Vocal Coach Reacts to 'Superstar' Karen Carpenter

[@blackfrost2659]

It's almost impossible to tell her live voice apart from the recording studio, that's how impeccable she was

[@bryanpwo3085]

Perhaps that's because her voice didn't need any tweaking. She genuinely could sing without any voice acrobatics to impress the audience which is a rare thing these days.

[@stevenponte6655]

@Thomas Cavanaugh yes. Also studios settings, being isolated from the music, may have felt a bit strange for those legends. Whereas on stage they were at home.

[@PianoHits]

The carpenter's music is full of warmth , Karen's voice is like comforting hug

[@toms5996]

Whenever I start feeling (or not feeling) cold and void of emotions, a song from them calibrates me to feel again.

[@jmcreek7936]

She was a neighbor and was such a nice woman as well as being one of the best vocalists of all time. Thanks for introducing her to others!

[@jamesbond4633]

Interesting. Was she a neighbour while growing up and living with her parents or after she got famous and moved out? Although I think after she separated from her husband and was going through divorce she moved back home with her parents where she sadly passed. You were very lucky to meet her and talk to her. That would have been a wonderful experience and cherished memories and it is refreshing to know how nice she was. Fame does strange things to people sometimes.

[@ilovesuisse1]

She’s the best female voice ever.

[@tykotate9346]

Still, all these years later, no singer has came close to capturing the level of sincerity and depth of Karen's voice. Such a beautiful, rich, deep sound.

[@willarth9186]

Tori Holub and her cover of We've Only Just Begun. Karen 2.0!

[@michaelbarlow6610]

Karen Carpenter always made singing look so effortlessly easy! Amazing, incredible, one-of-a-kind talent sadly gone way too soon!

[@henrikechers9995]

Her voice was a gift to the world.

[@blackburdy5261]

karen’s voice is like honey, so warm and honest. so sad we lost her.

[@judithwilson3561]

I was lucky to see them live in the 70s, her voice was incredible, so clear it was like velvet... the notes just hung in the air.

[@AdAm-dd4jq]

Her voice is like an artist painting a stunning masterpiece

[@IGCSESUCCESS]

Voice from the Gods... Effortless, magical, ethereal. Karen Carpenter's voice transports me somewhere otherwordly, and I never want it to end.

[@theboyjames3065]

The interesting thing about Karen Carpenter’s voice is that she sang extremely quietly and almost always needed a microphone to project it. She never pushed her voice, never yelled, which protected her instrument. Gorgeous vibrato.

[@eggy1962]

yet so many criticised the way she used a mic, completely wrong imo

[@victorjanusz7154]

Having seen them LIVE 3 times (including Hollywood Bowl, 1976) I can attest her voice was ALSO BIG! She had impeccable control, and you such a great advantage in the studio. “Rainy Days and Mondays” begins as a hushed whisper, and ends with a belting finale.

[@rap3208]

@@eggy1962 Perhaps those who criticize her use of mike has to be perfect in their mike use because their voice is lacking.

[@joemacinnis1972]

Simply the best female singer I've ever heard period

[@Hgoenge81]

She surely deserves all praise.

[@ladylisaromance8129]

She's simply phenomenal and I always want to cry when I hear her.

[@brookegoslin]

She is always on point crystal clear velvety and stunning . So full of deep emotion . Love her voice .

[@2157ad]

You think it's just impossible listening to their songs, that these are songs that could be performed live - the warmth in her voice, its radiance. And behind that warmth & radiance, someone that was so tortured.

[@cmdrvex]

I think it's her clarity and resonance, espacially in her lower register that makes her voice unique. And as you mentioned, that extra touch of pushing forward at the start of some notes/words and then pulling back which presents such an emotive and dynamic story telling ability. Always brings a tear to my eye. I hope she lives on forever. A lovely tribute. Thank you!

[@digiclectic807]

And to think she never had voice lessons. I believe Frank Pooler at Cal State Long Beach tried to coach her briefly but decided to go no further for fear of ruining perfection.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

​@@digiclectic807. Frank Pooler said he worked with Karen on the upper register of her voice, but wisely decided not to touch her famous lower register "with a 10-foot pole" because it was so beautifully natural!

[@mikalmccoy530]

I love singers who sing effortlessly. Her vocal range is amazing. The way she transitions between the ranges is seamlessly. Her voice was a quiet storm of emotions, it's very powerful but not overwhelming. My favorite song is "Close to You" because that was the first song my voice teacher taught me in high school which I fell in love with. FYI...Luther Vandross made a remake of Superstar.

[@pokemontas8025]

I love her tone. Her voice is so soothing and relaxing. 🌻

[@tomjones2348]

She's my all time favorite female vocalist. And I have great respect for her holding down the drums WHILE singing the hits live. So much talent. Richard knew exactly how to arrange their music for the best effect.

[@gbluetime]

“Yesterday once more” and “I need to be in love” are the very best for me.

[@gabypitorra]

I agree! And " La cúspide del mundo"...

[@lelb1972]

Looking forward to this. To me Karen Carpenter had one of the most purest voices. She never fluctuated on notes and had a really low vocal range for a woman which you hear on many of The Carpenters tunes. Aside from the popular songs "Solitaire" is a personal favourite. Beautiful voice!

[@toms5996]

Totally agree. I have multiple favourites as their catalog of songs is so strong. It is so strange that now only a few big artists have melodic songs...

[@pokemontas8025]

we stan a low voice. I feel like people only care how high people can go lol

[@eggy1962]

@@pokemontas8025 does my head in when female singers concentrate on high and scream levels of power and think its kind on ears...its not

[@tonyrappa4611]

I wonder what her and Barry Gibb duet would have been like

[@digiclectic807]

Me too but she hated that song. It's so moving.

[@gvalley07]

I have listened to this song possibly more than 100 times and it always produces the "chill factor". Her voice is timeless. Thanks for the presentation.

[@randykellogg8734]

I get goosebumps from certain groups , but with Karen I get emotional feelings

[@liamthompson9090]

Beautiful voice.

[@Perfect_Blend]

I remember so well the day she died. I was devastated. She was so wonderful, if only she had loved herself as much as we all did.

[@ladylisaromance8129]

I'm a huge fan, too! As a teenager in the 80s, most were listening to New Kids on the Block etc and I was immersed in Janis Joplin, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Carpenter's to name a few. RIP, Karen!

[@mireillesavage4586]

Their Christmas album is fabulous. Starting during the 70's, we have been listening to this album every time we decorate the Christmas tree. My son is keeping this tradition with his daughters. Love love this album. It's a classic for our family

[@heidichristensen7919]

I rediscovered my love for Karen maybe 10 years ago when a local radio station put the Carpenters into heavy rotation during the Christmas season. Superstar has always been my favorite. I was 19 when she died. Such a sad day.

[@sharonlabrecque1655]

Merry Christmas Darling is a favorite Christmas song of mine!

[@ronpfeiffer9157]

Superstar they are

[@gayyye]

As someone who cannot belt and sing high notes, she is an inspiration for me to continue singing. I was very down at one point then I discovered their music and it changed my life. Karen's voice is out of this world and cannot be topped. I don't like comparing singers but if I have to choose only one voice to listen to, it'll be hers. And my favorite songs are 'Superstar', 'I Need To Be in Love' and 'I Just Fall in Love Again'.

[@lizwarne103]

Love karen carpenter , such a relaxing voice x

[@rickyodriscoll9729]

Impeccable and timeless the best voice I have ever heard always flawless and you can’t tell her live recording to her studio performance the best there was or will ever be ❤️

[@jarrodwb8422]

Everyone has those artists that remind them of their family in the fondest ways. The Carpenters used to brighten our home with their songs, even on the hardest days. Karen was a light and left this world far too soon. 💖

[@SarastistheSerpent]

Karen Carpenter is one of my favourite singers. For All We Know and Top of the World are especially great songs. Lower register voices like hers are very under-appreciated IMO

[@dr.westwood]

A timeless legend.

[@Right_Direction_]

Karen Carpenter oh wow what a voice Georgina, what a voice. Pure, clear, effortless, she made you feel every single word she sang. One of the greatest vocalists of all time, certainly one of if not the best when it came to emoting.

[@tetsuoishiki4677]

Phil from Wings of Pegasus analyzed her and declared Karen was pitch perfect and was extremely accurate with her pitch.

[@eggy1962]

i can recommend that analysis video, worth watching people if you have not seen it

[@kennethward4985]

I saw that but we hardly need his opinion to recognize perfection. Her voice is striking.

[@piggy310]

I love Phil

[@secretivesomebody]

I cry as soon as I hear her. The songbird of sadness

[@ladylisaromance8129]

I can’t watch her without crying 😢

[@shelleymarie9874]

Amazing reaction from you ❤ Karen’s voice is amazing 🤩 her music 🎵 will always live on ….

[@pjones8404]

One of my all-time favorite singers ever. Her tone is pure magic. Her emotional delivery is exceptional. Her softness and gentle vibrato are nothing short of heavenly. If you don't feel anything when she sings, you aren't alive. One of the saddest losses in history. And one of the great songs ever written.

[@ZakhadWOW]

Superstar, Solitaire, Goodbye To Love, are basically the songs that evoke the most pathos for me, and I simply cannot resist (to save my life ven) singing along.. Her contralto works well with my baritone pitch.. I remember I had always felt such a powerful bond to her.. When she died I actually did go into a months long severe depression.

[@marylyn5965]

I love Karen's voice. It's like velvet. Not only do I like their everyday music, I love the Carpenter's Christmas albums. I always put on their Greatest Hits during Christmas dinner. "Merry Christmas Darling" is one of my favourites. They're all great though. 💜

[@OHsopositive]

Christmas Portraits - Best Christmas album of all time!

[@wholelottapurrring5392]

Any singer who can sing the lyrics 'calling occupants of interplanetary quite extraordinary craft' (feel free to correct accordingly) so effortlessly gets my vote. There is a purity and longing in her voice few if any have managed to replicate. Thank you for this video Georgina ❤ , take care xxxx

[@toms5996]

I just love The Carpenters.❤🇫🇮 Edit: thank you for mentioning ED and thus bringing awareness.

[@HonestVocalCoach]

You are very welcome. When I stopped dancing at 19 I really struggled with eating and ate very little for a good while until my to be husband helped make sure I ate proper meals.

[@cocofrancecisco2188]

Karen and rainy days and mondays are my all-time favorites.

[@scottgorski7931]

One take Karen, every performance was flawless.

[@JKDC97]

She’s right up there with Julie Andrews with having one of the most beautiful voices ever

[@Lori0Tas]

Everything I've read about her is that the mic loved her voice. That she actually was a very breathy singer, without amplification. She was a very small woman, all of 5'2", which made her deep tones even more remarkable. I grew up listening to, and playing, Carpenters music. Her death was indeed a tragedy, of monumental proportions. Our understanding of the immense toll taken on her and so many other women from standing in the spotlight, has taken decades to unfold. Vale Karen Carpenter, Superstar.

[@sheila6186]

Karen was 5' 4". Her brother, Richard, mentioned this many times.

[@bruschmidt9943]

I would say at times. In this performance she was singing out, pushing the lyrics with force. It wasn't all breathy softness. This was typical of how Karen sang earlier in their Career. We call it, "with an edge". From the mid 70's they "softened" her down, rounding off the 'edges' from her singing techniques. It was still beautiful, but not as dynamic & intriguing to me?

[@ZakhadWOW]

hmm as Stefani Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) is also 5'2" there seems to be something about those tiny women and huge voices.

[@bruschmidt9943]

Hi Georgina, Karen has stolen millions of hearts 💞, welcome to the Club! It would be great if you would react to her "(Place to) Hideaway" video showing her performance. Such a lovely but less known song, I fell in love with it on first listen! Karen's magic is transcendent.

[@carterwilson4605]

Yes, you can make an album of just hidden gems that a lot of people don't know about, including that one.

[@michaelcornwell7894]

Thanks so much! Her voice still is the one that seems so perfect it almost seems other worldly. Your analysis helped me understand why she is still my favorite singer that l first heard at 7 years old (just turned 59). Thanks again!

[@tomschmitz261]

agree with everything you posted as i'm about 57 and fell in love with her voice when i was a child and to this day is, remains and always will be my favorite female vocalist (not just a great "singer")..

[@Tim_Shu]

Favourite song defs gotta be Superstar, love the emotion. I remember the TV movie about her and the ending really ingrained in my mind, very sad, but beautiful music, thanks Georgina 💖🌈🤩

[@grambi]

Always loved Karen ❤ Her voice was beyond brilliant ❤

[@Danny_Delorean]

Her voice is like untempered gold simple divine a voice like no other

[@glenaberle8062]

After her death, her brother Richard said, "the world has lost the voice of an angel, but I have lost my best friend". I never met her, but through being totally absorbed by her amazing voice, I still feel gutted by her untimely death. Best female voice of all time.

[@idamarie1331]

To me her voice always sounds like velvet. Love it.

[@terrirobertson7821]

She didn't try to show off...She just sang. Masterclass perfection bar none!

[@nicolemarie6659]

Seems strange but as someone with a severe vocal disorder that appeared later in my life, I love watching your videos to help me better understand how the voice/vocal system works and how those with superior voices use them. I also really appreciate your diversity of videos, how you analyze everything from current pop music to some of the older hits. Thank you for what you do and keep on spreading joy as well as useful education to others

[@cwb1400]

So glad you did a video on her! I remember the carpenters and Karen’s amazing voice as the first music I ever heard as a very young child, like 3 years old. Their songs are my earliest memories of music.

[@mikehamilton5927]

Her voice is so pretty. She leaves me speechless.

[@kathypellette2509]

I agree in my head is usually superstar. Her voice just is lovely and clear that it just wants you to hear more. Then add the lush harmonies, its easy to see why they continue to be top sellers.

[@aubreyjeweltimlin6629]

I’m so excited you did a video on Karen Carpenter!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@garrettperkins9021]

I remember hearing her voice described as the sound of time. Thank you for a video about such a timeless, beautiful, tragic songstress.

[@christopherglover4784]

I love your channel and Karen Carpenter is my ALL time favourite singer so this is a real treat!

[@robertorossi521]

great analysis of the amazing voice of Karen Carpenter - her voice melts my soul as well

[@tompina4598]

Thank you for showcasing Karen Carpenter. Her music is timeless and still relevant to this day. Hopefully folks will remember her and celebrate her music vs her passing. Richard Carpenter wrote some great songs. Forever great nostalgia. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

[@katiehealybarcelon9070]

She was amazing. A natural, beautiful voice.

[@LHSnLA]

I loved watching this. Karen's voice is definitely one of the greatest ever- and I listen to her almost every day, usually at night before bed. I think you picked some of the best songs to highlight - though I also adore many others (Sing, Yesterday's Once More, I Believe You, I Need to Be In Love, etc.) Their greatest hits (1969-1981) is essential - but other collections such as "Lovelines" are also perfect. It would be really interesting if you did a reaction to her solo album - which should have been released when she was still alive! "If I Had You" could have been the first hit single. And some of the outtakes - such as "Something's Missing" - are so good too!

[@edselman58]

There are a number of great songs that the Carpenters recorded that are often overlooked.One that I love is from their..A kind of Hush album..called.."You".Her vocal range as a contralto shows her control of her voice.Also.."Ave Maria"..shows her gifted vocal range ability that not many can sing this version she did.

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

Really she was a drummer and singer, rather than the other way around. When you watch her drum she has so much joy, and she was one of the best too. I wish she'd been encouraged to do what made her happy. Her vocal tone is stunning but she was encouraged to stop drumming as it obscured the view of her. And yet she was one of the few who could do birth simultaneously! How cool is a drumming front woman?

[@esme6346]

It sounds like she has the smallest lisp which kinda adds. I used to sing her songs as a child, like you do. I didn't know she was so incredible then.

[@daviddrevicky5516]

Every time I hear Karen sing this song I get goose bumps. She sings this song so beautifully. She could sing anything and I will listen.

[@sunnyseacat6857]

One of the greatest vocal performances in recorded history. Her drummer's instincts exemplified through heartfelt emotion: amazing through and through. And was she only 20 when she recorded this song? Incredible.

[@ladylisaromance8129]

Goodbye to Love 😍 is a favorite of mine. But I love everything she sings. Superstar is amazing.

[@aisle_of_view]

One of the few singers that make my eyes well up in tears. There's a deep sadness in her voice underneath the happy lyrics.

[@jay_ooh]

The actor...Richard Chamberlain sang "Close To You"??? "The Thornbirds" guy???? lol I had noooo clue

[@hankstaines6568]

Before that Chamberlain was Doctor Kildare.

[@emmaannette9606]

Love this! Your overview of her career is awesome, love that you included her drumming, and her voice is transcendent. Superstar, both she and you! Thankyou!

[@billivee]

Super happy to see your lovely face recommended again, I hope you and your family are doing as well as can be. Your energy and humour has always radiated, I know nothing about music 🥴 but I truly enjoy and wish you all the success with your channel x

[@jackiehiebert7064]

Stunning. I had forgotten how great she was. Thanks for the reminder. The more of her, the better.

[@cliffordlowerre1381]

Perfection Personified! Pitch perfect before auto-tune and so heartfelt and emotional. Simply ANGELIC!

[@kristasmith6358]

I was in 5th grade when they released Close to you. Every young girls idea of “love” and We’ve Only just begun was common for high school seniors graduating and young newlywed’s starting their life together. Her voice was just enveloping, comforting, pure and pitch perfect.

[@Mjentertanment106]

Who else think her singing was beautiful and, the colors I imagine was, blue, gray, sky blue

[@gaetanoruberto1513]

Thank you for this reaction Georgina.......love Karen.... and of course sending you love from New York.....you're the best..... Cheers..... ❤️

[@eggy1962]

Greatest hits 1969 to 1973 was the album that introduced me to the Carpenters i was 12 at the time...i fell in love with their sound and always felt karen was singing to me personally...something thats shared by most of their fans, her vocal style was perfect and best diction of any singer i have ever heard.

[@jan-pieter3695]

The tempo in this time period is so much slower as we are used to nowadays, the slower tempo gives music a more calm en peaceful effect. My stepmother loved the Carpenters so i grew up with this music and i still love it. From time to time i still have to listen to it and it nevers looses the magic.

[@Jim1971a]

She’s amazing. Her voice give me goosebumps.

[@Lee-sv8su]

Superstar is my favourite too! Karen is incredible! Sending you lots of love ❤️

[@gemineyes2]

Omg I love Karen. A vocal angel 🖤🖤🖤

[@odettesummers8229]

I adore their music, after she passed it took me such a long time to be able to listen to them again. Same with any of my favourites who pass I don’t listen for ages.

[@Fuggetaboutit1776]

Karen Anne was an angel sent straight from heaven 💞 🌹 💖

[@2715bunky]

You remind me of actress Glenne Headly. I thoroughly enjoy your reactions! You have my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your daughter. ❤🙏🎶

[@karend169]

So beautiful.

[@gerlieannmanuel7283]

She's my all time fav.singer,too...i'm only 22yts.old but fell in love with KC since i was 10...she's my lady.

[@ridgebackdk]

her voice is probably the most instantly recognizable ever ,nobody sounds like karen ,,before or since.. very unique ..... her tone is silky smooth ... and what a drummer ,seriously good ....her low end is stunning ..she just has the ability to add so much mood just with her pitch and tone . been a fan since a child .

[@gabypitorra]

Me too!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@bobbygrey5834]

Finally you did an analysis of Karen! 🥰 Carpenters’ harmonies are really superior to most music acts in pop history. Such a pity that both Richard and A&M turned her solo album down. There are so many fascinating gems in that album like My Body Keeps Changing My Mind, Making Love in the Afternoon, Remember When Lovin’ Took All Night…

[@gregman1715]

One Of The Greatest Female Singer's Who Ever Lived❤️💔

[@nicolah.6481]

Your voice is so beautiful! Thank you for this, I hadn't heard her music before so this was lovely :D

[@masudashizue777]

I hope that 100 years from now they'll still be listening to the carpenters. They're timeless.

[@tedamjoke]

Love Karen Carpenter! The Carpenters Christmas Album is my all time favorite Xmas album 💕

[@DRaymore44]

I really like her song "Merry Christmas, Darling." It has such a beautiful melody and tone that only Karen Carpenter could have sung all those years ago. Someone posted that her brother Richard wrote the piece at 19 years old based on the lyrics from a friend who wrote a letter to his then-girlfriend. It has to be one of the best ever written and recorded pieces of Christmas music.

[@kathypellette2509]

I also love for all we know. Its so classic.

[@graffic13]

Every version of every song on the " if I were a carpenter" tribute album is amazing!!! Especially Sonic Youths " Super star"