OK, that is an overstatement to me. Yes, past artists had less gimmicks. Still Beyonce, Adele, Lady Gaga can all sing wonderfully live. Times have changed, but talent is still there!
+Lori Miller She did but she was also a perfectionist in her music and lifestyle. She tried to have a 'twiggy' model figure but her naturally wide hips and broad shoulders made it impossible to achieve but she wouldnt give up. By today's standards her figure would have been celebrated, big booty. We have to be happy with what we have and work with it. Not all body frames are the same.
+NiteRider Band I don't think she got enough love as a child. It hurts to the core when your own mother doesn't think you're the greatest. I believe she suffered from the low self-esteem that comes from not being adored by family at an early age. Sad because she was great, she just didn't know it.
As the story goes, her brother Richard was the considered the star of the family & she was "just his sister". They were both extremely talented. As it turned out she had "The Voice" which was a gift from god. Richard had talent to showcase it . Although the music sounds a bit hokie by todays standards it still holds up, many decades later.
She had a weight gain problem and over the counter drugs helped her lose weight. She was a perfectionist and very aware of her presentation. She didn't want to be chubby unfortunately the drugs she was abusing damaged her heart and killed her. Had she knew the damage caused by the drugs I am convinced she would have never used them.
I think it went beyond that. All the things she did2 lose weight also added years (20+ years by the time she was 31) to her appearance. Just looking at her at age 31 (again, she didn't see this?) was enuff2 make me cry.
Pete Zereeah So true. I think my favorite single note in the history of pop music is when she sings the word "wait" around 2:11. She was truly an astoundingly talented singer.
One of the first 78's I got, and I was born in 1966, so I remember them, was a Carpenter's album. Once she starts you know who it is immediately! It can't be anyone else!!
This was part of a live BBC performance in 1971. No studio enhancements, no autotune, just pure, unadulterated, pitch perfect vocal perfection. If you closed your eyes, one note in, you know it's Karen Carpenter. Who else sounded like that? No one.
Check this group. One of their stars, Ksenia honors Karen with this cover. You can't replace her but I think this is special. ruclips.net/video/JhWrggrJ20I/видео.htmlsi=zO1GiuosNTjqdCmg
If this song and performance does not touch your very soul, then you have no soul. Quite honestly the best female vocalist the world has seen. Effortless purity.
As a father I want to go back in time and tell her she's a generational singer! Nobody sounds like that, then or now. Her story is tragic, can you imagine the songs we missed because of her early passing?
YOU ARE SO RIGHT - LOOK HOW MANY YEARS IT'S BEEN SINCE THEY ROLLED OUT THE HITS IN THE 70'S! I WAS A RECORDING ENGINEER (MIXER) AT #1 STUDIO 'EVERGREEN' L.A. WHEN THEY WERE AT THE END OF THEIR CAREER - IF ONLY THEY HAD TAKEN THE HUGE OFFER TO LEAVE A&M RECORDS TO GO WITH 'QUINCY JONES' > THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN AT EVERGREEN & HARRY NILSSON - TOOK OVER THE BEATLES - WHO PRACTICALLY LIVED WITH US AT EVERGREEN
Sir. Please don't forget that Yoko Ono was her voice coach. I respect Karen's voice,but please don't forget it was Yoko who put her on top. Richard was just along for the ride.
Summer 1971. I was working during the Toronto CNE at a greasy spoon diner next to the stadium. I stepped out to take a break while The Carpenters were performing. I listened to this song. Hauntingly beautiful. Couldn't see a thing but the sound, the night air, the fairground smells of that late August night are with me still.
This "live" recording is very much appreciated. It is so close to what the actual studio recording sounds like. Not many artists today can pull something like this off. This woman has one of the greatest voices ever. She may not have wanted to be front and center but that is definitely where she belonged.
@@goranyau1122 live vocal, probable backtrack music, but you can if listening closely pickup slight variations and they are slight.... what is missing of course are the strong backing vocals which were multi recorded
Definitely live vocal, probably has backing tracks for the trumpets and strings at the least. But her phrasing is not identical to the record and there are backing vocals missing that were in the studio version. This is definitely live vocal - and I'm really glad of it because it is so great to hear how good she really was.
Yes 🙌🏽- and FINALLY THERES someone who sounds almost exactly like her‼️ her name is Tori Golub Here - she sings a bit of “We’ve Only Just Begun” ruclips.net/user/shorts6eB4ebLI2uY?si=67CpRwGZoWi2hjPh
This is the best performance I've seen of anyone doing anything. So much emotion radiating out of these big brown eyes, so sad and fragile. She was too good for this world, too good for us. Rest in peace Karen.
Bettie Powe Depends on what you mean as best. Karen had the best tone to her voice. It was like velvet & crystal combined. Vocal control and acrobatics... then I would go with Whitney. She also had great tone but not on the level of Karen Carpenter. Whitney sang the best version of the Star Spangled banner of all time. Still my favorite version and makes me tear up everytime I listen to it. Just sWEEEt! She was a beautiful talent as well. Life ended badly for them both, what a loss for all of us.
TheRealJohnDoe Yes, there are all kinds of entertaining. Whitney had a belting, "head" voice. Her performances often struggled to stay on pitch-- hence the "acrobatics." Karen had incredible vocal and breathing technique. She can hold long, clear notes, then add vibrato for another 3 measures! Find a bad performance, even near her death.
John X FYI.....as managing director of Bill Reed Voice Studio, you should know that "head voice" and "belting" are not the same thing. They are actually exact opposites. Head voice implies singing above one's break. Classical singers sing primarily in their head voice. Belting, on the other hand, is one's natural outdoor calling voice. It's also referred to as one's chest voice. Broadway singers and many pop singers are known for their belting skills. When one uses both their head voice and belting voice together (with no break), it is called the mixed voice. Karen used her mix voice to perfection, which results in the rich velvety tone that characterized her voice.
@@johngraham5543 As I said before, Patsy Cline. Judith Durham, Timi Yuro and Sonya Isaacs are her equal or in some cases her superior. Just flexing my right to my opinion.
you can just feel her soul and coincide with the sadness we all carry in this world, yet its so endearing healing and eternal. Like shes singing to all of us like an Angel. I wont talk greatest/all time talk but from a lyricism standpoint and just how emotionally she connects on HIFI id call her talent on the level of a Miracle to mankind. Something that just goes beyond talent/qualitative aspects of music.
@@patuberTVI’m 25 years old and 60s and 70s music (and cars) holds a special place for me. It stands alone because it is timeless. It might not be mainstream but people will remember. The Doors. Lamborghini Miura. Beautiful.
Her talent is staggering. Her tone and pitch changes are perfect. Her inflection is rare for popular music. Her tone and pitch change at 2:28 is impressive...clearly natural talent..
Karen normally sang as a contralto, but she had the rare ability to transition from that more typical female register to a much lower range-something she called her “basement.” Thanks to Richard's songwriting and song selection, her basement voice was used masterfully on music that tended toward the melancholy,
She was a very savvy (musically speaking) perfectionist. She knew how to hold each note just long enough--no rushing. Although her voice IS a one-in-a-million voice, it is her innate awareness and singing style that makes her so incredibly exceptional. A musical genius at multiple levels.
Karen normally sang as a contralto, but she had the rare ability to transition from that more typical female register to a much lower range-something she called her “basement.” Thanks to Richard's songwriting and song selection, her basement voice was used masterfully on music that tended toward the melancholy,
@@RainCloud848 Richard knew her 'basement' voice was exceptional. If he hadn't reworked so many songs to accommodate her lower register, she might not have achieved the musical distinction that she did. Their work together is a stellar example of a sparkling talent carefully maneuvered into superstardom. I personally would have liked to see her pull away from pop music and into a more sultry jazz genre. 'Masquerade' is one of my favorite songs.
SHE is one of the few singers in the world who was able to sing low notes efficiently. IN fact she reigned supreme on singing low notes . MOST of the famous singers even have / had problems producing same degree of excellence while singing low notes . IT specially happens when a high note of a song plunges to a low note and requires to remain there between three and seven seconds -- here most of the singers find themselves in an unknown territory but LATE KAREN CARPENTER was different and exclusive. AND of course her mellifluous voice which still enthralls the audience UP AND DOWN THE WORLD. INDEED, A RARE VOICE.
She had a 3 octave range - and shows her high range on most of her background vocals and especially on their Christmas album- but she humorously admitted “the money is in the BASEMENT” (meaning her songs that showed her languid rich clear LOW tones - were the songs that soared to the top of the charts) 📈
@@reggaefan2700 I listened to Bonnie's recording and her singing requires jazz affectation to compensate for her lack of clarity and range. Karen voice was as clear as a bell, and she infused emotion into each perfect note. Both women could tell a story in their singing, but only Karen could deliver melodic clarity and feeling to such a degree that this live performance sounded like it was a studio recording.
I’m 69 years she was an idol to me and everyone in middle school and we all grew up with her BEAUTIFUL VOICE . I still listen to her songs to this day .
Same hear. I loved her voice even when I was mainly listening to rock in the 70's, good ole high school days. It makes me sad that she had to leave at such a young age, we've missed out on a lot of Karens music. She'd probably still be singing.
You can tell she was deeply and beautifully somewhere else during this performance. I wish I could have given her a hug telling her "Karen ... You're so beautiful, it's going t be OK ."
John Lennon was going to a store.Just as Karen Carpenter was exiting the same store! He said to her something like." "You can sing well girl!" And they went their seperate ways! She was a beautiful, great musical talent! That was truly a joy to listen to!
The clarity and precision of Karen’s voice makes her passing all the more tragic. The fact that we are still listening is a tribute to their talent and timeless style.
One of the greatest female singers of all time. Her voice and singing were perfect. All Karen Carpenter fans miss you terribly. Keep singing for the Lord in heaven Karen
Such a beautiful elegant woman. I have NEVER heard anyone sing like Karen. NEVER. Today’s pop singers are more concerned with screeching & looking sexy. Karen was very sexy & her voice - pure, low, clear - is something we’ll never hear the likes of again.
Glorious and Elegant yet Relatable and Captivating! Guess what? There’s FINALLY a brand new singer that sounds Like KAREN!! Her name is Tori Golub Here she sings a bit of “We’ve Only Just Begun” ruclips.net/user/shorts6eB4ebLI2uY?si=67CpRwGZoWi2hjPh
Unbelievable voice! I’m 60 plus and hearing her sing (especially this song) still brings me to tears! An amazing instrument she was blessed with....so sad she couldn’t hang on to life R. I. P
The most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Even the best female vocalist today cannot hold a candle to Karen Carpenter, and to think that singing wasn't what she really wanted to do! What an amazing talent. It's a pure tragedy that she's gone.
When most celebrities pass away my reaction is "Oh, that's sad." When Karen Carpenter passed away it felt like somebody had punched me in the stomach. I knew how much the world had lost.
Her voice is like medicine for the soul. Gosh, her voice still moves me to tears, even after all these years. She was such a treasure, plus her brother with his perfect arrangements.
@@renarga6886 the greatest hits 1969 to 1973 album has been ingrained into my body since i was 12 yrs old, its still there at 58, no one has ever come close
Karen Carpenter had a phenomenal golden voice that just pierced right through my heart. She was angelic and authentic. I hope that Karen Carpenter will RIP, in the Heavens up above.
This was my favourite song by the Carpenters. To me, Karen was one of the best female vocalists, no best vocalists of all time. She had an amazing voice. RIP you beautiful woman.
This is probably my favorite song by her. Also up there Rainy Days and Mondays. Really showcases her voice, the emotion, the purity and beauty of her tone.
My favorite too, although the sadness in her voice is overwhelming. Her disease (anorexia) starts out about wanting to lose weight for a legitimate reason, but morphs into a power struggle with yourself and an effort to totally control one aspect of life to the exclusion of all others. You don’t “see” yourself anymore, you see a challenge. Are you disciplined enough to get juuuust a little thinner? And you think you’re winning, while you’re actually losing your LIFE. It’s horrific.
Haunting, sad, powerful, inspirational, moving and just plain awesome performance. I was astounded this was live . . . she sounded so good. Notice her cute hip dance from 2:53 - 3:08, she loved to perform and it showed! I just recently became a fan, my 8 and 11 year old boys are singing their tunes around the house!
Ok. You’re a recent fan, so I just wanted to tell you…..don’t neglect the awesome music on their lp’s that wasn’t played on the radio, but was every bit as good as the hits. Their first lps were their best, but they were all pretty good.
Karen Carpenter can actually bring tears to my eyes. I wish she were still here to teach others. She surely knew how to sell a song. Here brother also a remarkable talent.
I'm only 23 and I play their CD in my car and I study to the Carpenters. Her voice and their music is so pure. When I was little, my mom would sing me their songs and it's how I feel asleep. We need more talent like this today. You are missed by many Karen. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
karen is unique in that she always sounds better than one remembers - easily the most talented musician since Mozart, and yes, all of us who grew up with her miss her terribly ...
Wonder if in 2050 people will still listen to these Carpenter songs. The songs will be almost 80-90 years old, but are just so soothing. But here we are 40ish years later listening.
Certainly!! Quality music will always have an impact on anyone with good taste... ; consider Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Chopin, etc. Also, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, ... you get the picture. Anyway, I hope that this is the case. Barney
This song reminds me of how little love there is in the world...People are so afraid to care about each other and forgive! The video is beautifully done...Karen was such a beautiful talent.
There's plenty of Love it is just usually for someone else! Karen was great and so in the reincarnation belief ( Lord, 2005 'as not in this lifetime') who is she now, a star as Taylor or just your next door neighbor singing in her home that no-one ever hears?
Sadly, I think you are right. I sometimes think we are afraid of one another. I don't think forgiveness comes into it. We cannot do it. Once a person has made a decision to move on, that is it. In films misunderstandings miraculously get cleared up, differences get resolved, love conquers all. In real life the waters are much muddier. Also people can harden in their stance and hate. That is way easier than trying to imaginatively put yourself in someone else's shoes.
una mckillen I think more we are afraid we will fail or that the other will ask too much of us. I'm a loner, been a loner, will be a loner, it's written in me code. Next incarnation maybe the great Romeo in reality instead of in me songs I have wrote and War game text I have made for me game Panzer General II/ SS Amerika campaign, for me SS Fuhress Savannah, a porn star who killed herself in '94. Karen brings a tear to me eye, she was beautiful and I really liked her singing and she did good songs with her brother. If he don't commit suicide someday I will be amazed. Cats have softened me loner stuff, I got a Herd. Though I have wrote a few songs about suicide it's never the way to go. Fight the challenges the Lord tosses to you, live , die, live again.
Karen Carpenter was, one of, if not the finest female artists of all time. She had control, tone, feel and a presence. No electronic aids or autotune back then, just pure natural talent. Her vocals are so distinctive, and stand alone from anyone else. She was a living legend, but she just did not know it. One of the sadest stories ever. R.I.P Karen 🙏🙏🙏
I know many truly appreciate the Carpenters' intense talent of so many excellent recordings. The amount of poise and control Karen displays here approaching the beginning speaks volumes to the high effort and dedication the Carpenters put into excellence in live concerts. Here while absolutely live (with no effects whatsoever), what strikes me as amazing is the depth of concentration the entire band has playing live from a tremendous amount of composition writing and practice.
That VOICE ringing out like a bell...every note PERFECT without lip synch or auto tune. Wish she were still here making music...happy healthy and LOVED
There will never be another voice like this one...just superb vocals... I am still listening to her music today .. Timeless classic.... I grew up listening to all of their music... Yes no flashy gimics...just pure talent... Other artists could learn alot from this music...this is real talent and music ✨ Thank you Karen for your legacy you left us Rest in peace 🙏
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Best female vocalist in my lifetime.....period
think might be ever!!!!!
Think Karen BEST SINGER EVER , Period!
Yes. Best female voice ever . Period. Full stop.
No question, not even close!
dido
No auto tune, no dancers, no fancy lighting, just pure talent. Who today can sing like that? NOBODY.
Her voice was pure magic... that's the word, no other explanation.
Too bad she was so I’ll and couldn’t get passed that.
Adele maybe?
OK, that is an overstatement to me. Yes, past artists had less gimmicks. Still Beyonce, Adele, Lady Gaga can all sing wonderfully live. Times have changed, but talent is still there!
Agree!
One of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Without doubt! Unfortunately for me, I get such a sad feeling knowing she left us so young.
The best IMO.
Her voice was a God given gift!
No doubt! None!!..😕😊😊
Bryan Rawlins praise the lord for the short time we had to enjoy Karen’s amazing voice 🙏🏻
I don’t think Karen ever knew just what an incredible singer she was.
Ich bin mir sicher Sie konnte es fühlen sowie du es gefühlt hast❤ich danke dir von herzen sowie du gefühlt hast
Or how much she was loved and admired.
Most definitely agreed
So sad. Someone so talented and beautiful who couldn't see how much was ahead and how much she was adored by so many. A truelly talented human. RIP
Yes. Her voice was triuly a gift from God.
We loved the Carpenters in the 60's and 70's and still love them. RIP Karen. ♥️♥️♥️
Why in the world couldn't she see how amazing she was?
The 70's was magic. What a time to be alive.
+Lori Miller She did but she was also a perfectionist in her music and lifestyle. She tried to have a 'twiggy' model figure but her naturally wide hips and broad shoulders made it impossible to achieve but she wouldnt give up. By today's standards her figure would have been celebrated, big booty. We have to be happy with what we have and work with it. Not all body frames are the same.
+NiteRider Band I don't think she got enough love as a child. It hurts to the core when your own mother doesn't think you're the greatest. I believe she suffered from the low self-esteem that comes from not being adored by family at an early age. Sad because she was great, she just didn't know it.
As the story goes, her brother Richard was the considered the star of the family & she was "just his sister". They were both extremely talented. As it turned out she had "The Voice" which was a gift from god. Richard had talent to showcase it . Although the music sounds a bit hokie by todays standards it still holds up, many decades later.
She had a weight gain problem and over the counter drugs helped her lose weight. She was a perfectionist and very aware of her presentation. She didn't want to be chubby unfortunately the drugs she was abusing damaged her heart and killed her. Had she knew the damage caused by the drugs I am convinced she would have never used them.
I think it went beyond that. All the things she did2 lose weight also added years (20+ years by the time she was 31) to her appearance. Just looking at her at age 31 (again, she didn't see this?) was enuff2 make me cry.
Staggering God given talent. She never took a vocal lesson in her life. She just wanted to be a drummer, and she does this!
Her tone inflection @2:10 is perfect. Her talent is beyond belief.
Pete Zereeah yes!
Pete Zereeah So true. I think my favorite single note in the history of pop music is when she sings the word "wait" around 2:11. She was truly an astoundingly talented singer.
raelraven3 Indeed.
raelraven3 I noticed that too. She still gives me goose bumps she was incredible and she is not forgotten. 1950-1983
One of the purest, most beautiful voices of modern times...ever! NOBODY sounds like Karen.
Tom Floor so so true
Totally agree....... her voice is one for the ages
One of the first 78's I got, and I was born in 1966, so I remember them, was a Carpenter's album. Once she starts you know who it is immediately! It can't be anyone else!!
Nothing forced Only beauty Pure musicianship
Agreed ❤ if you have time look fb jarid scott cook please look
I am 69 years old. Karen is still my angel. I feel like a fool, but she checks all the boxes for me.
You're no fool.
I agree with you 100%
One of the most beautiful voices of our time!! Many memories with that song
Evev Luther Vandross remake of this song is classic
🌺
This was part of a live BBC performance in 1971. No studio enhancements, no autotune, just pure, unadulterated, pitch perfect vocal perfection. If you closed your eyes, one note in, you know it's Karen Carpenter. Who else sounded like that? No one.
Yep, from note one you know exactly who it is. There will never be anybody like her again.
Check this group. One of their stars, Ksenia honors Karen with this cover. You can't replace her but I think this is special. ruclips.net/video/JhWrggrJ20I/видео.htmlsi=zO1GiuosNTjqdCmg
I fk love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
absolutely@@whodidit99
Beautiful!! No one will ever sound like her. She was one in a lifetime.
If this song and performance does not touch your very soul, then you have no soul. Quite honestly the best female vocalist the world has seen. Effortless purity.
Agreed.
No one else even comes close.
Next to Joni Mitchell.
your a joke@@Farkurnell
Next to Judith Durham.
Next to Richard Carpenter
I'm 66 years old...
No one touched my heart with their Voice more than Karen does...
Same here! 😊
She has to be the most talented vocalist ever. The most natural singer of all!!
As a father I want to go back in time and tell her she's a generational singer! Nobody sounds like that, then or now. Her story is tragic, can you imagine the songs we missed because of her early passing?
YOU ARE SO RIGHT - LOOK HOW MANY YEARS IT'S BEEN SINCE THEY ROLLED OUT THE HITS IN THE 70'S! I WAS A RECORDING ENGINEER (MIXER) AT #1 STUDIO 'EVERGREEN' L.A. WHEN THEY WERE AT THE END OF THEIR CAREER - IF ONLY THEY HAD TAKEN THE HUGE OFFER TO LEAVE A&M RECORDS TO GO WITH 'QUINCY JONES' > THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN AT EVERGREEN & HARRY NILSSON - TOOK OVER THE BEATLES - WHO PRACTICALLY LIVED WITH US AT EVERGREEN
Sir. Please don't forget that Yoko Ono was her voice coach. I respect Karen's voice,but please don't forget it was Yoko who put her on top. Richard was just along for the ride.
Loneliness is such a sad affair. Karen can't be replaced. R.I.P. 🌹
Summer 1971. I was working during the Toronto CNE at a greasy spoon diner next to the stadium. I stepped out to take a break while The Carpenters were performing. I listened to this song. Hauntingly beautiful. Couldn't see a thing but the sound, the night air, the fairground smells of that late August night are with me still.
You just hypnotized me and put me in a wonderful sensory dream state. Thank you so very much. Really needed that.
What a very special memory for you Laura!
Karen is and was the greatest singer the LORD ever gave to this world, bar none!
Cool story
What a lucky person.
This "live" recording is very much appreciated. It is so close to what the actual studio recording sounds like. Not many artists today can pull something like this off. This woman has one of the greatest voices ever. She may not have wanted to be front and center but that is definitely where she belonged.
She refused to be labeled as a "diva", but that's exactly what she was (and still is).
this is not close but exactly the same as the studio recording, cannot be recorded live
@@goranyau1122 live vocal, probable backtrack music, but you can if listening closely pickup slight variations and they are slight.... what is missing of course are the strong backing vocals which were multi recorded
you are right, on 0:45 second show and on 1:23 baby baby is clearly different from the studio version, the music also has some slight difference
Definitely live vocal, probably has backing tracks for the trumpets and strings at the least. But her phrasing is not identical to the record and there are backing vocals missing that were in the studio version. This is definitely live vocal - and I'm really glad of it because it is so great to hear how good she really was.
Karen's voice was so pure, she could sing the names out of a telephone book, and sound fantastic!!! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
My favorite Carpenters song.Best heard on an autumn evening around sunset.
Love anything about the 60's and 70s, miss the Carpenters, miss this song. Love it, so sad though. 😢
I'm from Iowa, so sorry about that.
100 years from now people will still marvel at this wonderful voice. Best ever!
More than 50 years ago, still stunning.
✨Actually, improves with the ages✨
Still listening 2024
Me too. I remember the first time I heard her sing on the radio. I just stopped what I was doing and listened until the end. Terrific voice.
2025
09/01/2025 , power .
@@robertdoane-io9ld Same Brother .
Her voice was pure gold..
Yes indeed, if you want try to listen to "Cavallo Bianco" with the italian singer Antonella Ruggiero. The group is "Matia Bazar".
Platinum, Gold, and Silver all in one beautiful lady !
Yes 🙌🏽- and FINALLY THERES someone who sounds almost exactly like her‼️ her name is
Tori Golub
Here - she sings a bit of
“We’ve Only Just Begun”
ruclips.net/user/shorts6eB4ebLI2uY?si=67CpRwGZoWi2hjPh
This is the best performance I've seen of anyone doing anything. So much emotion radiating out of these big brown eyes, so sad and fragile. She was too good for this world, too good for us.
Rest in peace Karen.
…like Vincent van Gogh!!
"the best performance ever of anyone doing anything..."
Amazing thank you!
Karen's voice is happy, strong, sad, beautiful all at the same time ..how is that possible? GOAT
Karen Carpenter was America's finest female vocalist of the last half century. Her voice touched people all over the world.
Bettie Powe u cant even mention whitney with Karen. Karen was much more talented
Bettie Powe Depends on what you mean as best. Karen had the best tone to her voice. It was like velvet & crystal combined. Vocal control and acrobatics... then I would go with Whitney. She also had great tone but not on the level of Karen Carpenter. Whitney sang the best version of the Star Spangled banner of all time. Still my favorite version and makes me tear up everytime I listen to it. Just sWEEEt! She was a beautiful talent as well. Life ended badly for them both, what a loss for all of us.
TheRealJohnDoe Yes, there are all kinds of entertaining. Whitney had a belting, "head" voice. Her performances often struggled to stay on pitch-- hence the "acrobatics." Karen had incredible vocal and breathing technique. She can hold long, clear notes, then add vibrato for another 3 measures! Find a bad performance, even near her death.
John X FYI.....as managing director of Bill Reed Voice Studio, you should know that "head voice" and "belting" are not the same thing. They are actually exact opposites. Head voice implies singing above one's break. Classical singers sing primarily in their head voice. Belting, on the other hand, is one's natural outdoor calling voice. It's also referred to as one's chest voice. Broadway singers and many pop singers are known for their belting skills. When one uses both their head voice and belting voice together (with no break), it is called the mixed voice. Karen used her mix voice to perfection, which results in the rich velvety tone that characterized her voice.
+Sally Olson ... Obviously you know what you're talking about... Thanks
And this is why she’s regarded as one of the greatest female vocalists of all time…. Utter perfection
Alongside Patsy Cline, Judith Durham, Timi Yuro and Sonya Isaacs.
She and her voice are so beautiful, it hurts my heart knowing she was gone so young.
Karen sang with a level of greatness the whole world had,nt seen before or since! Never be another her equal in my opinion!
@@johngraham5543 As I said before, Patsy Cline. Judith Durham, Timi Yuro and Sonya Isaacs are her equal or in some cases her superior. Just flexing my right to my opinion.
you can just feel her soul and coincide with the sadness we all carry in this world, yet its so endearing healing and eternal. Like shes singing to all of us like an Angel. I wont talk greatest/all time talk but from a lyricism standpoint and just how emotionally she connects on HIFI id call her talent on the level of a Miracle to mankind. Something that just goes beyond talent/qualitative aspects of music.
I simply loved her voice. So calming yet at times it had a haunting sound to it. Like John Lennon.
I am 76 years young and still think that the best music was in the 60's and 70's...Glad that I was alive then but enjoy it more NOW..
I couldn’t agree more- rock on my friend!
And bonus ... we were young. That has a lot to do with it.
@@patuberTVI’m 25 years old and 60s and 70s music (and cars) holds a special place for me. It stands alone because it is timeless. It might not be mainstream but people will remember. The Doors. Lamborghini Miura. Beautiful.
@@VolleKwark We are blessed by all eras of music, embracing inspiration and reveling in the beauty of voice. Cheers
Her talent is staggering. Her tone and pitch changes are perfect. Her inflection is rare for popular music. Her tone and pitch change at 2:28 is impressive...clearly natural talent..
Karen normally sang as a contralto, but she had the rare ability to transition from that more typical female register to a much lower range-something she called her “basement.” Thanks to Richard's songwriting and song selection, her basement voice was used masterfully on music that tended toward the melancholy,
perfect pitch, perfect delivery. Karen Carpenter 's flawless vocals make this song timeless.
Right on. Perfectly said.
No exageres,
she moves so gracefully.........I absolutely love her hair
+Thomas Norman
I was thinking the exact same thing. I'd love to have my wife do it up like that!
Well, I don't like her hairstyle very much, but she is so beautiful in this video! Why did she have to do that to herself?
renarga It was 1971, man. I guess you had to be there. LOL
renarga LOL
@@renarga6886 it’s a wig
I am 87 and she brings me to tears everytime I hear her
Oh Wow! God Bless you to many more.
She was a very savvy (musically speaking) perfectionist. She knew how to hold each note just long enough--no rushing. Although her voice IS a one-in-a-million voice, it is her innate awareness and singing style that makes her so incredibly exceptional. A musical genius at multiple levels.
This is so well said. John Bettis (he co-wrote lyrics with Richard) made a similar statement in one of his interviews.
@Lori. I agree!
Karen normally sang as a contralto, but she had the rare ability to transition from that more typical female register to a much lower range-something she called her “basement.” Thanks to Richard's songwriting and song selection, her basement voice was used masterfully on music that tended toward the melancholy,
@@RainCloud848 Richard knew her 'basement' voice was exceptional. If he hadn't reworked so many songs to accommodate her lower register, she might not have achieved the musical distinction that she did. Their work together is a stellar example of a sparkling talent carefully maneuvered into superstardom. I personally would have liked to see her pull away from pop music and into a more sultry jazz genre. 'Masquerade' is one of my favorite songs.
The bests gone too early....
SHE is one of the few singers in the world who was able to sing low notes efficiently. IN fact she reigned supreme on singing low notes . MOST of the famous singers even have / had problems producing same degree of excellence while singing low notes . IT specially happens when a high note of a song plunges to a low note and requires to remain there between three and seven seconds -- here most of the singers find themselves in an unknown territory but LATE KAREN CARPENTER was different and exclusive. AND of course her mellifluous voice which still enthralls the audience UP AND DOWN THE WORLD. INDEED, A RARE VOICE.
Patsy Cline, had the EXTREME vocal range as well. Karen Carpenter, had pure clarity that I just love, tragic, that we lost her at such a young age.
Yes.🌹
She had a 3 octave range - and shows her high range on most of her background vocals and especially on their Christmas album-
but she humorously admitted “the money is in the BASEMENT”
(meaning her songs
that showed her languid rich clear LOW tones -
were the songs that soared to the top of the charts) 📈
The best!!!! Karen's voice provokes such feelings of emotion unbelievable talent.
+Steve Akhurst This song is pure emotion and boy does she nail it! Simply in a class by herself.
Have you ever heard of Bonnie Bramlett? Bonnie was a better singer...and the original singer of this song.
@@reggaefan2700 I listened to Bonnie's recording and her singing requires jazz affectation to compensate for her lack of clarity and range. Karen voice was as clear as a bell, and she infused emotion into each perfect note. Both women could tell a story in their singing, but only Karen could deliver melodic clarity and feeling to such a degree that this live performance sounded like it was a studio recording.
@@reggaefan2700 sorry, no.
not many singers can evoke such strong feelings like Karen Carpenter
I forgot how beautiful she really was...Nobody could pack pure emotion into a three minute song like her.
I never, Never, NEVER tire of hearing her voice. What a gift from Heaven. I can just imagine the concerts they have up there!
She is just wonderful then & now
Some day we’ll get to meet her, and listen to her, but we have to be good.🙂
sweetheart@@peggymcmillin660
My favorite female singer of all time. This song gives me chills.
I’m 69 years she was an idol to me and everyone in middle school and we all grew up with her BEAUTIFUL VOICE . I still listen to her songs to this day .
This is the classic live version where she totally gets in an intense zone and nails it, possibly one of the top 10 vocal performances of all time.
As far as live yes. BBC was the best imo. The entire show she sung every song flawlessly. She was an angel.
Have never heard a voice that can touch hers. Like a lot of lady singers but she still is my very favorite.
Same hear. I loved her voice even when I was mainly listening to rock in the 70's, good ole high school days. It makes me sad that she had to leave at such a young age, we've missed out on a lot of Karens music. She'd probably still be singing.
THE BEST FEMALE VOCALIST...PERIOD. 🙏🙏🙏💔
You can tell she was deeply and beautifully somewhere else during this performance. I wish I could have given her a hug telling her "Karen ... You're so beautiful, it's going t be OK ."
Don't we all.
@2:06 she hits perfect key. She was a talent beyond belief. She made it look easy.
Yep. And the delivery of the word "wait" at 2:12 is pretty sublime too.
and I got chills when she held the ' tarrrr' & 0:52 in "your guiTAR..."
That woman was unbelievable.....there was no one like her....nor ever be again. Thx Lord...we STILL enjoy her.
You could put this song on a loop that I could hear for the rest of my life 24/7 and I would not tire of it.
This is my favorite LIVE version - all live, no backing vocals, just sustained focus and greatness- that Voice!!
SUPERB VOCAL GOD GIVEN TALENT. RIP KAREN. 🙏❤️❤️🔥🙏❤️❤️🔥🙏
One of Leon Russell's great songs sung by one of the greatest voices ever in the history of music. Priceless!!
I would have liked to hear her sing it with Leon and band behind her. Without the horns. Maybe some strings.
The most perfect female voice of *ALL TIME* God I miss her.
How could anyone give this beautiful song and woman a thumbs down?
+Albert They are probably Miley, Perry and Grande fans that oblivious to good music!
There is a surplus of cluelessness nowadays.
One of the best souls who have evr visited this world...and for such a short time.
John Lennon was going to a store.Just as Karen Carpenter was exiting the same store!
He said to her something like." "You can sing well girl!"
And they went their seperate ways!
She was a beautiful, great musical talent! That was truly a joy to listen to!
Rest in peace, Leon Russell. Musician, songwriter, singer. April 2, 1942 - November 13, 2016.
Fantastic voice and song.
The best female singer ever to me.
+Patsik me too!
Me three!
Me four :)
You are right .
Me 5.
She's singing this live too! No lip-synching or auto-tune. No female "pop" singer today even comes close to sounding this good.
The clarity and precision of Karen’s voice makes her passing all the more tragic. The fact that we are still listening is a tribute to their talent and timeless style.
One of the greatest female singers of all time. Her voice and singing were perfect. All Karen Carpenter fans miss you terribly. Keep singing for the Lord in heaven Karen
Such a beautiful elegant woman. I have NEVER heard anyone sing like Karen. NEVER. Today’s pop singers are more concerned with screeching & looking sexy. Karen was very sexy & her voice - pure, low, clear - is something we’ll never hear the likes of again.
Glorious and Elegant yet Relatable and Captivating! Guess what? There’s FINALLY a brand new singer that sounds Like KAREN!! Her name is
Tori Golub
Here she sings a bit of
“We’ve Only Just Begun”
ruclips.net/user/shorts6eB4ebLI2uY?si=67CpRwGZoWi2hjPh
Unbelievable voice! I’m 60 plus and hearing her sing (especially this song) still brings me to tears! An amazing instrument she was blessed with....so sad she couldn’t hang on to life R. I. P
The most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Even the best female vocalist today cannot hold a candle to Karen Carpenter, and to think that singing wasn't what she really wanted to do! What an amazing talent. It's a pure tragedy that she's gone.
When most celebrities pass away my reaction is "Oh, that's sad." When Karen Carpenter passed away it felt like somebody had punched me in the stomach. I knew how much the world had lost.
Better than the recording. She's really putting her soul into it
Vocal perfection at it's finest!
Her voice is like medicine for the soul. Gosh, her voice still moves me to tears, even after all these years. She was such a treasure, plus her brother with his perfect arrangements.
My family thought I was nuts to like them so much. Now to hear her again, brings tears to my eyes. Such a sad end to a major talent.
That makes two of us.
@@renarga6886 the greatest hits 1969 to 1973 album has been ingrained into my body since i was 12 yrs old, its still there at 58, no one has ever come close
I'm going back to the 70's in a time machine.....Anyone else coming?
Let's go ❤
do i have to go to math class???
Wish it could be real
Count me in 🤍
I am coming with you. Loved Karen....................Betsy
One of the best songs ever made
Karen Carpenter had a phenomenal golden voice that just pierced right through my heart. She was angelic and authentic. I hope that Karen Carpenter will RIP, in the Heavens up above.
So beautifully said
what a sublime voice...... it always make me cry to hear her voice.... 👍👍😭😭😭😭😭 miss her so much
i thought it was just me. i miss her so every time I hear her sweet voice
This was my favourite song by the Carpenters. To me, Karen was one of the best female vocalists, no best vocalists of all time. She had an amazing voice. RIP you beautiful woman.
This is probably my favorite song by her. Also up there Rainy Days and Mondays. Really showcases her voice, the emotion, the purity and beauty of her tone.
Agreed, fav song by her!!!
My favorite too, although the sadness in her voice is overwhelming. Her disease (anorexia) starts out about wanting to lose weight for a legitimate reason, but morphs into a power struggle with yourself and an effort to totally control one aspect of life to the exclusion of all others. You don’t “see” yourself anymore, you see a challenge. Are you disciplined enough to get juuuust a little thinner? And you think you’re winning, while you’re actually losing your LIFE. It’s horrific.
Me too. Love this one and Rainy Days and Mondays.
She is among the mega-stars of best vocals/rock stars. A voice not heard by any other, nor ever will be.
That amazing low register. What a voice!
She was lovely 💖👼
Her voice is so beautiful .And she was too.❤️❤️
Haunting, sad, powerful, inspirational, moving and just plain awesome performance. I was astounded this was live . . . she sounded so good. Notice her cute hip dance from 2:53 - 3:08, she loved to perform and it showed! I just recently became a fan, my 8 and 11 year old boys are singing their tunes around the house!
Ok.
You’re a recent fan, so I just wanted to tell you…..don’t neglect the awesome music on their lp’s that wasn’t played on the radio, but was every bit as good as the hits. Their first lps were their best, but they were all pretty good.
Hard to believe she sounded that good live!
There was no lip synching! Wow! What a gorgeous voice she had. So sad she's gone.
Unbelievable absolute feelings no one or nothing can compare tis voice given by angel ❤
Karen Carpenter can actually bring tears to my eyes. I wish she were still here to teach others.
She surely knew how to sell a song. Here brother also a remarkable talent.
How could anyone dislike this????
Rappers, Opera, Kazoo players, the list goes on an on, Stephen somebody did a song called that!
Rappers are no talented pieces of shit
good song brings back memories I'm 62 and still love their songs
People who wished they have her voice and heartless soulless hater trolls
not enough auto-tune for them lol
Karen Carpenter was one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
By far the greatest singer of all time. A veritable angel.
Voice of an angel!!!She can never be duplicated or replaced. REST IN PEACE HONEY, THANKS ❤!!!
I used to think about the best singers. Streisand, Garland, etc. but then we have this entity above them all.
Yes. You are spot on.
Over Streisand and Garland?
YES! OVER EVERY ONE!
A haunting melody. A beautiful song. An exceptional voice. An angel gone home.
I'm only 23 and I play their CD in my car and I study to the Carpenters. Her voice and their music is so pure. When I was little, my mom would sing me their songs and it's how I feel asleep. We need more talent like this today. You are missed by many Karen. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
karen is unique in that she always sounds better than one remembers - easily the most talented musician since Mozart, and yes, all of us who grew up with her miss her terribly ...
I’m a big KC fan, but Beethoven happened after Mozart and I have to say his String Quartets and Symphonies are probably better than anything KC did
Beautiful, soaring melody- made me cry ,- love it- come down to Aotearoa soon please!!!
Wonder if in 2050 people will still listen to these Carpenter songs. The songs will be almost 80-90 years old, but are just so soothing. But here we are 40ish years later listening.
yes
Certainly!! Quality music will always have an impact on anyone with good taste... ; consider Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Chopin, etc. Also, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, ... you get the picture. Anyway, I hope that this is the case. Barney
Certainly. Greatness has no expiration date! This lady is incomparable!
Songs are timeless! I believe many generations will enjoy Karen’s music 😀
Sure will, nothing today comes close. Sad really, what went wrong?
What a voice, she put her heart and soul in this song. Songs today do not compare.
This song reminds me of how little love there is in the world...People are so afraid to care about each other and forgive! The video is beautifully done...Karen was such a beautiful talent.
There's plenty of Love it is just usually for someone else! Karen was great and so in the reincarnation belief ( Lord, 2005 'as not in this lifetime') who is she now, a star as Taylor or just your next door neighbor singing in her home that no-one ever hears?
Sadly, I think you are right. I sometimes think we are afraid of one another. I don't think forgiveness comes into it. We cannot do it. Once a person has made a decision to move on, that is it. In films misunderstandings miraculously get cleared up, differences get resolved, love conquers all. In real life the waters are much muddier. Also people can harden in their stance and hate. That is way easier than trying to imaginatively put yourself in someone else's shoes.
una mckillen I think more we are afraid we will fail or that the other will ask too much of us. I'm a loner, been a loner, will be a loner, it's written in me code. Next incarnation maybe the great Romeo in reality instead of in me songs I have wrote and War game text I have made for me game Panzer General II/ SS Amerika campaign, for me SS Fuhress Savannah, a porn star who killed herself in '94. Karen brings a tear to me eye, she was beautiful and I really liked her singing and she did good songs with her brother. If he don't commit suicide someday I will be amazed. Cats have softened me loner stuff, I got a Herd. Though I have wrote a few songs about suicide it's never the way to go. Fight the challenges the Lord tosses to you, live , die, live again.
My God, what can you say ? Utterly magnificent singing. It would melt the iciest of icy hearts.
Karen Carpenter was, one of, if not the finest female artists of all time.
She had control, tone, feel and a presence.
No electronic aids or autotune back then, just pure natural talent.
Her vocals are so distinctive, and stand alone from anyone else.
She was a living legend, but she just did not know it.
One of the sadest stories ever.
R.I.P Karen
🙏🙏🙏
I know many truly appreciate the Carpenters' intense talent of so many excellent recordings. The amount of poise and control Karen displays here approaching the beginning speaks volumes to the high effort and dedication the Carpenters put into excellence in live concerts. Here while absolutely live (with no effects whatsoever), what strikes me as amazing is the depth of concentration the entire band has playing live from a tremendous amount of composition writing and practice.
Absolutely stunning. Can't explain or describe the effect this song has on me!
Masterclass, absolutely mesmerizing voice ,one of the best singers of all time .
That VOICE ringing out like a bell...every note PERFECT without lip synch or auto tune. Wish she were still here making music...happy healthy and LOVED
There will never be another voice like this one...just superb vocals...
I am still listening to her music today ..
Timeless classic....
I grew up listening to all of their music...
Yes no flashy gimics...just pure talent...
Other artists could learn alot from this music...this is real talent and music ✨
Thank you Karen for your legacy you left us
Rest in peace 🙏
When she sings the chorus she sways her hips ever so subtle, so beautiful
Her voice is the closest to heaven I've ever heard