Great brother & sister duo from the 60's-80's. Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "Rainy Days & Mondays", "We've Only Just Begun", "Close To You", "For All We Know", "A Song For You", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.
This song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and was originally titled 'Groupie (Superstar)', performed by Delanie & Bonnie. The Carpenters reworked the song to move away form the more raunchy connotation to match their wholesome image and prevent controversy. So you're right in interpreting it as a song about a fan who has not met her idol, but imagines a deep emotional connection from hearing him on the radio. Karen Carpenter is like a voice from heaven. You will love so much of what she and her brother Richard produced.
The VOICE!, The DRUMMER, The LEGEND!!! ❤. Combined with her bother Richard’s compositions and arrangements they were absolutely fabulous. Their rabbit hole is deep, far, and wide. Enjoy the ride.
The Carpenters are a deep dive. One of the most recognizable voices in music history. Rainy Days and Mondays, Close to You, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye to Love, and so many more. Enjoy this journey into one of the richest catalogs in history.
Great reaction, Rere! Karen had an amazing, perfectly pitched voice. It is such a tragedy that she could not see herself as her fans saw her. Gone way too soon.
I don't listen to this style of music very often but when I do, it is the Carpenters. They were incredible for what they did, Karen had one of the top female voices in my lifetime and Richard was spot on in providing the perfect musical accompanying her. They were a great team and it us a tragedy they did not last long. Try We've Only Just Begun, official video next. She sings directly into your soul, RIP the beautiful and magnificent Karen Carpenter. 🔥🎤🎶
I must comment yet again! This time I'd like to applaud your parents for raising you extremely well! You're respect for all music but luckily for my favorite songs that I grew up listening to is commendable. You truly are a gift and I really treasure your reactions. Thank you so much and bless you and all your loved ones.
Great reaction, Rere! I believe your interpretation was spot on! Karen had arguably the best female voice to have ever blessed the world with her sound. Karen, tragically, left us too soon, RIP. It's been said that the angels in Heaven rejoiced when Karen arrived - they had their new lead singer!
Karen was first a drummer and reluctantly an out front singer. She was so talented and too soon gone. R. I. P. Karen. I wonder where she would have taken the group, given the time.
It's The Carpenters. A brother/sister duo. It's great to hear you purring at her voice. She was regarded as one of the greatest female vocalists of all time.
Brother and sister Karen (drums and vocals) and Richard (keyboards, harmony, arrangements). IMHO the best female vocalist ever. I would suggest 'We've Only Just Begun'
The original title for this song, written by Leon Russell + Bonnie Bramlett was Superstar (Groupie). Rita Coolidge, Leon's partner at the time, does a great version on her album , A Good Feeling (I think). Carpenters are brother + sister Richard + Karen.
If there is one song representative of Karen Carpenter's finest performance , it's THIS one...very haunting on the verses and the ending...she was the image of the talented girl next door and that's why people of all ages loved her. Her voice so warm and cozy, like she was wrapping her arms around you and telling you it's a crummy world but it's okay, I will comfort you for at least the duration of her song. It's crummy world without her, taken too soon at age 32. She was a hell of a jazz drummer too. Another song that tears your heart apart is "Hideway," an album cut.
The Carpenters were almost otherwordly, which in my opinion, is why she was a tortured soul. In my day, the fan favorite was "We Only Just Begun."🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
When it comes to Carpenters music, you can't go wrong. But one of my favorites is "This Masquerade". Also written by the great Leon Russell. This song contains some nice piano work by Karen's brother Richard
THE CARPENTERS and only 729 views ⁉️⁉️ Karen Carpenter is of my Top 5 favorite female singers. Other Carpenters ; CLOSE TO YOU RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS,,, and my favorite THIS MASQUERADE 💕💖 That's a good start!! Great Job Rere! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
Rere. You got it right. Karen and Richard Carpenter are brother and sister. The band is The Carpenters named after them. Try these songs. RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS, TOP OF THE WORLD, and A SONG FOR YOU. Keep going
Karen s voice was incredibly great. Research more of her music. She made so many wonderful songs in her tragically short life. She passed at age 32. You ll enjoy so many more of her songs.
She was a one night stand when he was touring. She fell in love and he went on to the next town and the next girl. They are the Carpenters because it is the singer and her brother the blonde piano player.
I've always thought the song referenced her having essentially a groupie-type interlude with this particular star when he came through her town. He said he loved her and would be coming back, but it's pretty clear that's not going to be happening. I'm sure you'll get countless recommendations for other Carpenters tracks to enjoy, so I'll just sit back and watch you go for it. There are no wrong turns on that road. 😊
Her brother is the guy singing back-up and playing the piano and he also wrote & arainghed the music. You got to listen to their other songs. She passed away so young at 32 years old of a eating disorder. She was labeled one of the top 3 singers with a voice of velvet. I miss her. So good!
Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy are my favourite female singers of all time - both lost to us far too young. This one is my favourite Carpenters song but try Rainy Days and Mondays, We've Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More (or pretty much anything Karen ever sang). And you should check out Eva Cassidy - Over the Rainbow, Autumn Leaves and my favourite Eva song, Nightbird. And again, anything Eva sang. Love your channel. Love that you are discovering music from days gone by. Keep going. So glad I subscribed.
I remember there was a joke back in the day that was something like: "Karen can I get a middle C?" "Why me, the Piano is right there?" "No, we're trying to tune the piano."
When siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter signed to record with A&M Records in 1969, they chose to call themselves just "Carpenters," without the 'The." They thought (or at least Richard thought) the name sounded "hipper" that way. The name worked better on the covers of albums than it did on stage or TV. Most people ended up calling them "The Carpenters," because that's how language works. The name doesn't quite sound right without "the." The Carpenters recorded "Superstar" in 1971 for their third studio album, "Carpenters" (known to fans as "the Tan Album"). Written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, the song was originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)," as the lyrics were from the point of view of a groupie who had been intimate with a rock musician - a one night stand forgotten by her idol. The song was more suggestive than explicit, particularly after Richard changed one critical word: "sleep with you again" became "be with you again." Despite the contrast with the siblings' prim and pristine image, "Superstar" became an enormous hit and a fan favorite. Following its release as a single in August 1971, "Superstar" rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 that fall, becoming the Carpenters' fifth million-selling gold record single. Any of the Carpenters' major hits are worth checking out if you're interested in more of their music. Try "Rainy Days and Mondays" (also from 1971's "Carpenters" LP) next, and then "Goodbye to Love" from 1972. Those two songs were often performed with "Superstar" as a medley, and the three songs were grouped together on the duo's hits collection, "The Singles: 1969 - 1973," with each song seamlessly segueing into the next. They work together really well in conveying the undercurrent of longing and melancholy that characterized much (though certainly not all) of the Carpenters' catalog.
RND, thank you so much for your comments about the legendary Carpenters. It's lovely that intelligent young people like you are open to music from previous eras. You might also want to review "Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", and "For All We Know" by the Carpenters. They are timeless songs which became mega hits when they were initially released.
The correct name of the brother and sister duo is "Carpenters" not "The Carpenters". This is also a cover version. The original recorded version is by husband and wife duo Delaney & Bonnie (Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett). It was first recorded under the name "Groupie (Superstar)", and was released in December 1969 as the B-side of the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home". The full credit on the single was "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends featuring Eric Clapton." This song is written and composed by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, Eric Clapton added some embellishments to the music. Rita Coolidge came up with the song idea, based on observing the relationships of female groupies with rock stars in the late 1960s.
I remember Carpenters well. Herb Alpert heard Karen's voice on a demo in 1969 and signed her brother, Richard, and her to A&M records. Karen received 3 or 4 Grammys in the 70s and sold over 80 million records by 1982. She was 1975 rock drummer of the year according to Playboy. KC had the most beautiful voice-ever, and perhaps THE best female vocalist-ever, because she compels you to listen as she sings in perfect pitch to you, not at you. No auto-tune or gimmicks. No professional voice or drum instruction. She was known by the studios as 'one take'. She rarely, if ever, did more than one take of any song. She was also the ONLY female harmony/background voice in all her songs. She was truly born with an incredible singing talent. Documentaries point out the accolades to her voice, such as, Paul McCartney said she had the most angelic voice after hearing her sing 'Ticket To Ride'. John Lennon ran into her at an LA restaurant and told her "you have a fabulous voice, luv". Supposedly Frank Sinatra stated that Karen was the only singer he'd pay to hear. I recommend songs such as, Yesterday Once More, Solitaire, This Masquerade, Need To Be In Love, Say Goodbye To Love, Hurting Each Other, Only Yesterday, I Can Dream Cant I, Crescent Noon, Ordinary Fool, Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, A Place To Hideaway, and A Song For You. KC never knew true love. One of her few friends included Dionne Warwick. 5'3 KC really lost weight, due to anorexia, in earnest beginning in 1975. She died in Feb 1983 at age 32 due to heart complications from anorexia
I was born in the 50s, and my parents were music lovers, so Doo Wop was my introduction to music. I know a plethora of songs that an old soul like yourself would love, but I would appreciate "Ooh, Baby, Baby" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles; "I Only Have Eyes for You," by the Flamingoes and/or "Tears on My Pillow," by Little Anthony and the Imperials. One of my favorite instrumentals of the 50s was "Sleepwalk" by Santos and Johnny. Of course, there is a whole lot of wonderful music from the 50s up to the 70s, and any one of it would wow you, but I know so many others have suggestions...
I grew up in this period of music, and we always referred to them as "The Carpenters." I realize they changed it to just "Carpenters", but I wouldn't fret about it too much. I still know them as The Carpenters..Sounds right to me, anyway.
Next try: Rainy Days and Mondays, A Song For You, Only Yesterday, Hurting Each Other, We've Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love. I give you more when you finish those :)
This is a cover of Delaney and Bonnie --- Groupie' Superstar ...Carpenters definably smooth it out and had to edit it a bit but they did it very well . .Chek out the original
My comments will echo others here. Karen's amazing, sweet voice will stay with you after you have heard it, and it means more to us who were around when she sadly and shockingly died young at only 32. I don't think you can compare that to the more contemporary likes of Prince or Michael Jackson, partly as they were somewhat older, if before their time, but actually Robin Williams might be a better comparison. Karen died a few years after Elvis and those two both shocked me at the time. As big a fan as I am of both, it is the sadness of losing Karen Carpenter so young that stays with me whenever I hear her beautiful, smooth, sweet voice. Karen was indeed a superb drummer, ranked amongst one of the best of her peers, which is pretty hard to fathom, in a world of Ginger Bakers and Keith Moons, amongst others. Brother Richard was a talented piano player and songwriter and is still with us. He did have his own drug and health issues. "Rainy Days and Mondays" does seem like a natural next listen - I'm pretty certain it followed this track on a compilation album. Others to listen to would be "Sing", "Only Yesterday", "Yesterday Once More" (big recommend for that one)., "We've Only Just Begun", "Goodbye To Love", "Sweet Sweet Smile", "Top of the World", "I Won't Last a Day Without You". They are/were considered "easy listening", of the soft-rock/pop genres, but did go a bit country occasionally with songs like "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" . You can hardly go wrong with picking a Carpenters song at random, however, "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" may raise your eyebrows and may need context!
Welcome to the Carpenters rabbit hole, Rere. It’s Carpenters but as you said, the English language forces the article “the” to make it correct. They were a brother and sister duo and the #1 American act of the 1970’s. Karen died young at 32 in 1983 from the affects of Anorexia Nervosa. Her brother Richard just recently turned 78. There are books and movies on their lives. The music survives and flourishes because people like you keep the music alive. Thank you. You’re going to get a lot of suggestions and I’ll leave two. Close To You We’ve Only Just Begun There are videos for both, I don’t have a personal favorite, they’re all good. I’m going to go buy a coffee to introduce you to a young voice. Have fun on these journeys. Joe
I love❤ your channel, your getting it spot on, I hope you start getting lots and lots more subscribers, you definitely deserve it, keep up the good work 👍
YOUNG LADY ------------AS A LIFETIME CARPENTERS FAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING THEY EVER RECORDED & RELEASED, MY ALL-TIME #1 FAVORITE BY RICHARD & KAREN, IS FROM THEIR VERY 1ST ALBUM, RECORDED IN LATE ;68, EALWASED IN WAELY '69, CALLED :" TICKET TO RIDE " . kAREN WAS ONLY 18 & 19 Y/O, WITH A VOICE THAT CLEARLY HAD SOME GROWING AHEAD. ---------SO, THE SONG I;'LL ASK YOU TO HEAR, IS FROM THAT EARLY ALBUM, & IT IS TITLED " SOMEDAY ". FOR ME, IT IS SO GORGEOUS & POWERFUL, WISTFUL & SAD, & ALL ABOUT THAT VERY 1ST TIME YOU FALL IN LOVE. PLEASE-----------PLEASE------LISTEN TO IT ! RICHARD CO-WROTE IT WITH JPHN BETTIS HIS LYRICIST. I [PROMISE, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED ! " SOMEDAY " PLEASE HEAR & REACT TO IT. -----------------------MJL, 78 Y/O
I guess officially they are "Carpenters" -- yet their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is "The Carpenters" -- and, I take my cues from the Walk . . . . :-)
Even though most present day media call them “ Carpenters” , for years people and other media and in pop culture called them “ The Carpenters “ , including me ..
Of all the reactors to this song, you’re the closest to what the song is saying. Think of a lonely, homely girl in her bedroom listening to the radio and pretending they were there with her, singing a love song to just them.
Most, not all of their hits were covers of someone else's music. This is an example. A lot of great singers such as Karen & Linda Ronstadt & Patsy Cline used other artists' material to record.
What can you say ? was a perfect Song ever sung and with such perfect Musical backing ? SUPERB ! PERFECT KAREN SINGING.
All these years later and her voice still gives me chills and it’s so hauntingly beautiful……
This february 71 version of Superstar has always been my fav. Karen's voice is so deep, so sad, so silky and classy. Truly mesmerizing.
Easily the greatest female singing voice of all-time. Karen Carpenter.
Definitely. Forget the rest!
Her voice is like being in your mother's arms while she sings you a lullaby.
She was also a great drummer. I was really sad when she passed away. You are deeply missed Karen. R.I.P
Have you never heard of Linda Rondstat. Don't get me wrong, I really like Karen's voice. But to say she's the best of all time is stretching it.😮
@@GaryNoone-jz3mq Linda Ronstadt was great singer, no doubt about that. But Karen Carpenter was another level again...
To see this beautiful young girl fall in love with this beautiful young Voice fills me with hope.
She truly had the voice of an angel 😇 It's so sad to think that she thought she wasn't enough 😔R.I.P. Miss Karen ✌️&❤️
I saw Karen sing and drum in 1972 . One of the best female singers of all time and one of the best singer-drummers ever
THE voice of an angel. RIP Karen. Hey, Rainy Days and Mondays is a great selection.
Great brother & sister duo from the 60's-80's. Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "Rainy Days & Mondays", "We've Only Just Begun", "Close To You", "For All We Know", "A Song For You", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.
This song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and was originally titled 'Groupie (Superstar)', performed by Delanie & Bonnie. The Carpenters reworked the song to move away form the more raunchy connotation to match their wholesome image and prevent controversy. So you're right in interpreting it as a song about a fan who has not met her idol, but imagines a deep emotional connection from hearing him on the radio. Karen Carpenter is like a voice from heaven. You will love so much of what she and her brother Richard produced.
I had always heard it that way as well. That is until I listened to the original Delanie & Bonnie version.
The absolute best female singer in music history 🔥💯
One of the best voices ever!!
She had the best control over her voice then any female I've ever heard
Karen Carpenter one of the all time great female voices imo
Growing up I used to have a crush on Her, it broke my hart knowing she died cause she thought she wasn’t pretty enough 😢
The VOICE!, The DRUMMER, The LEGEND!!! ❤. Combined with her bother Richard’s compositions and arrangements they were absolutely fabulous. Their rabbit hole is deep, far, and wide. Enjoy the ride.
The Carpenters are a deep dive. One of the most recognizable voices in music history. Rainy Days and Mondays, Close to You, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye to Love, and so many more. Enjoy this journey into one of the richest catalogs in history.
Now that is what you call a voice. There are good singers, great singers and then Karen Carpenter.
One of the sweetest voices of all time. And an absolutely amazing drummer.
Great reaction, Rere! Karen had an amazing, perfectly pitched voice. It is such a tragedy that she could not see herself as her fans saw her. Gone way too soon.
The combination of Karen's voice which has a distinctive character, soft emotional and very beautiful musical arrangements.
I don't listen to this style of music very often but when I do, it is the Carpenters. They were incredible for what they did, Karen had one of the top female voices in my lifetime and Richard was spot on in providing the perfect musical accompanying her. They were a great team and it us a tragedy they did not last long. Try We've Only Just Begun, official video next. She sings directly into your soul, RIP the beautiful and magnificent Karen Carpenter. 🔥🎤🎶
I must comment yet again! This time I'd like to applaud your parents for raising you extremely well! You're respect for all music but luckily for my favorite songs that I grew up listening to is commendable. You truly are a gift and I really treasure your reactions. Thank you so much and bless you and all your loved ones.
"I feel ike I say 'I feel like' too much..." 😄- Rere, you're a diamond. Truly. 😊
Great reaction, Rere! I believe your interpretation was spot on!
Karen had arguably the best female voice to have ever blessed the world with her sound. Karen, tragically, left us too soon, RIP.
It's been said that the angels in Heaven rejoiced when Karen arrived - they had their new lead singer!
Karen was first a drummer and reluctantly an out front singer. She was so talented and too soon gone. R. I. P. Karen. I wonder where she would have taken the group, given the time.
Her masterful Christmas songs include Ave Maria and Merry Christmas Darling. A 'MUST' hear.
It's The Carpenters. A brother/sister duo. It's great to hear you purring at her voice. She was regarded as one of the greatest female vocalists of all time.
Brother and sister Karen (drums and vocals) and Richard (keyboards, harmony, arrangements). IMHO the best female vocalist ever. I would suggest 'We've Only Just Begun'
The original title for this song, written by Leon Russell + Bonnie Bramlett was
Superstar (Groupie). Rita Coolidge, Leon's partner at the time, does a great version on her album , A Good Feeling (I think). Carpenters are brother + sister Richard + Karen.
It was Groupie (Superstar)
If there is one song representative of Karen Carpenter's finest performance , it's THIS one...very haunting on the verses and the ending...she was the image of the talented girl next door and that's why people of all ages loved her. Her voice so warm and cozy, like she was wrapping her arms around you and telling you it's a crummy world but it's okay, I will comfort you for at least the duration of her song. It's crummy world without her, taken too soon at age 32. She was a hell of a jazz drummer too. Another song that tears your heart apart is "Hideway," an album cut.
💎💎💎💎 ... Her voice is amazing. Hopefully you will bring more Carpenters to the channel 🎼🌹🎼
I grew up listening to The Carpenters, and it's always been THE Carpenters. Love your reactions. ❤
The Carpenters were almost otherwordly, which in my opinion, is why she was a tortured soul. In my day, the fan favorite was "We Only Just Begun."🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
When it comes to Carpenters music, you can't go wrong. But one of my favorites is "This Masquerade". Also written by the great Leon Russell. This song contains some nice piano work by Karen's brother Richard
Rainy days and Mondays is a REALLY REALLY DEEP song!
"If Honey Could Sing , It Would Sound Just Like Karen Carpenter." ~ anon
Thank you, ' I need to be in Love' is a very beautiful Song for Karen.
Every time I hear her sing I tear up knowing what happened to her. I remember when all these songs were new.
The drummer on this track is insanely good too ❤️
It was Hal Blaine and you are correct.
My favourite female singer ever her voice is just so soothing and beautiful.
Another great song from The Carpenters is Solitaire it is mind blowing and soul touching
Not only the greatest female singer the greatest singer ever.
I cry every time I hear this song !!
I've always called them The Carpenters since I first heard them in 1970.
Yes, whenever we refer to or address a party by their last name, it's always "The" Jones's, The Ramseys, etc. That's just proper English.
THE CARPENTERS and only 729 views ⁉️⁉️ Karen Carpenter is of my Top 5 favorite female singers. Other Carpenters ;
CLOSE TO YOU
RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS,,, and my favorite
THIS MASQUERADE 💕💖
That's a good start!! Great Job Rere! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
Rere.
You got it right.
Karen and Richard Carpenter are brother and sister. The band is The Carpenters named after them.
Try these songs.
RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS,
TOP OF THE WORLD,
and A SONG FOR YOU.
Keep going
Karen s voice was incredibly great. Research more of her music. She made so many wonderful songs in her tragically short life. She passed at age 32. You ll enjoy so many more of her songs.
Karen had the best voice in the business, yes should listen to others, RIP Karen
She was a one night stand when he was touring. She fell in love and he went on to the next town and the next girl. They are the Carpenters because it is the singer and her brother the blonde piano player.
What a voice she had. I can listen to her all day long.
the voice of a angel
We will always love her back.
A musician passing through paused to give her love, and she has waited longingly for him to come back. He never will.
Karen Carpenter was a Superstar
Carpenters " Masquerade" is my fav!
Sweetie, beautiful...keep going with Karen!! 50+ beautiful songs to go through!!
Timeless rip Karen Carpenter
I've always thought the song referenced her having essentially a groupie-type interlude with this particular star when he came through her town. He said he loved her and would be coming back, but it's pretty clear that's not going to be happening.
I'm sure you'll get countless recommendations for other Carpenters tracks to enjoy, so I'll just sit back and watch you go for it. There are no wrong turns on that road. 😊
Check out Karen singing 'Rainy Days and Mondays'. Her voice is one of a kind. We lost her far too soon 😢
Her brother is the guy singing back-up and playing the piano and he also wrote & arainghed the music. You got to listen to their other songs. She passed away so young at 32 years old of a eating disorder. She was labeled one of the top 3 singers with a voice of velvet. I miss her. So good!
Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy are my favourite female singers of all time - both lost to us far too young. This one is my favourite Carpenters song but try Rainy Days and Mondays, We've Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More (or pretty much anything Karen ever sang). And you should check out Eva Cassidy - Over the Rainbow, Autumn Leaves and my favourite Eva song, Nightbird. And again, anything Eva sang. Love your channel. Love that you are discovering music from days gone by. Keep going. So glad I subscribed.
I remember there was a joke back in the day that was something like: "Karen can I get a middle C?" "Why me, the Piano is right there?" "No, we're trying to tune the piano."
we've only just begun
The G.O.A.T.
When siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter signed to record with A&M Records in 1969, they chose to call themselves just "Carpenters," without the 'The." They thought (or at least Richard thought) the name sounded "hipper" that way. The name worked better on the covers of albums than it did on stage or TV. Most people ended up calling them "The Carpenters," because that's how language works. The name doesn't quite sound right without "the."
The Carpenters recorded "Superstar" in 1971 for their third studio album, "Carpenters" (known to fans as "the Tan Album"). Written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, the song was originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)," as the lyrics were from the point of view of a groupie who had been intimate with a rock musician - a one night stand forgotten by her idol. The song was more suggestive than explicit, particularly after Richard changed one critical word: "sleep with you again" became "be with you again." Despite the contrast with the siblings' prim and pristine image, "Superstar" became an enormous hit and a fan favorite. Following its release as a single in August 1971, "Superstar" rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 that fall, becoming the Carpenters' fifth million-selling gold record single.
Any of the Carpenters' major hits are worth checking out if you're interested in more of their music. Try "Rainy Days and Mondays" (also from 1971's "Carpenters" LP) next, and then "Goodbye to Love" from 1972. Those two songs were often performed with "Superstar" as a medley, and the three songs were grouped together on the duo's hits collection, "The Singles: 1969 - 1973," with each song seamlessly segueing into the next. They work together really well in conveying the undercurrent of longing and melancholy that characterized much (though certainly not all) of the Carpenters' catalog.
RND, thank you so much for your comments about the legendary Carpenters. It's lovely that intelligent young people like you are open to music from previous eras. You might also want to review "Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", and "For All We Know" by the Carpenters. They are timeless songs which became mega hits when they were initially released.
Love watching your reaction to music! Under that gruff exterior, a heart of gold beats in your chest!
The correct name of the brother and sister duo is "Carpenters" not "The Carpenters". This is also a cover version. The original recorded version is by husband and wife duo Delaney & Bonnie (Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett). It was first recorded under the name "Groupie (Superstar)", and was released in December 1969 as the B-side of the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home". The full credit on the single was "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends featuring Eric Clapton."
This song is written and composed by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, Eric Clapton added some embellishments to the music. Rita Coolidge came up with the song idea, based on observing the relationships of female groupies with rock stars in the late 1960s.
Other fantastic songs from the Carpenters: Goodbye to Love, I Need to be in Love.
Warm honey ,just don't listen you'll only cry!!
I remember Carpenters well. Herb Alpert heard Karen's voice on a demo in 1969 and signed her brother, Richard, and her to A&M records. Karen received 3 or 4 Grammys in the 70s and sold over 80 million records by 1982. She was 1975 rock drummer of the year according to Playboy. KC had the most beautiful voice-ever, and perhaps THE best female vocalist-ever, because she compels you to listen as she sings in perfect pitch to you, not at you. No auto-tune or gimmicks. No professional voice or drum instruction. She was known by the studios as 'one take'. She rarely, if ever, did more than one take of any song. She was also the ONLY female harmony/background voice in all her songs. She was truly born with an incredible singing talent. Documentaries point out the accolades to her voice, such as, Paul McCartney said she had the most angelic voice after hearing her sing 'Ticket To Ride'. John Lennon ran into her at an LA restaurant and told her "you have a fabulous voice, luv". Supposedly Frank Sinatra stated that Karen was the only singer he'd pay to hear. I recommend songs such as, Yesterday Once More, Solitaire, This Masquerade, Need To Be In Love, Say Goodbye To Love, Hurting Each Other, Only Yesterday, I Can Dream Cant I, Crescent Noon, Ordinary Fool, Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, A Place To Hideaway, and A Song For You. KC never knew true love. One of her few friends included Dionne Warwick. 5'3 KC really lost weight, due to anorexia, in earnest beginning in 1975. She died in Feb 1983 at age 32 due to heart complications from anorexia
5 Grammys....Correction: top 10 drummers in 1975, ahead of Jon Bonham
Goodbye To Love- a little more rockin
I was born in the 50s, and my parents were music lovers, so Doo Wop was my introduction to music. I know a plethora of songs that an old soul like yourself would love, but I would appreciate "Ooh, Baby, Baby" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles; "I Only Have Eyes for You," by the Flamingoes and/or "Tears on My Pillow," by Little Anthony and the Imperials. One of my favorite instrumentals of the 50s was "Sleepwalk" by Santos and Johnny. Of course, there is a whole lot of wonderful music from the 50s up to the 70s, and any one of it would wow you, but I know so many others have suggestions...
Very nice and sincere reaction. Thank you. I always thought they had actually gotten together, her as sort of a groupie.
Thank you for your reaction to this Carpenters song.😊
Your correct on the interpretation of the song. The song title, "Superstar," was originally titled "Groupie."
You would probably enjoy “Rainey Days and Mondays” if you like The Carpenters
I grew up in this period of music, and we always referred to them as "The Carpenters." I realize they changed it to just "Carpenters", but I wouldn't fret about it too much. I still know them as The Carpenters..Sounds right to me, anyway.
Next try: Rainy Days and Mondays, A Song For You, Only Yesterday, Hurting Each Other, We've Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love. I give you more when you finish those :)
Her effect on people is difficult to put into words.
Yep, heard this a thousand time and the line: Loneliness is Such a Sad Affair - always brings the tears.
@@vicprovost2561@vicprovost2561 That, my friend, is the magical power of music touching our souls.
Luther Vandross did a superb cover of this classic. RIP Karen and Luther..
You are correct about the song itself. It was written by Leon Russell
This is a cover of Delaney and Bonnie --- Groupie' Superstar ...Carpenters definably smooth it out and had to edit it a bit but they did it very well . .Chek out the original
My comments will echo others here. Karen's amazing, sweet voice will stay with you after you have heard it, and it means more to us who were around when she sadly and shockingly died young at only 32. I don't think you can compare that to the more contemporary likes of Prince or Michael Jackson, partly as they were somewhat older, if before their time, but actually Robin Williams might be a better comparison. Karen died a few years after Elvis and those two both shocked me at the time. As big a fan as I am of both, it is the sadness of losing Karen Carpenter so young that stays with me whenever I hear her beautiful, smooth, sweet voice.
Karen was indeed a superb drummer, ranked amongst one of the best of her peers, which is pretty hard to fathom, in a world of Ginger Bakers and Keith Moons, amongst others. Brother Richard was a talented piano player and songwriter and is still with us. He did have his own drug and health issues.
"Rainy Days and Mondays" does seem like a natural next listen - I'm pretty certain it followed this track on a compilation album. Others to listen to would be "Sing", "Only Yesterday", "Yesterday Once More" (big recommend for that one)., "We've Only Just Begun", "Goodbye To Love", "Sweet Sweet Smile", "Top of the World", "I Won't Last a Day Without You".
They are/were considered "easy listening", of the soft-rock/pop genres, but did go a bit country occasionally with songs like "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" .
You can hardly go wrong with picking a Carpenters song at random, however, "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" may raise your eyebrows and may need context!
I always thought it was about a one night groupie stand and he told her when he's back in town we'll get together.
Welcome to the Carpenters rabbit hole, Rere. It’s Carpenters but as you said, the English language forces the article “the” to make it correct. They were a brother and sister duo and the #1 American act of the 1970’s. Karen died young at 32 in 1983 from the affects of Anorexia Nervosa. Her brother Richard just recently turned 78. There are books and movies on their lives. The music survives and flourishes because people like you keep the music alive. Thank you.
You’re going to get a lot of suggestions and I’ll leave two.
Close To You
We’ve Only Just Begun
There are videos for both, I don’t have a personal favorite, they’re all good.
I’m going to go buy a coffee to introduce you to a young voice.
Have fun on these journeys.
Joe
Beautiful ❤❤
Lovely reaction!!!
Quality Rere.
I love❤ your channel, your getting it spot on, I hope you start getting lots and lots more subscribers, you definitely deserve it, keep up the good work 👍
♥
YOUNG LADY ------------AS A LIFETIME CARPENTERS FAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING THEY EVER RECORDED & RELEASED, MY ALL-TIME #1 FAVORITE BY RICHARD & KAREN, IS FROM THEIR VERY 1ST ALBUM, RECORDED IN LATE ;68, EALWASED IN WAELY '69, CALLED :" TICKET TO RIDE " . kAREN WAS ONLY 18 & 19 Y/O, WITH A VOICE THAT CLEARLY HAD SOME GROWING AHEAD. ---------SO, THE SONG I;'LL ASK YOU TO HEAR, IS FROM THAT EARLY ALBUM, & IT IS TITLED " SOMEDAY ". FOR ME, IT IS SO GORGEOUS & POWERFUL, WISTFUL & SAD, & ALL ABOUT THAT VERY 1ST TIME YOU FALL IN LOVE. PLEASE-----------PLEASE------LISTEN TO IT ! RICHARD CO-WROTE IT WITH JPHN BETTIS HIS LYRICIST. I [PROMISE, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED ! " SOMEDAY " PLEASE HEAR & REACT TO IT. -----------------------MJL, 78 Y/O
Karen and Richard Carpenter, brother and sister. She died from anorexia. It hurt me to see her go. She was a great drummer .
It's a cover but to me, the best Carpenters song is This Masquerade. Easy Listening at its finest!
Thank you for your reaction to this Carpenters video. Please also react to their song, "A Place to Hideaway" - thank you. Peace.
You're bang-on here, Rere.
I guess officially they are "Carpenters" -- yet their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is "The Carpenters" -- and, I take my cues from the Walk . . . . :-)
Even though most present day media call them “ Carpenters” , for years people and other media and in pop culture called them “ The Carpenters “ , including me ..
Of all the reactors to this song, you’re the closest to what the song is saying. Think of a lonely, homely girl in her bedroom listening to the radio and pretending they were there with her, singing a love song to just them.
Most, not all of their hits were covers of someone else's music. This is an example. A lot of great singers such as Karen & Linda Ronstadt & Patsy Cline used other artists' material to record.