The Carpenters Story Location Tour- Part Two

[@6821hominy]

Justin! I am 65 ( hard to believe) and grew up with the Carpenters. I still listen to them it takes me back to the 70's where I wish I still was. Karen is my favorite singer - there are others that are fabulous but Karen is in a class by herself. Richard was born to be a musician. I have looked at all I could find on the Carpenters and when I found you I was glued to your stories. I was totally engrossed and viewed till the end. You really created something special for all the fans and I want to thank YOU for ALL of the amazing work you put into these beautiful videos. I know I will watch them again. The details you discussed really is appreciated by myself, old fans and new. You truly have a gift. You look great on camera and have a wonderful speaking voice and your pace and tempo is not "fast" like so many others. So enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the trip down memory lane and all the hard work you put into creating this Carpenter Story. Keep doing all your great work!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

I read this message a handful of times because it’s so incredibly kind and inspiring. Thank you so much for letting me tell stories about a time that you witnessed first hand, and embracing it. It makes me so happy. I truly appreciate this so much.

[@sherbear2016]

I agree 100% with you. 61 year old here. Justin does an excellent job here and I too have been glued to my phone watching all three parts to this Carpenters Story. I’ve listened to and sung the Carpenters songs for years at weddings and other events. LOVE THEM!❤

[@djinnmagik4817]

Yes! Great dox about The Carpenters

[@williamsmith-kd4bd]

Karen is the reluctant superstar. She wanted to be Richard's drummer but the gods gave her "the voice". With tremendous courage Karen took her voice out front and of course her natural showmanship, musical genius, and unparalleled talent made her adored by her audiences. Her bandmates would later say that people could not take their eyes off of her. Karen was mesmerizing.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

The best!

[@s.a.street3231]

You have done an incredible job on the history of the Carpenters. I was lucky enough to have seen them playing at a university when Karen still sat playing the drums in 1971 I believe.

[@longgrayline8055]

The whole story is fricking mega sad. I was born in 1972. I remember their music on the radio back in the late 70’s. I remember when she passed. She was a special talent as was her brother. They sold millions of albums all around the world because it was obvious they had something special. Don’t worry, there is zero cheesiness to the Carpenters.

[@cynthiam976]

This is the best documentary of the Carpenters and most of this episode is new information to me, I love all the visuals and places you take us to. It makes her story really come alive. "You'll Never Be as Good as RIchard" is something I knew Agnes thought but I didn't know she said that to her especially after her album! So disturbing and sad! Thanks for the tour and information! I love Karen even more!

[@andrewtaylor4558]

I absolutely love this series. The best Carpenters history I have seen. Thank you so much. You rock, from a fellow KZbinr. 😊

[@andradejurk]

Thank you for posting this material. We grew up listening Carpenters in Brazil (and around the world). Amazing, here we are in 2022 and after all this years the Karen's voice and Richard's piano still makes the same emotion! Regards from Brazil. Sorry about my english (no Google translator ).

[@michaelgalea5148]

Justin, Thank you for the 3 part series of the Carpenter's. Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel. She is my all time favorite singers. Since I was born sometime in the 50's I grew up with them. Justin you did a masterful job in telling the story of the Carpenter's.

[@Max-qd2lf]

One of my best experience in life was to know Karen, her music and her life. It's also one of the most painful things to know what happened to her and never experienced their music first hand. Karen is and will forever be my queen. Thank you for the beautiful and amazingly clear, documentary. This keeps the memories alive 40 years after the queen was gone.

[@casst346]

fantastic job covering the details on the Carpenters..grew up to this also...thanks for sharing..

[@pilze.7213]

I haven't owned a tv in many years! Nothing wrong with that. Just means you have to know how to just be and enjoy the present. Karen is my favourite female singer ever. The voice of an angel! I always wondered if she was in the closet! As someone that had to live a life other than themselves for many years, I can recognise the signs. That coupled with the lack of unconditional love from her mother, who is at fault for ostracising her daughter, no wonder she had self-esteem issues. Gone too soon. What a blessing to be alive and experience her beautiful voice. I hope Karen is resting in peace and knows how much she is loved!

[@rhondawilkins_]

Hi Justin....my Uncle worked for A&M RECORDS from 1969-1995. I spent many summers at the studios~Karen & Richard were so kind to this kid when I was roaming the studios in the 1970s.

[@robertmayer2071]

wow that must have been fun how cool!!

[@johnschlosar3027]

How absolutely amazing - what a lifetime gift to be in their sphere and vibration. Did you meet other A&M artists - Cat Stevens, Captain and Tennille?

[@chaswr]

Wow!

[@dmondcon1]

I would love to hear your stories from the eyes of a child during that time. I was born in 1968. It was the first Record I bought with all the money i saved.

[@leriksen54]

Your documentaries are the best I have seen on their history! Accurate, fair, balanced. Wow 16 million records sold by the time they were 21 & 23! Such beautiful music in all ways!

[@patriciaspadea2266]

Karen's voice Amazing, now I cry when I hear her. It's easy to wish we could visit those days.

[@dgantzman]

Woah the quality of these Carpenter videos are much better than any documentary I’ve seen on them. I love the shots of all of their homes too!

[@tomjones2348]

This is one of the best Carpenters presentations I've ever seen. BTW, for the tune Top of the World, Richard recorded the pedal steel guitar three times.....finally calling in "Mr. Steel" Buddy Emmons who did it in one take. Richard was such a perfectionist.

[@SnapshotSniper]

Amazing detailed video. I use to correspond with mom before she passed and was even sent an autograph by Richard. Karen truly had the world’s greatest vocal.

[@MrTPF1]

Loved all the video clips that you never get to see, pics, etc. Nice job Justin!

[@raymondsharpe4638]

This show has been perfection

[@Accomandoc]

I absolutely LOVE THIS THANK YOU

[@kathypellette2509]

Its fascinating to think those apartments are still there and I am glad they continue with those iconic song titles, which many may not be aware they are iconic. There are many documentaries and bigraphies and etc. in tribute to the Carpenters, and there are still those who are not aware of them. Thankfully, their fans continue to grow and their music is still legendary and timeless. I was a kid who grew up with their music. I do recall some people were not hip to like them because they were not the heavy sound. I was never very hip back then so i proudly listened to them along with J. Denver.

[@vickicarreno8932]

Thank You- Thank You For This Video. Miss Karen’s Voice. Every Time I Hear Her Music, Realize How Powerful It Was.

[@hughhaefner3317]

I lived in Long Beach CA on my own as a 17 year old having moved to California after high school graduation in Michigan. My bank account was with Crocker bank and I remember the television ads and the jingle that Richard and Karen turned into a mega hit. Before they recorded it and it was just a bank advertisement jingle.

[@Secondwindoregon]

I hung around a bunch of hard rock hippies, and I secretly loved Carpenters. To this day, I have a dozen of their songs memorized.

[@hallsjuju2400]

Great video. Over the years, hearing great songs of the day, I always think… how would the carpenters have done a certain song. They are legendary.

[@KayKeneetit]

I can’t put into words how much I loved this documentary. You are an amazing filmmaker, I guess that’s what we should call you, because you captivated me 100% and answered so many questions I’ve had about the Carpenters since I was a kid. I carried around their records with me in a bag to elementary school in the third grade back in 1975 and the teacher let me stay and listen to them during recess. I still listen every day. I made the pilgrimage to Downey from Texas, but I didn’t see a fraction of what you showed us! I don’t understand why you don’t have more subscribers and views. Everything you’ve done lately is fantastic. Sixteen Candles! So great! Keep up the good work and thank you for all of the insight you’ve shared! It meant a lot to me!

[@carolynarzac2493]

Love your series about Carpenters. I knew Karen & Richard well and lived in the Only Just Begun side of the apartments for over 20years and loved every minute of it. Where the apartments are used to be the old Downey Hospital. They bought the property and had the apartments built.

[@6821hominy]

That is amazing Carolyn! How fortunate you are! It goes to show you that Karen and Richard were wise and planned for the future by building the apartments as an investment. It looks like a beautiful neighborhood even after all these years. I can only imagine the prices of the homes now...

[@zackc.8015]

Who's "they"?

[@jbs256]

Part two continues the journey and it to is wonderful. WOW, on to part 3…

[@lindagerdner4311]

I have always loved their music. Saw them in person while I was in junior high or high school. That was the first concert that I ever attend!!!!!!!

[@debjohnson5717]

Wonderful job! So enjoyed the beautiful, excellent videos and the way you interspersed their songs so well.

[@josephbarr4468]

agree

[@p.m-audio]

Thank you very much for this work, that was Amazing big Probs mate for this

[@FunForAllification]

Beautiful man, beautiful. Thank you.

[@thunderousapplause]

wow. Hearing snippets of these songs takes me back to my best friend Connie Bradley’s basement in eighth grade, 1972. cheese and crackers, and the Carpenters after school.

[@marcelorezende1572]

tanks tanks a a lot ....love you for the keep karen s voice unforgetable

[@BrisLS1]

Close to You is one of my earliest memories of music , being born around that time. I do remember loving Debbie Boon as a 7 year old, with her one hit wonder and good looks.

[@sean4661]

I must say, I JUST LOVE YOUR HAIR! Kuddos to your stylist.

[@drumdiscussion7776]

Awesome inside back story to the very successful musical duo/ group "Carpenters"

[@ChazMacrina]

Thank you for doing this amazing three-part series on the Carpenters. Your research and informative content far exceed that of any other biographical piece that I had ever seen about them, and I'm thrilled to have discovered it. With Karen's life ending to soon and so suddenly, it leaves one wondering and wanting for more. Your work and presentation, along with your inclusion and references to "Little Girl Blue," is so much admired and ever the more appreciated. In this installment, you cite Karen's impeccable phrasing in "We've Only Just Begun." - which I, too, find so marvelous. One of the other examples of this that stands out in my mind, is in "Good-bye to Love" in which I can't find the hint of a single breath in the lengthy phrase, "Time and time again the chance for love has passed me by and all I know of love is how to live without it." Truly amazing!!! And yes and agreed about, "Yesterday Once More." I clung to the radio just to hear it again and again!

[@garycrosby4820]

Justin Root, thank you ever so much for your three part documentary on The Carpenters. It was so well done and so professional. I am 70 years old (two yrs younger than Karen) and I remember their music back when it first came out. I never got to see the carpenters in concert, but your documentary meant a lot to me. Thank you, it was awesome.

[@BunnyTheChi]

Hello from Alberta Canada. I'm 61 this year and I absolutely love your videos. You put so much detail into every one. Thanks for taking the time to bring the past to life. I'm a real fan of your work.

[@dawnklug6986]

On Top if the World is my all-time favorite song by the Carpenters. First heard it while in the Smoky Mountains climbing the trails and wandering the valleys at 5 years old.

[@bluedlodlo]

Oh my goodness, I’m so relieved that there’s a part 3! LOVED Part Two! I wish there were more photos/archives of KC’s Century City condo. It sounded amazing. Thanks for including decent durations of your favorite Carpenters songs in this part as well.

[@dgantzman]

Late reply but I read somewhere that Karen’s living room set on the 1977 Christmas Special was modeled after her actual condo living room in Century City. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpjSg2SvZqaHnrc

[@deesnider6304]

This is AWESOME!! I grew up with Rhe Carpenters and STILL KNOW HOW TRULY RARE HER VOICE IS.

[@ThomasDaly-ug1yc]

This was great insight on the Carpenters, I always liked there music. The voice of Karen is very special...you maybe correct, she may have the best pure voice ever. Thank You.

[@kimhouk5263]

LOVED WATCHING THESE!!! Just was listening to The Carpenters Christmas album

[@therezapillon584]

Awesome video Justin. Congratulations from Brazil to you.

[@Tiffany.1970]

It's so nice to hear Karen mention other singers such as Carol king James Taylor and another cool musician which I ,ike is Neil sedaka

[@donnerdonner315]

Loving this "deep dive" into the Carpenters story & music! I have to say that "Superstar" and "For All We Know" are my personal favorites too! Karen's voice on those two songs is so beautiful & powerful...love it! How on earth did you find all this material? You are AMAZING Justin! Onto the next part...I'm totally hooked....I hate to see this end!!!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

You’re making my year with these nice comments!!!

[@josephbarr4468]

My sentiments exactly Donner

[@jasongibson3496]

Justin you are a beautiful and a cute guy. I love your 1987 Rick Astly hair style it is really neat. Your beautiful hair style makes me want to listen Never Going To Give Up. Thank You for sharing the Karen and Richard Carpenter story. I plan to buy some Capetenters 8-track tapes. My favorite song by them is Song For You. God Bless and you are much loved - Jason.

[@pam8962]

Omg the walk 🚶‍♂️ down memory lane is awesome

[@hughhaefner3317]

Adding on to my previous comment, I moved inland from Long Beach to Downey. I used to go jogging before work right past Harold and Agnes Downey home. One morning Harold was out front as I was jogging by. I slowed down to a fast walk and said hello to him. He was nice and said hello back to me and even remarked that he'd seen me before jogging by. Agnes however was not as welcoming, not rude but not as friendly as Harold. It's a great memory all these years later cause I'm talking about the mid to late 70s.

[@countquackula8539]

I love their brother and sister relationship. Its cool that they move into the same house without letting other people phase them about it.

[@zigman8550]

Love that picture of them standing next to the 1972 Ford Econoline van with their name painted on it at 18:27. Wish I had a autographed one.

[@Hummingbirds2023]

I had never heard of Whitley Heights area of Hollywood before at least not that I remember. I have enjoyed the tour and all the fun facts you know about old Hollywood. You have a new subscriber! 🎉

[@Hummingbirds2023]

I was not a fan of the Carpenters, I liked maybe one or two of their songs over the years. But I watched your entire presentation about them and learned a lot I didn't know. I have a new appreciation for both Karen and her brother. I have to add their mother SUCKED. Great story very interesting and well done. 🎉

[@ginabonina6427]

First of all the drums, how did I not know that? I was a kid but know most of the words to nearly all the songs. We bought R&B records, but every time you turned on the radio or TV the Carpenters were on. I never appreciated how gifted and squeeky clean they were. I don't know why I'm getting creepy vibes watching this. Maybe because they still lived at home in Downey, but probably from seeing them with Nixon. Their music is so evocative. It's like floating or taking a walk on a secluded beach. I liked the Carol Burnett reference 🙂

[@Khpburn84070]

I lived in the “Only Just Begun “ apartments for over 20years. Best apartment house ever.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thanks

[@caroltoy6915]

I graduated the same year as Karen..she is my sister friend in spirit.

[@pam8962]

It's Yesterday once more 👏 👏 👏

[@definitedoll]

You've done a nice job on your videos and I love these two apartment buildings and I love the fact that those names are still on them. I don't think Richard should have sold the apartment buildings but then again I'm not him and I don't have the investment it takes to keep them up but they are gorgeous in my opinion I would love to live in one of them!!! Total retro 60 70s mid-century!!!

[@josephbarr4468]

Justin excellent job, you are very talented. Haven't listened to everything yet but I would like to know more about the last year of Karen's life, specifically regarding any A-N symptoms that may have remained in evidence even as she attained a "normal" weight. Thanks.

[@just_passing_through]

My favourite song too. When it plays I sing along, and it makes me smile….

[@gabrielofficial7859]

Yay part 2🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@sharoncrawford7192]

Superstar was my favorite. I was 15 yrs old.

[@todl.2478]

Oldies But Goodies! My absolute fav also.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

So so good

[@todl.2478]

@@TheJustinRootShow it's the fantastic pace of the song, "WHEN I WAS YOUNG I LISTENED TO THE RADIO...WAITING FOR MY FAVORITE SONG", those two things combined, the pace and opening line WAS the hook for me! Radio was such a huge influence in that era for all ages. As a kid in that time, that's what we did... with our battery operated transistor radios... we listened and waited for our song! (... it was easier to sneak a tiny radio into our beds more than a tv). We had no "on demand" KZbin or cable tv, no reality tv. Radio was the major influence.

[@conceicaoferraz1785]

I love CARPENTERS Forever,Special Karen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

[@cathyvaughan75]

Superstar & I need to be in love r great hits with Karen's angelic voice!!!!!!.

[@RobertHiguera-zi6tu]

I remember the Carpenters my favorite songs were love is just begun close to you I liked it when she would sing

[@katesleuth1156]

Just discovered your channel this wk. Excellent videos. New subscriber.

[@matrox]

I think its bad ass how they named their apartment buildings. Because of that they are historical.

[@lilsheba1]

I had no idea she ever recorded Desperado!

[@mikey3800]

Imho the solo album showcases KC incredible versatility in genre and style.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

I love it so much!

[@mikey3800]

@@TheJustinRootShow The studio and Richard said it was her choice to not release the solo album ...maybe true but I'm pretty sure there was some pressure not to. She did call Phil Ramone to say she felt the album was good. I agree ...its good but again Im biased... KC could sing the names in a phone book and I would still like it

[@mikey3800]

@@TheJustinRootShow BTW Justin ...great production...and I've seen em all on YT....thanks

[@dfinite1111]

Honestly, I did find the Carpenters music corny, back in the day. In my teens, I was into the prolific amount of wonderful rock music that was exploding, at that time. Karen and Richard Carpenter seemed so nerdy, in contrast to the whole anti-establishment ‘revolution’ that was going on then. However!!!! Now, I adore them. I can’t believe how beautiful her voice is. I can’t get over how talented these 2 suburban teens were. Their sound is so gorgeous, just magnificent. (The only song I loved of theirs, when it released, was Rainy Days And Mondays, because it really described depressive feelings. But now, I love all their songs and crave listening to them at times! I admit I changed and see the light!)

[@pilze.7213]

Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" is a power ballad by Canadian rock band Klaatu FYI! So another cover! Not weird at all!

[@cheribee968]

The most current documentary on Karen is very good Randy’s book is great

[@stevenzipkin3757]

Nice tour thanks Justin Man what a Gas

[@judywright6889]

For All We Know💕 By the time she gets to the word, "ways", and the strings gentle in...😥🎶 💓

[@judywright6889]

💔

[@pam8962]

Wow never knew that about Goodbye to Love

[@karendelcher6256]

That voice tho -jesus -its amazing

[@stockardchanning5354]

Her solo album was awesome I use to have the cd I played it to much it stopped playing

[@marycriske6024]

Love love your video. I too love the Carpenter's.

[@raymondsharpe4638]

Superstar is my favorite ❤

[@SheilaRiley-ug9pb]

I always loved Bless the Beasts and Children from the same named movie.

[@jrpacer6355]

Just like Elvis Karen was gifted with a Beautiful voice and both didn't see it and both left us way to soon

[@cocoaorange1]

There are rumors that Elvis tried to flirt with Karen, but Petula Clark told Elvis to back off.

[@karendelcher6256]

Karen just dont know how amazing she was -there aint nobody like her -

[@ricardomazzaseixas7549]

Karen is my favourite singer !!!!

[@jasongibson3496]

I always thought actor Louise Fletcher played Karen and Richard's mother in their 1989 movie about their lives that was shown on CBS then repeating on Lifetime for many years.

[@Tiffany.1970]

On a different note my partner has a nephew sam white who just like Richard Carpenter adored the piano like Richard did sadly at the age of 27 lost his life of which I won't disclose details but sam white was a gifted piano player n keen musician❤🎉 id like to ask you justin to play a song for karen and sam white if you could or choose a carpenter's song in honour of her memory

[@bookmouse2719]

This video about the Carpenters is very good, would you be interested in doing something about Paul Williams the song writer? :-)

[@Tiffany.1970]

Richard was not prescribed qualudes..at first..... . Richards mum gave him some to help him sleep as Richard struggled to sleep thus had to book himself into a clinic to beat the addiction..... Qualudes were often referred as ludes in the 70s ... I heard it in Saturday night fever....

[@Tmcgraw79q]

Wow I never knew they did Desperado.

[@ionthetarget]

And they did it well.

[@spaceflight1019]

I'd love to hear someone make a digital duet with Don Henley. Play both songs at the same time and you'll hear it.

[@rdkuless]

Richard became an amazing flutist.

[@leriksen54]

What a beautiful version of desperado

[@Tiffany.1970]

A song I'd like dedicate to honour Karen's legacy and memory would have to be my eyes adored you by Frankie valli a beautiful song ❤🎉

[@lisapointe4905]

Love your t shirt! Where did you find it?? Luv this video. The Carpenters are my favorite 😍

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

Rainy days and Mondays 😭 the first line we can all identify ! Rest in Heaven Dear Karen. 🕊️🤍 Bette Midler is still mean, apology too late Bette.

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

Karen’s longest phrase in one breath is from “Goodbye To Love”. She sings (and perfectly with perfect tone and pitch) “Surely time will lose these bitter memories and I'll find that there is someone to believe in and to live for” on ONE BREATH. There’s only one very early concert clip on KZbin where Karen sings it this way on one breath, all the others she stops in the middle of the phrase to get a breath. It’s at the 39:06 minute mark on this live performance (Note the dramatic breath she needs to dig for in order to prepare for the very long phrase.) Try it in one breath if you dare. She does it on 2 different verses on the studio version of Goodbye To Love which is more impressive as the tempo is slower on the album requiring her to sustain the phrase even longer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laPOoKxtaat6gsU

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@ Classic Video Lover. That phrase in the song, "Goodbye To Love" - "Surely time will lose these bitter memories and I'll find that there is someone to believe in and to live for" although definitely challenging to sing in one breath, is possible even for a non-singer. I am not a singer and I managed to sing that phrase in one breath within the first few attempts, although I had to take a deep breath after completing the word "for" in that phrase. What is at least equally, if not more impressive, was Donna Summers' ability to sing and hold the the last note in the lyric, "Let him fill you up" for as long as she did in the disco song, "Dim All The Lights" for 20-21 seconds! And the lyric, "We've only just begun to live" from the song, "We've Only Just Begun" is definitely easier to sing in one breath than "Surely time will lose these bitter memories........." from the song, "Goodbye To Love"!

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

@@michaelbarlow6610 Donna held that note forever! Be sure to see Donna’s tribute to Karen at The Hollywood Bowl with Richard Carpenter in piano singing “Superstar”.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525 . Thanks for letting me know about Donna Summer's tribute to Karen Carpenter at the Hollywood Bowl. I didn't know that Donna sang "Superstar" with Richard Carpenter playing the piano at the Hollywood Bowl.

[@chaswr]

That guitar solo in "Goodbye to Love" blows me away!

[@Tiffany.1970]

1979 Richard went into treatment to cure his dependency on this drug addiction to qualudes as he was staring to forget things etc .... Apparently this drug was used to treat sleeping disorders

[@patriciaspadea2266]

My first crush was George Harrison but then Paul Williams and I always will. 😊

[@billwilliams5889]

If the stories are true, Karen’s mother is largely to blame for the health issues that took Karen from us.

[@caroltoy6915]

I agree, if your own Mama doesn't think you're great, than you would think no one would. That you weren't worthy.

[@spaceflight1019]

Their family wasn't any different than a lot of Depression survivor families. The son was to be the breadwinner, daughters were considered liabilities.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

@@caroltoy6915 Mom should always be your best friend. Glad I had good relationship with mine. Although she's been gone several yrs.