfection.

[@evek2501]

I'm so jealous when I see someone hear Karen's voice for the first time. It is such an amazing first experience. You'll notice that her voice takes up a permanent spot in your brain and you'll never forget it. RiP Karen.

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

She had the perfect voice ❤

[@timoteo950]

I like the version of this song with her playing the drums.

[@timoteo950]

This is the version I like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpupoISun8yVqNU

[@pauldourlet]

I saw the Carpenters in 1972 . I was blown away by Karen's ability to sing and drum at the same time at a level that only a handful of people can do (Phil Collins, Levon Helm, and Don Henley). Best songs by Karen? Solitaire, Don't Cry for Me Argentina, A Song for You, Superstar and the best ? Trying to Get the Feeling Again --this song was recorded in 1975-then it was lost. Richard Carpenter found it again and released it in 1994 --11 years after Karen died. The song is here on KZbin.

[@cjpreach]

Karen Carpenter was best known for her PERFECT PITCH. I saw one computer analysis of her singing that showed her pitch MORE PERFECT in a live performance than it was in the studio recording!

[@FrancisBrown-n3p]

Such an exquisite voice. You would also like their song We've Only Just Begun.

[@markcarbaugh5416]

Go ahead and deep dive into the Carpenter's catalog. You will never be disappointed.

[@AngelDReacts]

"We've only just begun"

[@pamelawendt4344]

Listen to "Superstar" next. It will blow your socks off.

[@sharoninglima1217]

Karens voice is pure magic! ❤❤

[@jimsradiocheck936]

I am 63 years old when I was 12 years old I had a transistor radio and I heard Superstar for the first time I've been a fan ever since she has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard

[@ChuckRagland]

Welcome to Karen Carpenter!! One of the all-time greatest voices!!😀

[@stanleynykaza9042]

Yes more Carpenters brother and sister team, Please do WE ONLY JUST BEGUN and CLOSE TO YOU and FOR ALL WE KNOW and SING