She considered herself as a drummer who sang. There are a couple of videos that show her technical drumming skills. Being a percussionist myself, she was amazing.
Karen won a drummer pole in the 1970s, out-ranking John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. He wasn't pleased. “I’d like to have it publicized that I came in after Karen Carpenter in the Playboy drummer poll,” roars Bonzo as I entered the dressing room at the Chicago Stadium. “She couldn’t last ten minutes with a Zeppelin number,” he sneers. Source: Led Zeppelin Dances on Air, by Lisa Robinson, Led Zeppelin CREEM Special Edition, Winter 1980.
@@paulk9985 Maybe she couldn't lasted ten minutes drumming on a Led Zepplin song...but Bonham couldn't last TEN SECONDS singing on a Carpenters song! And she's a technical drummer who sings. So, maybe she's more talented than JB?
Thank you so much for covering the Carpenters. I have loved her voice my entire life and truly believe that if we had not lost her so many years ago, she would’ve dominated country and soft rock for decades. Her brother knew exactly how to write and showcase her voice for their group. Probably one of the greatest voices of our generation. So rich and clear and sweet that her voice just captivates.
I remember hearing when she passed, I went out to my truck and cried! I may be a metal head, nearly a 65 year old one at that...but I loved to listen to her music. She was amazing!
Karen sounded great live, like in this video, but the production of their recorded versions made their songs almost ethereal, with the expertly layered vocals of her and her brother, Richard. One of my very favorites is "Solitaire." Her vocals in it are outstanding...and full of emotion. It always gives me chills.
This live version is far superior to the recorded version precisely because there is no "double-tracking" of her voice on the lead vocal in the choruses on this live rendition - on the record she oversings or doubles her own voice during the choruses, which hides and distorts the incredible - no, incomparable - beauty of that voice - here we hear the pure, natural, resonant voice at it's very best. This is one of the greatest live performances of a song we will ever experience! No one singing today can touch her.
Will always love her voice, it touches the heart and soul. Listening to her sing now brings tears to my eyes. Tears for the lasting legacy of her music. Tears for her life cut short. So precious to hear.
Karen s my all time favorite singer - ever. She sings all her songs so beautifully. She passed away so young. She did however leave her gorgeous voice and legacy for us to enjoy these past 40 years since that sad time.
Karen was the total package, one of the best drummers I've ever heard, she was beautiful with the voice of an angel, if there is such a thing it was Karen.
Been listening to this since I was a child laying down near my record playing. Had the record jacket open & sang along to all the lyrics. She’s phenomenal. A permanent album on my playlist of classic faves.
I’ve always described her voice as liquid velvet. Well, attempted to describe. It was truly one of a kind… and silenced far too soon😔 Check out her medley duet w Ella Fitzgerald! A little peek into what Heaven must sound like I like to believe🥰 Stay safe & love much💖
I am specifically interested in this VERY specific type of content 😁 More Carpenters please. Beyond Karen's amazing vocals and the great harmonies, Karen is also a world class drummer. You should check out her drum solo video.
Your face while you watched her was just everything. I'm such a huge Karen fan and have been since I was a little girl. It's just so fun to see someone enjoying and appreciating her.
I always interpreted this song as a fan talking about her favorite artist on the radio & how he made her feel. Then I read that it is about a woman who fell for a musician traveling through her town. They spent one night together & then he moved along but she couldn't get over it. I was close! 😊
Rainy Days and Mondays - Ticket to Ride - Yesterday Once More - You're The One - For All We Know - Desperado - Leave Yesterday Behind - Medley with Ella Fitzgerald
Mr. Lloyd, I’m so glad you are delving into Richard and Karen Carpenter, the brother and sister duo who left us with some of the most beautiful music ever. Two that stand out for me are Mr. Guder, which captures the duos beautiful harmonies. The other is, Solitaire. This one highlights the depth and beauty of Karen Carpenter’s rich vocal abilities. Take a listen when you have time.
karens is the greatest female voice ever she has perfect pitch (no autotune) and her emotions come from inside her,she has a tear in her voice,because of the anorexia she was suffering from.i suggest,rainy days and mondays, solitaire ,we have only just begun, masquerade, now, only yesterday ,or many others
💎 When it comes to the purest most crystal clear female voices, it’s Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald for me. They’re unparalleled. 💎 P.S. Luther Vandross and Ruben Studdard have amazing renditions of this song as well.
Another Vlogger on youtube did some tests on singers that use auto tune then took auto tune off. what a difference! Well he tested Karen Carpenter, they didn't have auto tune then. But he looked at the wave forms of her voice and was stunned. She truly has the voice of an Angel!!! Look for his posts they are under Wings of Pegasus.
The next song from them has got to be either "We've Only Just Begun" (the video where she's sitting inside a giant letter "O"), or, "Rainy Days and Mondays" (the video where she's playing the drums).
I believe that performance was on a TV show. Karen’s voice is smooth as butter,but also warm and expertly expressive. I enjoy watching people discover her. 🙂
Karen...she NEVER fails to make me tear up...mixed emotions of course. The BEAUTY of the music and her voice...and the sadness she passed way too young...
Check out the cover of this song by Sonic Youth. After hearing their version I realized that this isn't a love song, it's a song about a fan obsessed with a musician she's heard. They believe that the musician was talking to them directly when they said "I love you" in their song. This is some Misery type fan obsession.
Her voice takes me back to my childhood evokes so many memories ... and brings the tears. Also this song is featured in a hilarious scene of "Tommy Boyc --- look it up!
@@johnb.2518 it is a backing track on this one, but the vocals are live, when analysed alongside the studio vocal its extremely close which showed karen’s amazing talent.
@@eggy1962 well, I'm assuming the band was playing live on Superstar, but I really don't know for sure - I have to admit that it might have been a pre-recorded track that the band was faking - they seem to have played everything else on that show live... she was definitely live on the vocal...
Thank you for reacting to one of the most beautiful songs that Karen sang! I believe her brother, Richard, wrote most of their songs, along with Karen's input. This song takes me back to my teenage years, and although I was more into hard rock and the beginning years of heavy metal, OMG...I can remember slow dancing with a girl I liked and having tears roll down my cheeks! Karen's voice was so beautiful and she sang her songs like she was singing them to me! Thanks!! I just subscribed!!
Thank you! Glad you finally listened to a Carpenters song with a fairly good recording so you could actually hear how amazing Karen’s voice is/was and how enjoyable a Carpenters song really can be. There are plenty more, if you’re so inclined. During a time when they were competing for air time with loud bands and kids who blasted their parents out of the den with speakers the size of refrigerators, The Carpenters, through beautiful arrangements of a variety of songs styles, were one of the most successful bands in the late ‘60’s through the 70’s.
This version, and the one that Luther Vandross does are both fantastic. Luther puts this song in a different level, but Mrs Carpenter does such a great job. It’s almost an entirely different song
Richard was a great musician and a genius with composition and arrangements. Karen and Richard did all of the background vocals. Taking days to record each song. That was a major part of their unique sound.
A british guitarist and music critic studied waveforms of her singing live and recorded, and the similarity was striking. She hit her pitch about as well as anyone, ever. The closest to sonic perfection you can get, imo.
Desperado is haunting, but never requested because I listened to it on my album. It was a cover of an Eagles song, which DID play on the radio. The Carpenters' cover never did, and no reactors ever try it. Just thought I'd throw it in there. Liked your reaction. You have a great smile and manner. :)
That angel should still be with us! She would only be 73 now. If Mick and Keith can still be be touring at 79(!), Karen might have still been touring now! What a tragedy. She left us a Gift with these recordings and videos.
This song composed by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell is titled "Groupie (Superstar)" and was first performed by Delaney and Bonnie. The original line is - "and I can hardly wait to sleep with you again." The extremely common story in the 1960's - Girl sleeps with a rock star, he says he loves her, then he moves on after the show leaving her hanging. Richard Carpenter changed the word "sleep" to "be" because he felt it was too risque for their image. But the sad story remains the same.
You should listen to her very last album; voice of the Heart. All of the songs are amazing as always; but it is the one entitled "Now" was her very last recorded song; that song is tough to listen to but is amazingly, hauntingly beautiful. I wonder if you can listen to it without tearing up? I know I can't listen all the way without bawling my eyes out.
Saw Karen sing and drum in 1972 .One of the greatest female singers of all time and one of the greatest drummer/singers too .She broke the glass ceiling ..She died in 1983 at the age of 32 from complications from Anorexia .She died of a heart attack .Other songs to listen too tiny Days and Mondays ,Solitaire ,her cover of Help where she drums and sings .She had at least a 3 octave range .
Leon co-wrote "Superstar." Writing credit on the original was just to Bonnie Bramlett & Leon Russell (released as a single, Dec. 1969 by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends). Delaney Bramlett later also gained writing credit & Rita Coolidge has since said she should have been credited too.
Karen was the most amazing performer, she would have been happier just playing her drums then up front singing. We lost her in such a sad way and far to soon.
Her voice was just like honey laced with butter! What a damn shame it was about her! After all of these years I still get a little misty eyed when I see a clip of her. I was 22 years old when they hit the scene.
I'd love it if you'd review Dan Fogelberg's songs, Netherlands and Phoenix. They don't get played as much as his hits, but they are great. They show the huge swing he has in his music. From ballads to rock to multiple genres. He was so talented.
The Carpenters version of this song is my favorite, but Bette Midler and Bonnie Bramlett both have very good versions as well. You just can't go wrong with Karen's angelic voice and Richard's stellar arrangements, though!
![FIRST TIME HEARING Carpenters - [They Long To Be] Close To You](/img/1.gif)
Watching you fall in love with her talent and unmatchable voice reminded me how we ALL fell in love with her in the 70’s.
She considered herself as a drummer who sang. There are a couple of videos that show her technical drumming skills. Being a percussionist myself, she was amazing.
Drumming is what brought her joy.
She was not comfortable in front, her drum kit was zone, she was amazing.
Karen won a drummer pole in the 1970s, out-ranking John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. He wasn't pleased. “I’d like to have it publicized that I came in after Karen Carpenter in the Playboy drummer poll,” roars Bonzo as I entered the dressing room at the Chicago Stadium. “She couldn’t last ten minutes with a Zeppelin number,” he sneers. Source: Led Zeppelin Dances on Air, by Lisa Robinson, Led Zeppelin CREEM Special Edition, Winter 1980.
@@paulk9985 Maybe she couldn't lasted ten minutes drumming on a Led Zepplin song...but Bonham couldn't last TEN SECONDS singing on a Carpenters song!
And she's a technical drummer who sings. So, maybe she's more talented than JB?
I knew her when I was a child. It absolutely moves me when people remember her.
Her beauty.
Karen was a beautiful person. She sounded like an angel with her pure voice. Her life was so sad. I cried when she passed away.
This LIVE version, is even better than the record. This is just so wonderful
Thank you so much for covering the Carpenters. I have loved her voice my entire life and truly believe that if we had not lost her so many years ago, she would’ve dominated country and soft rock for decades. Her brother knew exactly how to write and showcase her voice for their group. Probably one of the greatest voices of our generation. So rich and clear and sweet that her voice just captivates.
I remember hearing when she passed, I went out to my truck and cried! I may be a metal head, nearly a 65 year old one at that...but I loved to listen to her music. She was amazing!
Best female voice ever. She was known for having perfect pitch and you can hear that!
One of the greatest female vocalists of all-time. Nobody sounds like her.
Karen was/is a Superstar. And this is live too. She was only 32 when she left us, but thanks to channel's like these, she lives on. 🎶❤🎶❤🎶❤
This is live. No auto tune, dubbing, or lip synching. The AMAZING Karen Carpenter!!
Karen sounded great live, like in this video, but the production of their recorded versions made their songs almost ethereal, with the expertly layered vocals of her and her brother, Richard. One of my very favorites is "Solitaire." Her vocals in it are outstanding...and full of emotion. It always gives me chills.
And, it doesn't hurt that it's a great song by Neil Sedaka to begin with. What an incredible combination, her voice and his words.
This live version is far superior to the recorded version precisely because there is no "double-tracking" of her voice on the lead vocal in the choruses on this live rendition - on the record she oversings or doubles her own voice during the choruses, which hides and distorts the incredible - no, incomparable - beauty of that voice - here we hear the pure, natural, resonant voice at it's very best. This is one of the greatest live performances of a song we will ever experience! No one singing today can touch her.
@@KevinRCarr It was actually written by Bonnie Bramlett, Leon Russell and Delany Bramlett.
@@m.gideonhoyle409 no, I was responding the the comment above about the song Solitaire, which was written by Neil Sedaka.
@@KevinRCarr Gotcha...
Will always love her voice, it touches the heart and soul. Listening to her sing now brings tears to my eyes. Tears for the lasting legacy of her music. Tears for her life cut short. So precious to hear.
Exactly!!
I wonder what she’d be like now? Such a beautiful voice. She was the whole package.
“Rainy days and Mondays” and “we’ve only just begun”. Also, on the side, please check our “she’s Gone” by Hall and Oates!
One of the best female voices of all time
Karen s my all time favorite singer - ever. She sings all her songs so beautifully. She passed away so young. She did however leave her gorgeous voice and legacy for us to enjoy these past 40 years since that sad time.
Her voice was the most amazing and pure that I have ever heard. We tragically lost her as a very young age. She will never be forgotten.
Karen was the total package, one of the best drummers I've ever heard, she was beautiful with the voice of an angel, if there is such a thing it was Karen.
Hey alright! I'm so glad to hear you appreciating her voice. She visited for a short time here with that angelic, soul filled voice....
Greatest voice ever! Loved the way you smiled as she began singing.
Me too, beautiful smile
Been listening to this since I was a child laying down near my record playing. Had the record jacket open & sang along to all the lyrics.
She’s phenomenal. A permanent album on my playlist of classic faves.
She was like an angel. I can remember hearing this song on the car radio in the early '70s and it just blew you away. Still does 50 years later.
So so glad you revisited the Carpenters! Karen's voice is pure gold.
Effortless perfection....that's what I hear in Karen's beautiful voice. She was one in a billion. RIP sweet angel.
I liken her voice to audible butter. It was so warm and familiar, like we knew her and she cared.
Have a great day.
I’ve always described her voice as liquid velvet. Well, attempted to describe. It was truly one of a kind… and silenced far too soon😔
Check out her medley duet w Ella Fitzgerald! A little peek into what Heaven must sound like I like to believe🥰
Stay safe & love much💖
Her diction when singing was so tremendous that you could always tell exactly what she was singing. No lyrics required.
I am specifically interested in this VERY specific type of content 😁
More Carpenters please.
Beyond Karen's amazing vocals and the great harmonies, Karen is also a world class drummer. You should check out her drum solo video.
Thank you MrLboyd for appreciating brilliant music and Karen's voice. Thanks for keeping the Carpenters genius front and center.
Karen's voice is one of those timless voices that you recognize instantly, once you've heard it. Her story is such a sad one.
Your face while you watched her was just everything. I'm such a huge Karen fan and have been since I was a little girl. It's just so fun to see someone enjoying and appreciating her.
I love the Carpenters. Top favorite Artist. RIP. Love your reaction ♥. Thx for sharing
I always interpreted this song as a fan talking about her favorite artist on the radio & how he made her feel. Then I read that it is about a woman who fell for a musician traveling through her town. They spent one night together & then he moved along but she couldn't get over it. I was close! 😊
Rainy Days and Mondays - Ticket to Ride - Yesterday Once More - You're The One - For All We Know - Desperado - Leave Yesterday Behind - Medley with Ella Fitzgerald
Mr. Lloyd, I’m so glad you are delving into Richard and Karen Carpenter, the brother and sister duo who left us with some of the most beautiful music ever. Two that stand out for me are Mr. Guder, which captures the duos beautiful harmonies. The other is, Solitaire. This one highlights the depth and beauty of Karen Carpenter’s rich vocal abilities. Take a listen when you have time.
Goosebumps!! Every. Single. Time. Been listening since the early 70’s 💕
karens is the greatest female voice ever she has perfect pitch (no autotune) and her emotions come from inside her,she has a tear in her voice,because of the anorexia she was suffering from.i suggest,rainy days and mondays, solitaire ,we have only just begun, masquerade, now, only yesterday ,or many others
💎 When it comes to the purest most crystal clear female voices, it’s Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald for me. They’re unparalleled. 💎
P.S. Luther Vandross and Ruben Studdard have amazing renditions of this song as well.
Another Vlogger on youtube did some tests on singers that use auto tune then took auto tune off. what a difference! Well he tested Karen Carpenter, they didn't have auto tune then. But he looked at the wave forms of her voice and was stunned. She truly has the voice of an Angel!!! Look for his posts they are under Wings of Pegasus.
If you like this song, I suggest you react to their song Masquerade. It showcases her voice even more.
The next song from them has got to be either "We've Only Just Begun" (the video where she's sitting inside a giant letter "O"), or, "Rainy Days and Mondays" (the video where she's playing the drums).
Richard Carpenters music arrangements and Karen Carpenters vocals rap you in velvet. They were amazing performers.
We lost her far too soon. A lovely voice. Thanks for your review.
I believe that performance was on a TV show. Karen’s voice is smooth as butter,but also warm and expertly expressive. I enjoy watching people discover her. 🙂
From a BBC TV show in 1971 - the entire show is available on RUclips and a great watch!
Shout out to her brother Richard Carpenter for another amazing musical arrangement
Karen...she NEVER fails to make me tear up...mixed emotions of course. The BEAUTY of the music and her voice...and the sadness she passed way too young...
Check out the cover of this song by Sonic Youth. After hearing their version I realized that this isn't a love song, it's a song about a fan obsessed with a musician she's heard. They believe that the musician was talking to them directly when they said "I love you" in their song. This is some Misery type fan obsession.
Unparalleled.
My favorite Carpenters song. Never get tired of hearing it.
Now that you have seen this live version, the studio single version is "Must Hear".
She, along with Judith Durham from the Seekers, have absolutely PURE voices.
Great Music. Thanks for your comments.
Her voice takes me back to my childhood evokes so many memories ... and brings the tears.
Also this song is featured in a hilarious scene of "Tommy Boyc --- look it up!
Beautiful.
She is singing live here to a backing track. Her live vocals are just as amazing as her studio.
Not a backing track - a live band...
@@johnb.2518 it is a backing track on this one, but the vocals are live, when analysed alongside the studio vocal its extremely close which showed karen’s amazing talent.
@@eggy1962 the entire show (BBC, 1971) featured the Carpenters' band live - including this song...
@@johnb.2518 i stand corrected, it was also common practise then to also perform to pre recorded backing tracks
@@eggy1962 well, I'm assuming the band was playing live on Superstar, but I really don't know for sure - I have to admit that it might have been a pre-recorded track that the band was faking - they seem to have played everything else on that show live... she was definitely live on the vocal...
Thank you for reacting to one of the most beautiful songs that Karen sang! I believe her brother, Richard, wrote most of their songs, along with Karen's input.
This song takes me back to my teenage years, and although I was more into hard rock and the beginning years of heavy metal, OMG...I can remember slow dancing with a girl I liked and having tears roll down my cheeks! Karen's voice was so beautiful and she sang her songs like she was singing them to me!
Thanks!! I just subscribed!!
most of the comments from several channels say she is the best of the best female singers ever!! and i have to agree!!
I loved your expression when you look into the camera. And when you are shaking your head along to the music and feeling it.
One of our best singers.
Thank you! Glad you finally listened to a Carpenters song with a fairly good recording so you could actually hear how amazing Karen’s voice is/was and how enjoyable a Carpenters song really can be. There are plenty more, if you’re so inclined. During a time when they were competing for air time with loud bands and kids who blasted their parents out of the den with speakers the size of refrigerators, The Carpenters, through beautiful arrangements of a variety of songs styles, were one of the most successful bands in the late ‘60’s through the 70’s.
This version, and the one that Luther Vandross does are both fantastic.
Luther puts this song in a different level, but Mrs Carpenter does such a great job. It’s almost an entirely different song
Richard was a great musician and a genius with composition and arrangements. Karen and Richard did all of the background vocals. Taking days to record each song. That was a major part of their unique sound.
Her voice melts me
There's a duet performance between Karen and Ella Fitzgerald that's amazing, you can find it on youtube.
A british guitarist and music critic studied waveforms of her singing live and recorded, and the similarity was striking. She hit her pitch about as well as anyone, ever. The closest to sonic perfection you can get, imo.
Awesome singer … this brings back memories…
Rainy Days and Mondays from the same year (1971).
Karen had a beautiful and natural voice.
Karen had a voice like a bird.🙏😍 Check out Better Midler's version - another powerhouse female vocalist.
Loved your reaction. Thank you.
Please do SING A SONG LIVE in Japan by Carpenters !!!
Amazing voice
Elegant describes her best
Desperado is haunting, but never requested because I listened to it on my album. It was a cover of an Eagles song, which DID play on the radio. The Carpenters' cover never did, and no reactors ever try it. Just thought I'd throw it in there. Liked your reaction. You have a great smile and manner. :)
I love the Carpenters
That angel should still be with us! She would only be 73 now. If Mick and Keith can still be be touring at 79(!), Karen might have still been touring now! What a tragedy. She left us a Gift with these recordings and videos.
Great song written by Leon Russell and Bonnie bramlett.
This song composed by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell is titled "Groupie (Superstar)" and was first performed by Delaney and Bonnie. The original line is - "and I can hardly wait to sleep with you again." The extremely common story in the 1960's - Girl sleeps with a rock star, he says he loves her, then he moves on after the show leaving her hanging. Richard Carpenter changed the word "sleep" to "be" because he felt it was too risque for their image. But the sad story remains the same.
Proud of The Carpenters from my hometown, New Haven, Karen was so incredible. No One has had a voice like Karen.
You should listen to her very last album; voice of the Heart. All of the songs are amazing as always; but it is the one entitled "Now" was her very last recorded song; that song is tough to listen to but is amazingly, hauntingly beautiful. I wonder if you can listen to it without tearing up? I know I can't listen all the way without bawling my eyes out.
Saw Karen sing and drum in 1972 .One of the greatest female singers of all time and one of the greatest drummer/singers too .She broke the glass ceiling ..She died in 1983 at the age of 32 from complications from Anorexia .She died of a heart attack .Other songs to listen too tiny Days and Mondays ,Solitaire ,her cover of Help where she drums and sings .She had at least a 3 octave range .
Love them 💕💕
Written by the legend Leon Russell...great reaction !
Leon co-wrote "Superstar." Writing credit on the original was just to Bonnie Bramlett & Leon Russell (released as a single, Dec. 1969 by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends). Delaney Bramlett later also gained writing credit & Rita Coolidge has since said she should have been credited too.
Great reaction Mr.Lloyd, really enjoyed that!
Her brother assembled and arranger all of her hits he should get credit also
Both of them were perfectionists.
Karen was the most amazing performer, she would have been happier just playing her drums then up front singing. We lost her in such a sad way and far to soon.
Her voice was just like honey laced with butter! What a damn shame it was about her! After all of these years I still get a little misty eyed when I see a clip of her. I was 22 years old when they hit the scene.
She was the best!
She was the best female voice of her generation. Such a sad story.
SOLITAIRE!
You should hear the studio version of Superstar.
I'd love it if you'd review Dan Fogelberg's songs, Netherlands and Phoenix. They don't get played as much as his hits, but they are great. They show the huge swing he has in his music. From ballads to rock to multiple genres. He was so talented.
Sonic Youth recorded that song. It's pretty nice.
Her voice was like Elvis both were nearly perfect never should be auto toned either one
One note and it couldn't be anyone else.
Breath control and tone... used to be big (Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby)... she is a favourite of opera singers, voice teachers.
Check out the Burt Bacharach medley 1972 ,Australia in black and white and you will hear and see what I heard and saw in 1972
It's like butter....
The Carpenters version of this song is my favorite, but Bette Midler and Bonnie Bramlett both have very good versions as well. You just can't go wrong with Karen's angelic voice and Richard's stellar arrangements, though!
WOW
Please try her heartache songs like "Goodbye to Love"