Vandross, who was a HUGE fan of Karen Carpenter's voice and recorded this song as a homage to her, is probably the best known second version of this song, although it has been recorded by many other singers. The Carpenter's version is the best known and reach the highest on the charts, reaching #2 in 1971... Incredible fact, was that Karen recorded this song in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and of course only 21 years old at the time!
His cover is one of my very favorite songs. I saw him live in concert before he passed away, Aaliyah was supposed to be at that show, but she died the day (?) before.😢
Bette Midler recorded a version of this song, and Richard Carpenter got the idea to record it after hearing her sing it on the Tonight Show. Such a beautiful classic song!
@@battlegirldeb Exactly! She was happiest behind her drum kit. Even professional drummers, like Buddy Rich, were impressed with her drum skills. It was a big change for her to come out from behind the drums to front the songs, but she adapted. An amazing talent, gone too soon.
Before the Carpenters the two siblings (and a friend) had a jazz music trio. That says all. You can't play drums in a jazz trio unless you're outstanding.
They were known as The Carpenters, Richard, her brother played the piano n sang harmony with her and arranged their music. This was also a cover song they did but their version was a hit and she was only 21 when she recorded this song. One of the best voices ever in music history.
Only earlier groups had "the" as part of their name (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Kinks). Later bands did not (Carpenters, Go-Go's, Bangles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.), but you still use "the" when speaking about them, but not in their printed name on drum kits, promotional material, album covers, etc. because it is NOT part of their names.
The only way I can describe Karen's voice is hauntingly beautiful. It just grabs your soul and doesn't let go. We miss her more than you could imagine. RIP, Karen.💚
Karen's vocals on this track we're done in ONE TAKE! They called her "One take Karen"! Recently,it was found that a live performance of this song was more "accurate than the studio version! One in a billion voice!
Karen Carpenter's voice is beyond beautiful. You don't just listen to the song and enjoy it, Karen's singing had the ability to bring back YOUR memories. You could get lost her singing SO easily. The harmonies were often achieved by Karen and Richard "stacking" their voices. I will never forget when I heard that Karen had died. I was driving back home to Ohio from a teaching job in New York. It was SO heartbreaking!! Rest in Peace Karen. Your voice was magic!!
Karen is a masterclass vocalist! Her voice is enthralling and soothing every time she opens her mouth.Karen is the first famous person we knew of that passed away of anorexia nervosa.We were all so deeply saddened that she could not see herself the way that we all saw her,beautiful in every way...🎙🎶💞😔
The Carpenters are LEGEND. Richard played piano and did the arrangements. Karen was also a drummer. They have a great catalog. We lost Karen too young. She had one of the greatest voices to grace God's earth.
As you delve more into Karen Carpenter, her voice, her career, and the tragedy of her short life, she will undoubtedly rise to the top of your favorite artist group. She was indeed unique, and almost supernatural in her gift of singing. Your observations regarding her voice are spot-on accurate. Her Brother, Richard was, and still is, a brilliant composer and arranger.
Karen my favorite female singer. It’s hard to listen to her pure God given voice & not tear up. Her brother complimented her beautifully. They ruled the 70s up to the mid 80s. God sent an Angel to us for a short time, but her music lives on forever!
You are having trouble describing her voice because it's simply indescribable. It resonates on a subconscious level that speaks to your very soul. And likely never to be duplicated.
Her voice is special. I think her lower register had a richness unlike any other female pop singer. It carries such emotion but is never overly sentimental. Thanks and hope you do more Carpenters. And yes her brother Richard did all the arrangements, played piano, and provided backup vocals.
They liked to be called Carpenters. Richard arranged, and produced every song. Richard and his friend John Bettis wrote many songs in their catalog. Before Luther their was Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett who wrote it. It was called Groupie in 1969. Then Richard and Karen got a hold of it. Luther Vandross did it. Here is a quote from Leon Russell about the legendary Karen Carpenter - Karen Carpenter was just a singularly amazing singer. There was just not anybody like her, (Leon Russell). Karen was, is and will be; an incredible human being who gave herself completely to the people around her. They had 3 #1's on Billboard 100 and 15 #1's on adult contemporary in 14 years which is unbelievable. Your reactions are fantastic.
I always thought of that gorgeous, rich voice as "hauntingly melodic". If you haven't checked out "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters, you will see and hear Richard Carpenter sing with Karen. Beautiful song that has been covered multiple times too, so I'm sure you'll recognize it❤
Karen "One Take" Carpenter. The lyrics for this song were written on a napkin in the studio, and she did a trial-run thru the song to see how it felt before recording the actual take. Her trial run was so perfect, that they didn't record a second take, and what you are hearing was basically a first-time demo of the song. Perfection.
Karen actually didn't want to be a singer. She just wanted to play drums in her brother's band. But Richard knew her voice was going to be the key to their success.
No, Karen was singing all along and liked to sing, but she wanted to sing from behind the drums, not out front. She considered herself a drummer first.
A beautiful songbird who flew away much too soon. Thank you for taking me back to my childhood listening to Karen Carpenter on my little record player in my room. Her voice will never be forgotten. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard in my lifetime.
Richard Carpenter wrote, arranged and sang with his sister. They were both extremely gifted. Karen was also a drummer. Richard was a pianist. Together they formed The Carpenters. They were a national treasure until Karen passed away as a result of an eating disorder. What a tragedy!
The original was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell and was first recorded in 1969 by the very hip husband and wife duo Delaney & Bonnie (later expanded to "and Friends"). It's actually a fairly dark song about a groupie ("Groupie" was the original title with "Superstar" in parentheses), but the later versions softened it and made it more ambiguous and romantic.
Always grateful when the original artists and/or songwriter(s) are given their just due in these reaction videos (how many people think Whitney Huston was the original artist for "Without You" or "I Will Always Love You?"). And the original title makes the meaning of the song much clearer.
"As the song's original subject matter was more risqué than what was typical for the Carpenters, Richard changed a lyric in the second verse from "And I can hardly wait/To sleep with you again" to the less suggestive "And I can hardly wait/To be with you again.""
@Jeff Morris personally I like Richard's change, although I heard the writer of the original was not pollard with the change, but sometimes leas is more
"Superstar" was originally written about Eric Clapton. As the story goes, Richard saw Vicki Carr performing "Superstar" on The Tonight Show, and thought Karen's voice would be perfect for this song. He was right... certainly one of her best songs.
@@wojohugo Clapton played on the original Delaney & Bonnie and Friends recording, which was a B-side to a single. I don't know that the song was about anyone specifically. The original idea came from Rita Coolidge who shared her observations about groupies with Bonnie Bramlett (with whom she performed at times). Bonnie, Leon Russell and Delaney Bramlett got writing credits on the song. It became more of a wistful ballad with a new title (after the original "Groupie" recording) through the numerous covers.
Karen had such an incredibly angelic voice, it was pitch perfect. Elvis (who actually tried to have a threesome with Karen and her friend, but failed at it) loved her, same with Paul McCartney who said she has THE best female singing voice ever. While passing by each other one time, John Lennon actually said to her "I want to tell you love, I think you've got a fabulous voice"...which was huge to her, because believe it or not, she had severe self-doubt. She was close friends with Olivia Newton-John, another very talented singer who just recently passed away, also said that Karen "had the most amazing voice." The way she was treated by the press was horrendous. She was so cute back when they started out. She looked healthy and had some weight to her (looked NORMAL & HEALTHY!) Then one jerk writer called her fat and that she shouldn't be singing center stage. And it went straight downhill from there :(
Her voice is sublime. It is heartbreaking to me that so many talented and incredible artists (Elvis, Karen Carpenter, Freddie Mercury, etc.) would be taken too young from conditions/illness that are now treatable.
Elvis' condition would still be untreatable today because he surrounded himself with nothing but "Yes" men, including doctors and pharmacists, they gave him whatever drugs he wanted - he was doomed. Freddie Mercury was obviously a victim of his era, the wrong lifestyle at exactly the wrong time -- tragic. And similarly, Karen Carpenter: her disease was a relatively new phenomenon, and you're right, they would now know how to give her therapy and counselling, but back then hardly anyone knew anything about anorexia nervosa.
The most beautiful voice in all of music’s history in my opinion! She passed away only a month away from her 33rd birthday on February 4, 1983 from heart failure due to over 10 years of anorexia. If I recall correctly, she was the one who brought eating disorders out into the light. She went in for treatment for it in 1981 and was still doing amazing with her recovery. She had been staying that week with her parents in her childhood home and was getting ready that morning to spend the day with her parents. When her mother thought she was taking too long to get ready, she opened her bedroom door to check in on her and found her on the floor. She was taken to the hospital and the doctors did all they could do, but it wasn’t enough. Her heart had just taken way too much damage over the years. I grew up listening to her with my grandmother who just adored her as did I. So many fond memories with her songs. I just wish she was here today so I could tell her how much her work meant to us. ❤
The Carpenters were officially known as ‘Carpenters’. A brother and sister act (Richard and Karen), with other backup musicians/singers. Karen was the lead singer and although Richard wrote or co-wrote many songs, I think he was known more for his arrangements and production of their songs. They both had issues to overcome. Richard had a prescription drug issues, while Karen succumbed to eating disorder at the age of 31 ( I believe). If you’re interested, there is a very good TV movie of their life that was made several years ago. A lot of great songs. I had a friend who worked on this movie. If interested, here’s a link: ruclips.net/video/2wNxaw5j428/видео.html
I've watched that movie so many times. I battled anorexia also - all these years later I'm here and thanks to what women go through - a bit overweight (i ate more back then!) I don't get it
I just saw the tv movie a few months ago for the first time in my 61 years , I wish there was a clearer version of it( I saw the one available on RUclips ) , or one wonders if they did a excellent new movie would it be better than the tv movie.
Her voice was like velvet. She had a horrible eating disorder and eventually died from the consequences of that. So very sad. Your reactions are always so good and spot on!
Karen's voice, has always been described as, "The Voice of an Angel." 50 years later, Karen's voice, when I hear it her, I still get choked up. She had, and still does have, that effect on my soul. Your description of her voice is right on point. On other songs, when she gets to her lower register, ahhhh, she puts you somewhere else. They changed the lyric, "I want to sleep with you," to "I want to be with you." They couldn't have Angelic Karen say she wanted to have sex with a guitar player in a one night stand.
Since you like learning new things ..Karen was also a world class drummer. It was her happy place. She literally considered herself a drummer who sang and not a singer who played drums. There are Karen drum videos on RUclips. God bless.
I think the word you might be searching for, concerning her voice, is mesmerizing. You listen to that beautiful voice and you just get in absorbed in it. Before you know it, you have listened to almost a whole song and it seems like it just began. She holds notes in such a way that there is often no gap in the music like you hear from many other artists. RIP, Karen!
The brother usually plays keyboard and sings harmony. There are some videos out there with her on drums, she is a really good drummer, and singing lead. This was in the early 70’s Vandross was in the 80’s.
I'm about Karen's age. I'm 74 now, almost 75. The Carpenters came on the scene when I was beginning college in 1968. They were one of my favorite if not the favorite bands of that time. Petula Clark, a friend of Karen's, was also a favorite of mine. I dated, went steady, with a girl in college that could easily have passed for a sister of Karen's, and sometimes an identical twin. This girl, Candance (called her Candy), wore her hair like Karen in the song "Superstar" some of the time. After college graduation I saw The Carpenters in concert in 1975. They were magnificent, just outstanding. But Karen was so thin at that time. Eight years later she was gone. I was stunned when I heard she had passed away. Stunned and very sad. Their music had been an important part of my life as a young adult. Sometimes you fall in love with music and I fell in love with their music and with Petula Clark's. Paul Williams wrote a jingle for an advertisement that became "We've only just begun". Richard was looking for a song and heard the jingle. That's what I remember Mr. Williams saying on a documentary about Karen. Richard was very talented in his own right, playing piano, and finding and arranging the songs that became hits. There is a connection with Herb Alpert, also. Karen's songs were on A&M records, Alpert & Moss.
Carpenters. Bro Richard played piano/keys, harmonies and arranged/produced. I've always found Karen's voice soothing and angelic. Lost her too soon, yet treasured still, so glad you found Luther's connection, he adored her. ❤👍🏽
Karen, just through her clout as an artist, changes what might've been the original "intention" of the song... she expresses this as one musician to another, and makes it so heart-wrenchingly believable. The repeated "baby" line pierces me every time.
“Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with a songwriting credit also given to Delaney Bramlett that has been a hit for many artists in different genres and interpretations in the years since; the best-known versions are by the Carpenters in 1971, and by Luther Vandross in 1983.
And that version is called Groupie ( Superstar). I love the studio version of it. On some of the live versions, Bonnie overdoes it,but the studio version is fantastic.
Delaney and Bonnie had that catchy tune Never Ending Love song, which was covered by the Australian group the New Seekers (who did a version of I like to teach the World to Sing, what I called as a kid the Coca Cola song!!).
Richard produced, did the arrangements, played piano, and sang harmonies and backing vocals. Karen played drums and sang lead, harmonies and back-up vocals. Richard and Karen would would record all of the vocals and Richard would mix everything together. That is why the background singers blend so well with her, they are all her!
The best female voice of all time. Unmatched for her tone, warmth and vocal range. As of today, October 10, 2023, Richard Carpenter is working on a new studio album. This album will be her first solo recording since 1987's "Time Out of Mind." Carpenter has been working on the album for several years, and has been searching for a vocalist who can fill the void left by her sister Karen, who died in 1983. In an interview with Billboard in 2022, Carpenter said that the album will have a sound similar to that of the Carpenters, but that it will also be an evolution of his sound. "It's still soft rock, but it's a little more modern," Carpenter said. "There's also a bit of experimentation." Carpenter has not yet announced a release date for the album, but has said that he hopes it will be released in 2024. In addition to his work on the new album, Carpenter is also working on a documentary about the life and career of the Carpenters. The documentary, which is being produced by the company "Greenwich Entertainment", will be released in 2024. Carpenter also continues to tour and give concerts. In 2023, he toured the United States with singer-songwriter Michael Feinstein. There is no voice today that compares to Karen Carpenter's. She was a unique musical genius in the world and goes far beyond her time. It without autotune or any other manipulation. Just her voice and her brother Richard's incredible arrangements. No current artist can match this in this era. Karen was also one of the best drummers of her time and she could sing well while she played the drums simultaneously. A true top talent. RIP Karen Carpenter, We will always remember you and love you!!! 💛💛💛 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La mejor voz femenina de todos los tiempos. Inigualable por su tono, calidez y rango vocal. A fecha de hoy 10 de Octubre de 2023, Richard Carpenter está trabajando en un nuevo álbum de estudio. Este álbum será su primer trabajo discográfico en solitario desde "Time Out of Mind" de 1987. Carpenter ha estado trabajando en el álbum durante varios años, y ha estado buscando una vocalista que pueda llenar el vacío dejado por su hermana Karen, quien murió en 1983. En una entrevista con el medio "Billboard" en 2022, Carpenter dijo que el álbum tendrá un sonido similar al de los Carpenters, pero que también será una evolución de su sonido. "Todavía es soft rock, pero es un poco más moderno", dijo Carpenter. "También hay un poco de experimentación". Carpenter aún no ha anunciado una fecha de lanzamiento para el álbum, pero ha dicho que espera que salga a la venta en 2024. Además de su trabajo en el nuevo álbum, Carpenter también está trabajando en un documental sobre la vida y la carrera de los Carpenters. El documental, que está siendo producido por la compañía "Greenwich Entertainment", se estrenará en 2024. Carpenter también continúa realizando giras y dando conciertos. En 2023, realizó una gira por los Estados Unidos con el cantante y compositor Michael Feinstein. No hay ninguna voz hoy en día que se compare con la de Karen Carpenter. Fue una genio musical única en el mundo y va mucho más allá de su tiempo. Sin autoajuste ni ninguna otra manipulación. Sólo su voz y los increíbles arreglos de su hermano Richard. Ningún artista actual puede igualar esto en esta era. Karen también era una de las mejores bateristas de su época y podía cantar así mientras tocaba la batería simultáneamente. Un verdadero talento superior. QEPD Karen Carpenter, ¡¡¡ Siempre te recordaremos y te querremos!!! 💛💛💛
It’s the Carpenters, they’re brother and sister Richard did all the arranging and producing What’s amazing to me how effortlessly she sings to get that residence she doesn’t have to raise her voice. She also is a drummer and she can hit the hell out of those skins believe me. !!! The song is written by Leon Russell. You should check him out to by the way love your reactions.
Her voice is 'inviting' you into the song. Pitch perfect. She had the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I'm 63 now and grew up hearing her sing. I still get a tear forming every time I hear sing, knowing that she's gone.
On this song, I would say her voice is 'haunting' and 'ethereall'(sp). Their music was a large part of my teen years. Your face at 2:45. I just fell in love again!
They were known as "The Carpenters". Richard and Karen were, obviously, brother & sister. Richard played the piano in their arrangements, and produced the arrangements for their songs, and sang back up/harmony with Karen. Karen's amazing voice was discovered nearly by accident while she was performing an audition as a drummer for The Wrecking Crew. She was asked if she could do some vocal background for some artists in one of the studios and when she sang the producer was left speechless. She was also a very, very good drummer, and played drums, while singing, for the studio versions on most of their songs.
the Brother was the arranger and producer as well a the pianist and backing vocalist. He has been compared to Brian Wilson in his musical genius. She had an exceptional voice but he was the genius behind the sound. He co-wrote a number of their original songs. It is "Carpenters"
The Carpenters were Karen and her brother, Richard. She was such an amazing talent, singing and drumming. She had such a sad ending, completely preventable, and gone far too soon.
Richard and Karen are sis and bro. He was a talented singer, pianist, song writer . She played the drums and accompanied him on some songs. They then discovered she could sing, so they put her in front of the stage and the rest is history.
This version is a cover too... Originally released by Delaney Bramlett (Delaney and Bonnie) in 1969... The Carpenters released it in 1971... Luther Vandross in 1983... Many other covers have been released over the years too... The song is also known as "Groupie"
In America, when addressing someone by their last name, we always preface with "The" . Their mother wanted them known as "Carpenters" , though Richard announced them as "we're The Carpenters" in their c1971 BBC Concert. To me the former is correct. If your neighbors are the Johnsons, you refer to them as "The Johnsons". The word you're looking for to describe her vocals is, "angelic". In the early days of their Career, their music was far more versatile than in the mid 1970s. You can hear so much texture and power in her vocals then & her breath control was immortal. Later, she became "softened down" based on someone's suggestion. I still prefer their earlier releases to this date.
Saw them sing in 1972 .Karen was a superb drummer/singer ,her brother sang harmony and produced and wrote songs . Karen was immensely talented .She died at the age of 32 from complications from anorexia .Her brother Richard heard Bette Midler sing it on the Tonight show got the lyrics .They rushed in to the studio and recorded the song.She got it on the first take .
Thank you Britt for that wonderful reaction to Carpenters, but they got introduced with the word "The" in front of their name. This brought back some memories. Used to listen to them, Karen was a Contralto and was a well respected drummer also. Her brother was the pianist and did harmony with her. When she died from anorexia back when I was in college, I was so sad, for her voice was as you described. It was also unique. I wishe she could of been still here like her brother Richard is. I know they would still be singing. (I would love to have heard Angelina Jordan and Karen sing a song together ❤)
the carpenters were a brother and sister Karen was originally the drummer and very good Richard produced all there work just a very sad day when she passed away a voice of an angel . a fabulous reaction thank you x
Richard Carpenter had a band before Karen joined as a teenager, playing the drums. When they discovered her voice it was a no-brainer that she sing. They both sang together, as he wrote and played piano. He was the major composer, and I do believe they were known as THE Carpenters. Thank you for your review. ❤ P.S. What they call her voice is 'low register' b/c she could go so deep. Gone too soon (sniff).
Karen Carpenter. (3/2/50 - 2/4/83). Superstar. Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with Delaney Bramlett. (1969). Atco Records. Released as 'Groupie' in 1969 on B -side of 'Comming Home.' This Karen Carpenter version was released in 1971. Luther Vandeoss cover released in 1983. The original lyrics were cleaned up FROM "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again" TO "I can hardly wait to see you again." If you are interested in hearing Karens vocal range and clarity, react to "Rainy Days and Mondays" (1971).
She has a rare pitch, and there is a name for it but I forget exactly what is called, maybe Contralto. She was originally the drummer in the back but quickly became so popular for her what I would call soothing voice that her brother and producers encouraged her to move out front and this is the result 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Hey there! A fantastic, heartfelt review! Loved it!! You hit on two key aspects of any Carpenters song: First, Karen’s gorgeous rich and soulful voice that emotes any lyrics so well for the listener but also these masterful arrangements of Carpenters’ songs that make them simply unforgettable once heard. That’s where her brother Richard comes in since he was the mastermind - respected as truly a genius in the industry at the time - for his acumen to take any song and arrange every aspect of it, be it the tempo, the diversity of instruments used and exactly how meaning each instrument’s music to play, the modulations in dynamics such as volume and added instrumental solos when Karen wasn’t singing - or was - for every song. Richard knew exactly how to showcase Karen’s voice in incredibly complementary ways. It’s sad Karen died so young from an eating disorder. It’s also sad that Richard continues to rarely get the recognition as their music lives on because he deserves so much for his amazing contributions to their collaborative efforts. Perhaps it’s best described that without Richard’s gorgeous arrangements, his sister Karen might not have had her meteoric rise to success… yet without sister Karen’s gorgeous interpretations of the lyrics she sang, Richard would not have made his mark on the music world as the true genius behind the Carpenters!
So this song, along with two others, ",Now" and " Solitaire" truly show off her incredible angelic pure tone and intonation. Remember this is LIVE. I know of virtually no other singer that sounds as good or better live than in a studio.
"The Carpenters" Richard produced all their songs, played piano/organ and harmonized with her. Karen was a "ANGEL" those beautiful lows of hers. She sang very quietly, and effortlessly. Her voice introduced me to women and what love was supposed to be like. She had everyone in a spell, from her first lyric.
Evocative, beguiling ( in an enchanting, not deceptive way ) I would love to see you react to either of two videos of Karen 'doing her thing' on the drums, from a '76 tv special. You will be not only surprised & amazed, but also flabbergasted, hornswoggled, & downright gobsmacked ( originally, U.K. term ). Her voice was a natural gift; she didn't even take voice lessons ( or so I read), but her impressive drumming skills were the product of years of dedicated practice. She always considered herself as a drummer who 'did a little singing on the side'. She never felt comfortable performing after 'they' yanked her out from behind the 'skins' ( her drum kit ). It seems like that seriously worsened her self-image problems, which led directly to her tragically untimely demise.
Karen's passing was tragic. She was such a treasure! It's been said that when Karen passed, the angels in heaven rejoiced - they had just received their new lead singer. RIP Karen, you are remembered and loved.
You have many comments below which tell little bits about the Carpenters. While their album just say Carpenters Richard referred to them as The Carpenters often. They were a brother sister act, Richard and his younger sister Karen. Richard Carpenter (1946 to still alive). He had numerous roles in the Carpenters, including record producer, arranger, pianist, keyboardist, and songwriter, as well as joining with Karen on harmony vocals. (All of the albums backup singing was Karen and Richard, backup on tours the Band and Richard). Karen (1950 to 1983) she sang and played the drums. She considered herself to be a drummer who sang a little. The Richard Carpenter Jazz Trio in 1966 with sister Karen and friend Wes Jacobs. Richard played the piano, Karen played the drums, and Wes played the tuba and bass at this time Karen was not singing. (I was 23 at the time and fell in love with them, but did not hear of them again until 1970). In 1969 Herb Alpert heard a tape of the Carpenters and liked it and signed them to A&M records (he was 1/2 owner of it). The rest is history. The one you just showed was recorded while she was alive with their normal band. The Philharmonic was added in the late 80s. Try doing a search on (Carpenters Reason To Believe THE 5th DIMENSION - TRAVELLING SUNSHINE SHOW) and watch Reason to Believe (the other people (not in the band) are members of the 5th dimension. Carpenters preformed until 1983 when Karen died from complications to anorexia. Richard saw Bette Midler sing Superstar on Johnny Carson and put it on their next album (made Bette Mad). You were correct on the original it says "can not wait to sleep with you again" on the Carpenters version "can not wait to be with you again"
The Carpenters. Richard and Karen, brother and sister. He arranged their music. He played keyboard, she played drums. They used extensive tracking of vocals. He was smart to realize the tremendous quality of her voice.
Vandross, who was a HUGE fan of Karen Carpenter's voice and recorded this song as a homage to her, is probably the best known second version of this song, although it has been recorded by many other singers. The Carpenter's version is the best known and reach the highest on the charts, reaching #2 in 1971... Incredible fact, was that Karen recorded this song in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and of course only 21 years old at the time!
His cover is one of my very favorite songs. I saw him live in concert before he passed away, Aaliyah was supposed to be at that show, but she died the day (?) before.😢
Such a powerful song . Karen's voice is silky, and leaves me feeling that I have heard the best voice Ever!!
Bette Midler recorded a version of this song, and Richard Carpenter got the idea to record it after hearing her sing it on the Tonight Show. Such a beautiful classic song!
So true!
Karen Carpenter wasn't just an exceptionally good singer, but also an incredible drummer. You should check out a drum solo.
I like that she thought of herself as a drummer who could also sing and not a singer who could play drums.
I love the videos of Karen playing her drums. Unlike when she just sings you can always see the pure joy on her face and her bright smile.
@@battlegirldeb Exactly! She was happiest behind her drum kit. Even professional drummers, like Buddy Rich, were impressed with her drum skills. It was a big change for her to come out from behind the drums to front the songs, but she adapted. An amazing talent, gone too soon.
I totally agree. Watch one of her drumming.
Before the Carpenters the two siblings (and a friend) had a jazz music trio. That says all. You can't play drums in a jazz trio unless you're outstanding.
They were known as The Carpenters, Richard, her brother played the piano n sang harmony with her and arranged their music. This was also a cover song they did but their version was a hit and she was only 21 when she recorded this song. One of the best voices ever in music history.
Luther covered it. Mariah Carey covered it too, but neither sold far more copies of it
Always known as just Carpenters...
@@cliftonparago4547 It's a cover song. The original was done by Delany & Bonnie but as far as I'm concerned ,The Carpenters own this song.
No they weren’t they were ‘Carpenters’ !!!!
Only earlier groups had "the" as part of their name (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Kinks). Later bands did not (Carpenters, Go-Go's, Bangles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.), but you still use "the" when speaking about them, but not in their printed name on drum kits, promotional material, album covers, etc. because it is NOT part of their names.
The only way I can describe Karen's voice is hauntingly beautiful. It just grabs your soul and doesn't let go. We miss her more than you could imagine. RIP, Karen.💚
Amen
❤
Karen's vocals on this track we're done in ONE TAKE! They called her "One take Karen"! Recently,it was found that a live performance of this song was more "accurate than the studio version! One in a billion voice!
Karen Carpenter definitely has the most beautiful and angelic voice I’ve ever heard.
Yes, right up there is Alison Krause, although beautiful, Alison.s is not as unique.
She's 1 or 1A with Linda Ronstadt over the last 50 years.
Number 1 all time female voice in my oppinion.
Richard was the song writer and musician, did backup singing.
They are my 2nd cousins.
Grew up listening to The Carpenters.
Leon Russell wrote and recorded this in a live version that's hard to find
Their song “Solitaire” is their best, in my opinion.
Their secretary Evelyn Wallace was my grandmother's second cousin!
Karen Carpenter's voice is beyond beautiful. You don't just listen to the song and enjoy it, Karen's singing had the ability to bring back YOUR memories. You could get lost her singing SO easily. The harmonies were often achieved by Karen and Richard "stacking" their voices. I will never forget when I heard that Karen had died. I was driving back home to Ohio from a teaching job in New York. It was SO heartbreaking!! Rest in Peace Karen. Your voice was magic!!
I cry when I hear this woman's beautiful voice!
Karen is a masterclass vocalist! Her voice is enthralling and soothing every time she opens her mouth.Karen is the first famous person we knew of that passed away of anorexia nervosa.We were all so deeply saddened that she could not see herself the way that we all saw her,beautiful in every way...🎙🎶💞😔
The Carpenters are LEGEND. Richard played piano and did the arrangements. Karen was also a drummer. They have a great catalog. We lost Karen too young. She had one of the greatest voices to grace God's earth.
As you delve more into Karen Carpenter, her voice, her career, and the tragedy of her short life, she will undoubtedly rise to the top of your favorite artist group. She was indeed unique, and almost supernatural in her gift of singing. Your observations regarding her voice are spot-on accurate. Her Brother, Richard was, and still is, a brilliant composer and arranger.
Karen my favorite female singer. It’s hard to listen to her pure God given voice & not tear up. Her brother complimented her beautifully. They ruled the 70s up to the mid 80s. God sent an Angel to us for a short time, but her music lives on forever!
You are having trouble describing her voice because it's simply indescribable. It resonates on a subconscious level that speaks to your very soul. And likely never to be duplicated.
Its sad to say that we took Karen and her wonderful voice for granted back in the 70s. Those who grew up with them, miss her greatly.
I never took her for granted. I immediately recognized what a special virtually perfect voice she had as a 12 year old kid.
I do miss her so much!!😢
Me too.
So sad she couldn't get help. She had a voice that was too beautiful
Her voice is special. I think her lower register had a richness unlike any other female pop singer. It carries such emotion but is never overly sentimental. Thanks and hope you do more Carpenters.
And yes her brother Richard did all the arrangements, played piano, and provided backup vocals.
And she didn't do any vocal gymnastics either and she still blows you away regardless. That's how special and unique her voice was.
They liked to be called Carpenters. Richard arranged, and produced every song. Richard and his friend John Bettis wrote many songs in their catalog. Before Luther their was Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett who wrote it. It was called Groupie in 1969. Then Richard and Karen got a hold of it. Luther Vandross did it. Here is a quote from Leon Russell about the legendary Karen Carpenter - Karen Carpenter was just a singularly amazing singer. There was just not anybody like her, (Leon Russell). Karen was, is and will be; an incredible human being who gave herself completely to the people around her. They had 3 #1's on Billboard 100 and 15 #1's on adult contemporary in 14 years which is unbelievable. Your reactions are fantastic.
I always thought of that gorgeous, rich voice as "hauntingly melodic". If you haven't checked out "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters, you will see and hear Richard Carpenter sing with Karen. Beautiful song that has been covered multiple times too, so I'm sure you'll recognize it❤
Yes! Hauntingly melodic is an excellent description of Karen's voice.I am spellbound every time I listen to her!
She has Blues and Soul in her voice. It reaches in your soul and comforts your being in such away
Karen "One Take" Carpenter. The lyrics for this song were written on a napkin in the studio, and she did a trial-run thru the song to see how it felt before recording the actual take. Her trial run was so perfect, that they didn't record a second take, and what you are hearing was basically a first-time demo of the song. Perfection.
Karen actually didn't want to be a singer. She just wanted to play drums in her brother's band. But Richard knew her voice was going to be the key to their success.
No, Karen was singing all along and liked to sing, but she wanted to sing from behind the drums, not out front. She considered herself a drummer first.
A beautiful songbird who flew away much too soon. Thank you for taking me back to my childhood listening to Karen Carpenter on my little record player in my room. Her voice will never be forgotten. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard in my lifetime.
The finest female alto voice of the last century.
Richard Carpenter wrote, arranged and sang with his sister. They were both extremely gifted. Karen was also a drummer. Richard was a pianist. Together they formed The Carpenters. They were a national treasure until Karen passed away as a result of an eating disorder. What a tragedy!
Too me , her low notes sound much more musical than other low singers such as Cher, Annie Lennox and others.
Cher was a monotone singer with virtually no range. The only singer that compares is Linda Ronstadt.
Karen’s lower register was so soothing. Cher’s voice has always been like nails on a chalkboard to me.
@@luvslyfe1Lmao😂! Good description, lol👍✌️
The original was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell and was first recorded in 1969 by the very hip husband and wife duo Delaney & Bonnie (later expanded to "and Friends"). It's actually a fairly dark song about a groupie ("Groupie" was the original title with "Superstar" in parentheses), but the later versions softened it and made it more ambiguous and romantic.
Always grateful when the original artists and/or songwriter(s) are given their just due in these reaction videos (how many people think Whitney Huston was the original artist for "Without You" or "I Will Always Love You?"). And the original title makes the meaning of the song much clearer.
"As the song's original subject matter was more risqué than what was typical for the Carpenters, Richard changed a lyric in the second verse from "And I can hardly wait/To sleep with you again" to the less suggestive "And I can hardly wait/To be with you again.""
@Jeff Morris personally I like Richard's change, although I heard the writer of the original was not pollard with the change, but sometimes leas is more
"Superstar" was originally written about Eric Clapton. As the story goes, Richard saw Vicki Carr performing "Superstar" on The Tonight Show, and thought Karen's voice would be perfect for this song. He was right... certainly one of her best songs.
@@wojohugo Clapton played on the original Delaney & Bonnie and Friends recording, which was a B-side to a single. I don't know that the song was about anyone specifically. The original idea came from Rita Coolidge who shared her observations about groupies with Bonnie Bramlett (with whom she performed at times). Bonnie, Leon Russell and Delaney Bramlett got writing credits on the song. It became more of a wistful ballad with a new title (after the original "Groupie" recording) through the numerous covers.
Karen had such an incredibly angelic voice, it was pitch perfect. Elvis (who actually tried to have a threesome with Karen and her friend, but failed at it) loved her, same with Paul McCartney who said she has THE best female singing voice ever. While passing by each other one time, John Lennon actually said to her "I want to tell you love, I think you've got a fabulous voice"...which was huge to her, because believe it or not, she had severe self-doubt. She was close friends with Olivia Newton-John, another very talented singer who just recently passed away, also said that Karen "had the most amazing voice." The way she was treated by the press was horrendous. She was so cute back when they started out. She looked healthy and had some weight to her (looked NORMAL & HEALTHY!) Then one jerk writer called her fat and that she shouldn't be singing center stage. And it went straight downhill from there :(
Who was the jerk writer?
Her voice is sublime. It is heartbreaking to me that so many talented and incredible artists (Elvis, Karen Carpenter, Freddie Mercury, etc.) would be taken too young from conditions/illness that are now treatable.
Elvis' condition would still be untreatable today because he surrounded himself with nothing but "Yes" men, including doctors and pharmacists, they gave him whatever drugs he wanted - he was doomed. Freddie Mercury was obviously a victim of his era, the wrong lifestyle at exactly the wrong time -- tragic. And similarly, Karen Carpenter: her disease was a relatively new phenomenon, and you're right, they would now know how to give her therapy and counselling, but back then hardly anyone knew anything about anorexia nervosa.
Haunting voice. We miss her.
The most beautiful voice in all of music’s history in my opinion! She passed away only a month away from her 33rd birthday on February 4, 1983 from heart failure due to over 10 years of anorexia. If I recall correctly, she was the one who brought eating disorders out into the light. She went in for treatment for it in 1981 and was still doing amazing with her recovery. She had been staying that week with her parents in her childhood home and was getting ready that morning to spend the day with her parents. When her mother thought she was taking too long to get ready, she opened her bedroom door to check in on her and found her on the floor. She was taken to the hospital and the doctors did all they could do, but it wasn’t enough. Her heart had just taken way too much damage over the years. I grew up listening to her with my grandmother who just adored her as did I. So many fond memories with her songs. I just wish she was here today so I could tell her how much her work meant to us. ❤
I'd have agreed with you but then Lucy Thomas came along
Her voice was considered pitch perfect - a rarity in music.
The Carpenters were officially known as ‘Carpenters’. A brother and sister act (Richard and Karen), with other backup musicians/singers. Karen was the lead singer and although Richard wrote or co-wrote many songs, I think he was known more for his arrangements and production of their songs. They both had issues to overcome. Richard had a prescription drug issues, while Karen succumbed to eating disorder at the age of 31 ( I believe). If you’re interested, there is a very good TV movie of their life that was made several years ago. A lot of great songs. I had a friend who worked on this movie. If interested, here’s a link: ruclips.net/video/2wNxaw5j428/видео.html
I've watched that movie so many times. I battled anorexia also - all these years later I'm here and thanks to what women go through - a bit overweight (i ate more back then!) I don't get it
I just saw the tv movie a few months ago for the first time in my 61 years , I wish there was a clearer version of it( I saw the one available on RUclips ) , or one wonders if they did a excellent new movie would it be better than the tv movie.
Her voice was like velvet. She had a horrible eating disorder and eventually died from the consequences of that. So very sad.
Your reactions are always so good and spot on!
Their manager called her chubby and it sent her into a deep depression and anorexia that eventually killed her. Sad loss.
Karen's voice, has always been described as, "The Voice of an Angel." 50 years later, Karen's voice, when I hear it her, I still get choked up. She had, and still does have, that effect on my soul.
Your description of her voice is right on point. On other songs, when she gets to her lower register, ahhhh, she puts you somewhere else.
They changed the lyric, "I want to sleep with you," to "I want to be with you." They couldn't have Angelic Karen say she wanted to have sex with a guitar player in a one night stand.
she is hands down my favorite female singer she was very special.
She also sung our wedding song “We’ve only just begun”.
Since you like learning new things ..Karen was also a world class drummer. It was her happy place. She literally considered herself a drummer who sang and not a singer who played drums. There are Karen drum videos on RUclips. God bless.
Superstar was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell
I think the word you might be searching for, concerning her voice, is mesmerizing. You listen to that beautiful voice and you just get in absorbed in it. Before you know it, you have listened to almost a whole song and it seems like it just began. She holds notes in such a way that there is often no gap in the music like you hear from many other artists. RIP, Karen!
I think the word you were looking for is melancholic. Her voice was FILLED with melancholy, even on the happy songs.
Her voice is relaxing....soothing.....beautiful
HYPNOTIC. Also her brother Richard is a skilled music arranger. Helps the music along.
I've always considered her voice as hypnotic.
Karen had an absolutely perfect pitch!! So sad we lost her SO young!!😢
The purest voice you will ever hear. She was amazing. She died way too soon.
The brother usually plays keyboard and sings harmony. There are some videos out there with her on drums, she is a really good drummer, and singing lead. This was in the early 70’s Vandross was in the 80’s.
I'm about Karen's age. I'm 74 now, almost 75. The Carpenters came on the scene when I was beginning college in 1968. They were one of my favorite if not the favorite bands of that time. Petula Clark, a friend of Karen's, was also a favorite of mine. I dated, went steady, with a girl in college that could easily have passed for a sister of Karen's, and sometimes an identical twin. This girl, Candance (called her Candy), wore her hair like Karen in the song "Superstar" some of the time. After college graduation I saw The Carpenters in concert in 1975. They were magnificent, just outstanding. But Karen was so thin at that time. Eight years later she was gone. I was stunned when I heard she had passed away. Stunned and very sad. Their music had been an important part of my life as a young adult. Sometimes you fall in love with music and I fell in love with their music and with Petula Clark's.
Paul Williams wrote a jingle for an advertisement that became "We've only just begun". Richard was looking for a song and heard the jingle. That's what I remember Mr. Williams saying on a documentary about Karen. Richard was very talented in his own right, playing piano, and finding and arranging the songs that became hits.
There is a connection with Herb Alpert, also. Karen's songs were on A&M records, Alpert & Moss.
Her voice is strong and melancholy at the same time!
Carpenters.
Bro Richard played piano/keys, harmonies and arranged/produced.
I've always found Karen's voice soothing and angelic.
Lost her too soon, yet treasured still, so glad you found Luther's connection, he adored her. ❤👍🏽
Karen, just through her clout as an artist, changes what might've been the original "intention" of the song... she expresses this as one musician to another, and makes it so heart-wrenchingly believable. The repeated "baby" line pierces me every time.
“Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with a songwriting credit also given to Delaney Bramlett that has been a hit for many artists in different genres and interpretations in the years since; the best-known versions are by the Carpenters in 1971, and by Luther Vandross in 1983.
And that version is called Groupie ( Superstar). I love the studio version of it. On some of the live versions, Bonnie overdoes it,but the studio version is fantastic.
Delaney and Bonnie had that catchy tune Never Ending Love song, which was covered by the Australian group the New Seekers (who did a version of I like to teach the World to Sing, what I called as a kid the Coca Cola song!!).
Richard produced, did the arrangements, played piano, and sang harmonies and backing vocals. Karen played drums and sang lead, harmonies and back-up vocals. Richard and Karen would would record all of the vocals and Richard would mix everything together. That is why the background singers blend so well with her, they are all her!
The best female voice of all time. Unmatched for her tone, warmth and vocal range.
As of today, October 10, 2023, Richard Carpenter is working on a new studio album. This album will be her first solo recording since 1987's "Time Out of Mind." Carpenter has been working on the album for several years, and has been searching for a vocalist who can fill the void left by her sister Karen, who died in 1983.
In an interview with Billboard in 2022, Carpenter said that the album will have a sound similar to that of the Carpenters, but that it will also be an evolution of his sound. "It's still soft rock, but it's a little more modern," Carpenter said. "There's also a bit of experimentation."
Carpenter has not yet announced a release date for the album, but has said that he hopes it will be released in 2024.
In addition to his work on the new album, Carpenter is also working on a documentary about the life and career of the Carpenters. The documentary, which is being produced by the company "Greenwich Entertainment", will be released in 2024.
Carpenter also continues to tour and give concerts. In 2023, he toured the United States with singer-songwriter Michael Feinstein.
There is no voice today that compares to Karen Carpenter's. She was a unique musical genius in the world and goes far beyond her time. It without autotune or any other manipulation. Just her voice and her brother Richard's incredible arrangements. No current artist can match this in this era. Karen was also one of the best drummers of her time and she could sing well while she played the drums simultaneously. A true top talent. RIP Karen Carpenter, We will always remember you and love you!!! 💛💛💛
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La mejor voz femenina de todos los tiempos. Inigualable por su tono, calidez y rango vocal.
A fecha de hoy 10 de Octubre de 2023, Richard Carpenter está trabajando en un nuevo álbum de estudio. Este álbum será su primer trabajo discográfico en solitario desde "Time Out of Mind" de 1987. Carpenter ha estado trabajando en el álbum durante varios años, y ha estado buscando una vocalista que pueda llenar el vacío dejado por su hermana Karen, quien murió en 1983.
En una entrevista con el medio "Billboard" en 2022, Carpenter dijo que el álbum tendrá un sonido similar al de los Carpenters, pero que también será una evolución de su sonido. "Todavía es soft rock, pero es un poco más moderno", dijo Carpenter. "También hay un poco de experimentación".
Carpenter aún no ha anunciado una fecha de lanzamiento para el álbum, pero ha dicho que espera que salga a la venta en 2024.
Además de su trabajo en el nuevo álbum, Carpenter también está trabajando en un documental sobre la vida y la carrera de los Carpenters. El documental, que está siendo producido por la compañía "Greenwich Entertainment", se estrenará en 2024.
Carpenter también continúa realizando giras y dando conciertos. En 2023, realizó una gira por los Estados Unidos con el cantante y compositor Michael Feinstein.
No hay ninguna voz hoy en día que se compare con la de Karen Carpenter. Fue una genio musical única en el mundo y va mucho más allá de su tiempo. Sin autoajuste ni ninguna otra manipulación. Sólo su voz y los increíbles arreglos de su hermano Richard. Ningún artista actual puede igualar esto en esta era. Karen también era una de las mejores bateristas de su época y podía cantar así mientras tocaba la batería simultáneamente. Un verdadero talento superior. QEPD Karen Carpenter, ¡¡¡ Siempre te recordaremos y te querremos!!! 💛💛💛
Completely agree. Her voice is melodic and deep.
It’s the Carpenters, they’re brother and sister Richard did all the arranging and producing
What’s amazing to me how effortlessly she sings to get that residence she doesn’t have to raise her voice. She also is a drummer and she can hit the hell out of those skins believe me. !!!
The song is written by Leon Russell. You should check him out to by the way love your reactions.
Karen was a true Contralto. To me, one of the most beautiful voices in the history of Pop music.
Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel
Love Karen’s voice so much. You’ll see her play drums(and sing) on ‘Close to You’
Giants walked the earth back then.
They had not ONE bad song.. even their Christmas song went to the top... Karen & Richard are legends...
Karen's voice meant something really special to many of us. I cried when she died, and I still cry when I hear her sing. Every. Time.
Her voice is 'inviting' you into the song. Pitch perfect. She had the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I'm 63 now and grew up hearing her sing. I still get a tear forming every time I hear sing, knowing that she's gone.
Leon Russell wrote this song, he also recorded it and there is a live version out there. He was a unique artist.
I believe Bonnie Bramlett sang with Leon Russell on the original
One of my favorite songs from them is called A Song For You from the album of the same name.
On this song, I would say her voice is 'haunting' and 'ethereall'(sp). Their music was a large part of my teen years.
Your face at 2:45. I just fell in love again!
This is the best version imo ever done of this song, it was a HUGE radio hit in the seventies
They were known as "The Carpenters". Richard and Karen were, obviously, brother & sister. Richard played the piano in their arrangements, and produced the arrangements for their songs, and sang back up/harmony with Karen. Karen's amazing voice was discovered nearly by accident while she was performing an audition as a drummer for The Wrecking Crew. She was asked if she could do some vocal background for some artists in one of the studios and when she sang the producer was left speechless. She was also a very, very good drummer, and played drums, while singing, for the studio versions on most of their songs.
She has one of the best female voices ever! She was a favorite of Paul Mcartney.
the Brother was the arranger and producer as well a the pianist and backing vocalist. He has been compared to Brian Wilson in his musical genius. She had an exceptional voice but he was the genius behind the sound. He co-wrote a number of their original songs. It is "Carpenters"
If you’re ‘under her spell’, Yes, I would say you’re ‘entranced’.
And you’re in excellent company. Thanks for another great reaction.
Once in a lifetime talent, She didn't deserve to go the way she did
Her voice is angelic
The Carpenters were Karen and her brother, Richard. She was such an amazing talent, singing and drumming. She had such a sad ending, completely preventable, and gone far too soon.
Richard and Karen are sis and bro. He was a talented singer, pianist, song writer . She played the drums and accompanied him on some songs. They then discovered she could sing, so they put her in front of the stage and the rest is history.
Written by genius Leon Russell. Songwriter, performer, musician, arranger, pianist, composer, music director, producer, hit maker.
This version is a cover too... Originally released by Delaney Bramlett (Delaney and Bonnie) in 1969... The Carpenters released it in 1971... Luther Vandross in 1983... Many other covers have been released over the years too... The song is also known as "Groupie"
In America, when addressing someone by their last name, we always preface with "The" . Their mother wanted them known as "Carpenters" , though Richard announced them as "we're The Carpenters" in their c1971 BBC Concert. To me the former is correct. If your neighbors are the Johnsons, you refer to them as "The Johnsons".
The word you're looking for to describe her vocals is, "angelic". In the early days of their Career, their music was far more versatile than in the mid 1970s. You can hear so much texture and power in her vocals then & her breath control was immortal. Later, she became "softened down" based on someone's suggestion. I still prefer their earlier releases to this date.
one of the greatest pure voices, to bad she lived such a sad life
Saw them sing in 1972 .Karen was a superb drummer/singer ,her brother sang harmony and produced and wrote songs . Karen was immensely talented .She died at the age of 32 from complications from anorexia .Her brother Richard heard Bette Midler sing it on the Tonight show got the lyrics .They rushed in to the studio and recorded the song.She got it on the first take .
As a singer I can hear the incredible texture and nuance in her voice and it really is exceptional...faultless.
Thank you Britt for that wonderful reaction to Carpenters, but they got introduced with the word "The" in front of their name. This brought back some memories. Used to listen to them, Karen was a Contralto and was a well respected drummer also. Her brother was the pianist and did harmony with her. When she died from anorexia back when I was in college, I was so sad, for her voice was as you described. It was also unique. I wishe she could of been still here like her brother Richard is. I know they would still be singing. (I would love to have heard Angelina Jordan and Karen sing a song together ❤)
the carpenters were a brother and sister Karen was originally the drummer and very good Richard produced all there work just a very sad day when she passed away a voice of an angel . a fabulous reaction thank you x
Karen had such a gorgeous contralto voice. My wife and I loved listening to them while we were dating.
to me its hauntingly beautiful
You're searching for a way to describe Karen's voice. Try this; many singers voice could massage your ears. Karen's voice would massage your soul.
In some instances, rip your soul out
she has a voice that can always touch your soul
Richard Carpenter had a band before Karen joined as a teenager, playing the drums. When they discovered her voice it was a no-brainer that she sing. They both sang together, as he wrote and played piano. He was the major composer, and I do believe they were known as THE Carpenters. Thank you for your review. ❤ P.S. What they call her voice is 'low register' b/c she could go so deep. Gone too soon (sniff).
She was the happiest when playing the drums. You need to check our one of drum solos she was amazing.
To me her voice is warm, calming and intimate. You feel like she knows you and is singing directly to and for you.
Karen Carpenter. (3/2/50 - 2/4/83).
Superstar. Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with Delaney Bramlett. (1969). Atco Records. Released as 'Groupie' in 1969 on B -side of 'Comming Home.'
This Karen Carpenter version was released in 1971. Luther Vandeoss cover released in 1983.
The original lyrics were cleaned up FROM "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again" TO "I can hardly wait to see you again."
If you are interested in hearing Karens vocal range and clarity, react to "Rainy Days and Mondays" (1971).
She has a rare pitch, and there is a name for it but I forget exactly what is called, maybe Contralto. She was originally the drummer in the back but quickly became so popular for her what I would call soothing voice that her brother and producers encouraged her to move out front and this is the result 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Contralto is the right term for her voice. :)
Hey there! A fantastic, heartfelt review! Loved it!! You hit on two key aspects of any Carpenters song: First, Karen’s gorgeous rich and soulful voice that emotes any lyrics so well for the listener but also these masterful arrangements of Carpenters’ songs that make them simply unforgettable once heard. That’s where her brother Richard comes in since he was the mastermind - respected as truly a genius in the industry at the time - for his acumen to take any song and arrange every aspect of it, be it the tempo, the diversity of instruments used and exactly how meaning each instrument’s music to play, the modulations in dynamics such as volume and added instrumental solos when Karen wasn’t singing - or was - for every song. Richard knew exactly how to showcase Karen’s voice in incredibly complementary ways. It’s sad Karen died so young from an eating disorder. It’s also sad that Richard continues to rarely get the recognition as their music lives on because he deserves so much for his amazing contributions to their collaborative efforts. Perhaps it’s best described that without Richard’s gorgeous arrangements, his sister Karen might not have had her meteoric rise to success… yet without sister Karen’s gorgeous interpretations of the lyrics she sang, Richard would not have made his mark on the music world as the true genius behind the Carpenters!
voice of an ANGEL
So this song, along with two others, ",Now" and " Solitaire" truly show off her incredible angelic pure tone and intonation. Remember this is LIVE. I know of virtually no other singer that sounds as good or better live than in a studio.
Karen's singing voice conveys melancholy better than just about anyone.
"The Carpenters" Richard produced all their songs, played piano/organ and harmonized with her. Karen was a "ANGEL" those beautiful lows of hers. She sang very quietly, and effortlessly. Her voice introduced me to women and what love was supposed to be like. She had everyone in a spell, from her first lyric.
Evocative, beguiling ( in an enchanting, not deceptive way )
I would love to see you react to either of two videos of Karen 'doing her thing' on the drums, from a '76 tv special. You will be not only surprised & amazed, but also flabbergasted, hornswoggled, & downright gobsmacked ( originally, U.K. term ). Her voice was a natural gift; she didn't even take voice lessons ( or so I read), but her impressive drumming skills were the product of years of dedicated practice. She always considered herself as a drummer who 'did a little singing on the side'. She never felt comfortable performing after 'they' yanked her out from behind the 'skins' ( her drum kit ). It seems like that seriously worsened her self-image problems, which led directly to her tragically untimely demise.
Karen's passing was tragic. She was such a treasure! It's been said that when Karen passed, the angels in heaven rejoiced - they had just received their new lead singer. RIP Karen, you are remembered and loved.
You have many comments below which tell little bits about the Carpenters. While their album just say Carpenters Richard referred to them as The Carpenters often. They were a brother sister act, Richard and his younger sister Karen. Richard Carpenter (1946 to still alive). He had numerous roles in the Carpenters, including record producer, arranger, pianist, keyboardist, and songwriter, as well as joining with Karen on harmony vocals. (All of the albums backup singing was Karen and Richard, backup on tours the Band and Richard). Karen (1950 to 1983) she sang and played the drums. She considered herself to be a drummer who sang a little. The Richard Carpenter Jazz Trio in 1966 with sister Karen and friend Wes Jacobs. Richard played the piano, Karen played the drums, and Wes played the tuba and bass at this time Karen was not singing. (I was 23 at the time and fell in love with them, but did not hear of them again until 1970). In 1969 Herb Alpert heard a tape of the Carpenters and liked it and signed them to A&M records (he was 1/2 owner of it). The rest is history. The one you just showed was recorded while she was alive with their normal band. The Philharmonic was added in the late 80s. Try doing a search on (Carpenters Reason To Believe THE 5th DIMENSION - TRAVELLING SUNSHINE SHOW) and watch Reason to Believe (the other people (not in the band) are members of the 5th dimension. Carpenters preformed until 1983 when Karen died from complications to anorexia. Richard saw Bette Midler sing Superstar on Johnny Carson and put it on their next album (made Bette Mad). You were correct on the original it says "can not wait to sleep with you again" on the Carpenters version "can not wait to be with you again"
I think it was ‘ The Carpenters’ brother and sister. Always together. Richard was the arranger of the music. He was a musical genius. Both were team.
The Carpenters.
Richard and Karen, brother and sister.
He arranged their music. He played keyboard, she played drums.
They used extensive tracking of vocals.
He was smart to realize the tremendous quality of her voice.
5 platinum albums.From 69 to 76 they tore it up!