Vocal experts concluded long ago that Karen's voice was what they call "pitch perfect." I just call it perfect!

@Spo-Dee-O-Dee

Ай бұрын

She was a choir-girl; most people come out of a collegiate choir able to sing pitches correctly - not exactly a rare skill.

@sallyphillips9175

Ай бұрын

In the studio, they called her "One Take Karen" cos she usually got the recordings down in one take.

@roadkill7314

Ай бұрын

​@@Spo-Dee-O-DeeYeah, that's why so many other choir girls were just as successful as Karen!

@Spo-Dee-O-Dee

Ай бұрын

@@roadkill7314 A lot of the great singers got their start in choirs, many of them actually better than Karen.

@roadkill7314

Ай бұрын

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Oh? Have I heard any of them?

Paul McCartney has said that Karen had "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive".

@SA-oy9pn

Ай бұрын

And yet they rated Aretha Franklin as the greatest ? which is absolutely ludicrous.

@MosaicRose99

Ай бұрын

John Lennon was also a big fan of her voice and told her so...

@michaelasay8587

Ай бұрын

​@@SA-oy9pnwho did?? Please!!!

@lilamuzik3385

Ай бұрын

So did Elvis

@Spo-Dee-O-Dee

Ай бұрын

@@SA-oy9pn Aretha was the only pop singer with the chops to hang with the top jazz and opera singers.

Frank Sinatra said Karen was the only singer he would pay to see.

"I'm really a drummer that can just sing a little bit" "Karen"

This song was "the song" at everyone's wedding for many, many years.

@ginnywelsh6232

Ай бұрын

I was going to say the same thing!

@tracy8508

Ай бұрын

And graduations!

@tammyclark1920

Ай бұрын

First dance as husband and wife for so many in the 70's and early 80's.

@carlaparker9106

Ай бұрын

Mine and my husband’s wedding 43yrs ago!

@jeffreywendt446

Ай бұрын

@@carlaparker9106 Same here in two months.

Karen's voice is timeless. It's like listening to an old friend. This song was originally used for a bank commercial.

@beedeegee9374

Ай бұрын

Written by the great songwriter, Paul Williams.

@candicelitrenta8890

Ай бұрын

It was sung by Paul Williams who also wrote the song

Ай бұрын

Loved Paul in " Smokey and the Bandit" with another musical master Jerry Reed.@@candicelitrenta8890

Karen's not only an incredible singer but a natural born drummer.

@JazzyJazz307

Ай бұрын

Yes! There are excellent videos highlighting her drumming skills that should also be reacted to.

@badplay156

Ай бұрын

At one point Rolling Stone rated her among thecm top 10 drummers

@Spo-Dee-O-Dee

Ай бұрын

@@badplay156 No...Playboy readers did.

@Cosmo-Kramer

14 күн бұрын

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Rolling Stone magazine ranked her # 1 in their 1975 Top Drummer review. Which is silly, considering she beat out the likes of John Bonham. But I'm sure they did it to be provocative and sell mags.

@Spo-Dee-O-Dee

14 күн бұрын

@@Cosmo-Kramer It was Playboy, not Rolling Stone.

RIP Karen😢😢😢…….. maybe the most beautiful voice in the history of music

This song was the main wedding song of the 70's. It was sung at every wedding for years.

Close to you is not just an ending for THIS song, but it is another #1 hit for them.

@charlottehardy822

Ай бұрын

One of the most beautiful songs ever made.

@michaelasay8587

Ай бұрын

I think they know that

Richard Carpenter was the arranger. He should get great credit also .Karen great Talent and sad loss RIP.

Karen loved playing drums first of all. She described herself as a drummer who happened to sing. Talk about humility. We miss you. R.I.P. Karen. 💔

Brother Richard heard this melody on a bank commercial and asked the composer Paul Williams if there was a full version of the song. The rest is musical history. Karen had the most beautiful recording voice I’ve ever heard and Richard’s arrangements were equally brilliant and she was known for nailing her vocals perfectly in just one take in the studio.

her voice was addictive. Can't get enough.

She derailed me when I was 8 years old listening to her in 73. Her voice was strong and melancholy at the same time. Never heard another woman sound like her!

@eggy1962

Ай бұрын

It was 1974 for me i was 12…..hearing the greatest hits 69/73 on a friends dads car stereo…..i was hooked and still are.

@ChuckHackney

Ай бұрын

I will concur with a slight variation. Her voice gobsmacked me on a sultry Carolina evening in July 1970. I was 16. My musical soul has never been the same since.

@ChuckHackney

Ай бұрын

SIR Paul is 100% correct. The greatest female singer in our lifetime, maybe of all time. I would add one caveat, my heart, ears and soul are screaming at me, Chuck, she is greatest singer, regardless of gender, EVER. EVER. ❤❤❤❤ My God but how we need this woman's voice in 2024, now more than ever. EVER. EVER.

@chercee

Ай бұрын

@@ChuckHackney North or South Carolina? I'm in South.

@ChuckHackney

Ай бұрын

Uncle Charlie, I use the term gobsmacked. My soul and heart were gobsmacked in 1970 and still, at 70, they are today. Karen❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I met Karen in the mid-70s and talked to her for a few minutes during sound check. She was lovely.

How do we describe Karen. Elegant, beautiful, total class, talented, and special, so so special.

Karen Carpenter and Anne Murray.....effortless perfect pitch.

@Vlasko60

Ай бұрын

It's not only me. I always think of Anne Murray when I hear Karen and vice versa.

R.I.P., legend! Continuous, heartfelt condolences to Richard. Thank you for sharing your gift!

Her voice is like wrapping yourself up in a cozy comforter . . .

Simply the greatest female singer ever.

Her voice is pure honey!

This used to be played at *every* wedding.

I remember when this was a Crocker Bank commercial jingle. Richard Carpenter always had that ear to find something somewhere and then just go to town and make a hit out of it. He is still producing in the industry. He knew what songs were perfect for Karen's velvet voice. RIP Karen.

Whenever I hear Karen Carpenter I feel like she is singing only to me.

I was born in 1970 and she was part of my earliest music memories. I absolutely loved her voice. Such a tragic loss. Great reaction. Her voice was flawless and pitch perfect.

Phil and Sam, thank you for your articulate analysis of the performances of Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters. It's heartening to see younger generations of audiences discover and celebrate the extraordinary talents of the Carpenters. Many of the songs they chose to record have become timeless classics. They have earned their legendary status.

STILL my favorite Carpenters song. Her voice is just golden.

Last part was part of one thier famous songs Close to You

Richard arranged everything and he and Karen sang the harmonies

A great Carpenters song. The last portion you heard starting at 6:39 was part of another Carpenters song, Close to you. Oddly enough this started out as a bank commercial. Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols were commissioned by an advertising agency to write it in 1968 for Crocker Bank, which was trying to attract young people and newlyweds to their institution.

@george217

Ай бұрын

You can actually watch the commercial on KZread.

Karen has always been my “mentor” in my singing over my 65 years. I’m in a Doo Wop group and I am privileged to sing a few of her songs. Her voice is so clear and pure. And with her brother, Richard, they were just wonderful. She was gone too soon. God rest her soul and bless Richard in his life. Thank you for all of your reactions, but especially the Carpenters… and Dimash! You guys rock! 😊🎶🎤🙏

SHE WAS AN ANGEL ON LOAN BY GOD!!!!

That they medleyed into Close To You, might be a good segway to your next reaction. It's a classic.

I am contemporaneous with Karen Carpenter and haven’t seen her picture for years. I am struck now by what a beautiful girl she was. When you are young youthful beauty seems “normal”. She had so much to live for. Why? Why? Why? Would she have recovered if she had lived now, I wonder.

The song "Close to You" was a smidgin of their first hit that they played at the end. "Close to You" is the song that launched their careers. I think I was like 11 years old when I first became aware of them and it was that song, so I recommend that next!

Second line in the song "White lace and promises... A kiss for luck and we're on our way." This is a wedding and beginning of a life together.

@daveburns3886

4 күн бұрын

Richard heard it on a radio commercial for a bank , called his manager and asked if it had a second verse and it was GOLD.. # marriage song of 70’s

Amazing voice,died at 32 from congestive heart failure due to complications with anorxexia. Her brother continued to work in the music industry

Just so you know, this song was played at every wedding and graduation in the Seventies!!!

Sam and Phil. I am so glad that you have found the Carpenters. Karen had the best voice ever! If you would like to react to their best song (I.M.H.O.), please listen to "This Masquerade". I promise you will not be disappointed.

Listen to Superstar. Then listen to Leonid and Friends with vocals by Ksenia Buzina

@yannhollister9091

Ай бұрын

They have already done Superstar

No one,no one can sing like Karen Carpenter! The next songs you may want to react of theirs is Superstar, Close to You and Goodbye to Love. You won't be sorry!

@angelajames7917

Ай бұрын

Rainy Days and Mondays!

MORE FROM KARENNNNN, YAYYYYYY!!! ❤😊LUVVVVVV IT PHIL AND SAM!👍 THIS MASQUERADE, SOLITAIRE, A SONG FOR YOU, YESTERDAY ONCE MORE RIP ☹TO THE ANGEL FROM ABOVE! TAKEN WAYYYYYYY TOO EARLY!😮

Karen's voice is unmatched. But let's also give credit to brother Richard, who did all the arrangements as well as playing keyboard and being a fantastic singer in his own right.

This song is about a couple who just got married and is beginning their journey together ("white lace and promises; a kiss for luck and we're on our way" describes a wedding).

Like many young Brides in the 80's...this song played at our wedding. It is a perfect wedding song and everyday song.

Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald. The two GOAT female singers

@sharoninglima1217

15 күн бұрын

My two favorites. They did a duet of classics together: kzread.info/dash/bejne/enikm8RylbzVfLA.htmlsi=MdjKy1SsRSenZ06v

Karen is the number one female voice of all time & lets not forget Richards arrangements.

How many times has this been played at a wedding?

This era was just magical and this is why it still does it to this very day !

Karen is my lady since i was 10 until now that i'm going to be 24 this May...it's 14yrs to be exact and i'm pretty sured she will be my lady 'till my last breath....that voice will never forgotten....can i request her song I HAVE YOU?

Picking my favorite Karen Carpenter song is like asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all. Some requests are "Your'e The One", "I Can Dream Can't I" and every song they recorded. Simply an awesome duo. Karen is considered one of the finest singer/drummers ever in the music world. This rabbit hole is very very very deep.

One of the best voices ever. My first concert ever was of The Carpenters and she was amazing unbelievable live.

This song was played at a million weddings.

Top of the World, Only Yesterday, and for some really cool harmony with their two voices layered into a thirty nine part harmony, I'll Never Fall In Love Again.

This is a legendary song, played at every graduation and wedding for years! No one has a voice like Karen’s!

Greatest female vocalist ever, not even close.

@yannhollister9091

Ай бұрын

Eva Cassidy was amazing too, those are my top 2 for sure

@barrycounts490

Ай бұрын

I agree she's the best female singer overall ! Eva Cassidy is my favorite blues singer and Dianna Ross is amazing as well

@Kaddywompous

Ай бұрын

Not even close? She’s a great vocalist, but there’s no need for hyperbole. And I’m guessing you haven’t heard Sarah Vaughan.

@neal5068

Ай бұрын

@@Kaddywompous nope, not even close

It was played at 1,000s of weddings throughout the 70s.

it has been shown that her "live" vocals/tone/pitch are the same as her recorded vocals (before there was auto tune!), so angelic and smooth. Her 3-octave contralto range is just smooth and beautiful, along with tone/breath control. She always described herself as a drummer whom could also sing. She was auditioning as a drummer for The Wrecking Crew, when the producer asked if she could do a background vocal for a song and upon hearing her voice was singed to a contract then & There - and the rest is history. Frank Sinatra once said that she was the only female singer he would pay to see in concert. There are a few videos of her playing drums - and in most of the studio recordings she is playing the drums while singing. You can count fingers on one hand how many drummers are actually singing at the same time - very very few have that talent - and her voice is still perfect! Amazing talent. Her brother, Richard, did all the musical arrangements for them , and a very accomplished pianist in his own right. Next up: Close to You, Top of the world, Rainy days & Mondays - for starters. I am pretty certain that she is lead singer in that Angel Choir - RIP Karen.

GREAT REACTION. This song was the WEDDING SONG for couples, of the 70's and 80's, when they got married. Karen, on the drums, could do the drum rolls without it effecting her voice, which was rare. Oh, she also played the bass guitar on few of their recordings. Karen was mega-talented.

I saw them live many times in the 70's and a friend and I snuck backstage and got to meet them in 1975. Very nice to their fans and awesome in concert. Just as good live as on their recordings. Have been their fan since 1971 and yes, no one can ever sound exactly like Karen. Her voice was a one-of-a-kind treasure. The closest I have found is the English singer, Harriet. More Carpenters fans becoming her fans. Many similar sounding voices out there to be heard...all good in their own way, but Karen's is Karen's alone. "A Song For You", "This Masquerade", "Desperado", "Their oldies medley, "Bless The Beasts And The Children", Please Mr Postman....all good ones to check out.

They also did a cover of “Calling Occupants”, a song from a Toronto band called Klaatu.

@rikmoran3963

Ай бұрын

Yeah, I really liked that as a kid, but nobody ever seems to react to it.

@JH-ii8xm

Ай бұрын

Haven't even thought of this song since I was a kid. Great song !

Not sure if you know the back story, but she became a Singlet by accident. Her and her brother Richard won the battle of the bands and got a deal with a record label. She only played the drums at that time. When the producer said sorry, we were looking for a vocal band. Richard said hang on, my Sister can sing. The rest is history. No vocal training. Just a 100% natural voice.

@piedmontish

Ай бұрын

Wow!!

I remember seeing them on TV and my parents being amazed that she could sing and play the drums at the same time. They also liked her voice. They got us a Carpenters Greatest Hits tape to play on their eight track tape player. We would listen to it and The Sound of Music while were doing our chores on Saturday. Two choices that our mom and us all liked.

🙏Karen💔😪. Wonderful singer, sweet drummer, FUNNY.

There will NEVER be another with those perfect vocals!! ❤

I'm SO glad I grew up when I did....give me goosebumps every time I hear her sing..I remember playing the 45 rpm of this song on my little record player!

This song has a special meaning for my wife and I. We got married on August 16, 1970 at the Chapel on on our college campus. A few days later this song came out. We even bought the album Close To You which this song is on. A couple of years later we got to see them live in concert and it was absolutely amazing! We didn't even know Karen played the drums. We have played this song on every Anniversary since. Really enjoyed your comments and reaction guys! Thanks! And best wishes to you both!❤

I saw the Carpenters in 1972. I was blown away -- Karen drummed and sang at a level that Phil Collins and Levon Helm and Don Henley reached. She was famous for recording songs in the first take, earning the nickname one take Karen. As for her best song ? To see her sing and drum, check out the Carpenters doing a cover of the Beatles Help on KZread. Especially the one in Japan. Karen glowed when she was behind the drums When I saw her sing and drum in 1972 she was uncomfortable when she was not behind the drums. Her very best song? Trying to get the Feeling Again . Recorded in 1975(Karen singing), then the recording was lost. It was rediscovered by Richard in 1994 -the music was added and recorded. So the song came out 11 years after Karen died .

Beautiful! Karen's voice is so special, unique. Props to Richard & the entire group, the harmonies❣️. Next? "A Song For You" or "Close to You" or maybe "Please Mr. Postman." 😊

@barsandbarbells2022

Ай бұрын

Seems like Close to You Would the logical move!

I've listened to the carpenters since they began in the late 60s... I put the fan immediately and I'm still a fan today... I think that most of the people my age and I'm 67 we remember where we were When we heard that Karen carpenter passed away... The whole world cried for a few days... She was such a talent... There are so many songs you could listen to yet if you want to go down that rabbit hole... Karen's favorite song to sing of hers was " I Know I Need to be in Love "... If you could play that at some point I would greatly appreciate it... Another great reaction guys... Keep being awesome !!!...

She is beautiful. I struggle not to cry everytime I see her or listen to her. It breaks my heart that she left us at such a young age and in such a cruel way! 😓

As far as you delving into The Carpenters catalogue…..you’ve only just begun. The audience was caught off guard because everyone knew that song and knew it was in fact over. But then the band started into a section of a different song- “Close To You”…another hit by the way.

Grew up listening to this brother and sister combo! The greatest female voice of all time! My opinion. Her high and lows, pitch perfect. Endless, timeless. Today’s artist have no idea! Or maybe they do

Her voice is by far the most beautiful. She left us to early.

She had one of the most beautiful voices and this is my favorite song of her's. When I hear it I think of all the couples starting our in married life looking forward to the best of life and hoping to be together for all of it. You just pray that most of them make it.

Great reaction to a great group! But don’t be fooled by the ending, as part of this live performance they finished it with another portion of one of their best known songs. But Close To You is very much a separate song, and well worth a reaction on its own.

I became a drummer indirectly because of Karen Carpenter. My sister was enamored with Karen and brought the first drum kit into the house. I still remember the very first beat she taught me.

Can you even imagine what it means to my 6th grade class that sung this for our parents on our "Moving Up" graduation concert in 1974? "Our whole life's ahead" is long since passed the rear-view mirror. 50 years ago, and it's gone in a blink. #makeitcount

John Lennon of the Beatles once said that Karen Carpenter was the only female singer that he would go pay to see. Extraordinary vocals by Karen. Her voice is so angelic. Great review Sam & Phil as always you guys are super too.🙂

Talk about a career starter.... We've Only Just Begun...was written and sung by Paul Williams for a Crocker Bank commercial. Richard heard it and called Paul to ask if there were more verses. It was the Carpenters 2nd hit and helped cement them in the music industry and at the same launched Paul's Career. And Yes... you can find the original commercial on KZread. Crocker Bank is or was a California bank where I come from and I do remember it because It was unusual. I remember thinking that it was much more than the usual jingle that you get with the commercials back then.

This guy needs to do radio. He's got such a great radio voice.

The Carpenters were the first concert I ever went to, with family, as a child.

The smiles on your faces when she sung her first note says it all. Karen was, is and will always be a legend. ❤

My mom was an artist. She spent much of her days working in her studio, painting beautiful watercolors. She kept an easy listening radio station going all day. This is the kind of song I would hear when I got home from school. Pretty much when I hear any Carpenters song, I think of her.

As someone else mentioned the first song started as a Crocker National Bank commercial written by Roger Nichols (music) and Paul Williams (lyrics) (also signed with A&M). Richard saw it on TV knew it was Williams singing called Williams and the rest is history. The Carpenters were on the Ed Sulivan show last and there was a little time left so they were ask to fill the time so the did the end on "Close To You" written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David (also signed with A&M) Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss knew how to pick winners. On another Ed Sulivan show Filmed at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, MD (out doors) for this special "Salute to Wounded G.I.s" edition of The Ed Sullivan Show from November 8 1970. They did a medley of Burt Bacharach and Hal David songs that they put together for a party at Bacharach's party just after they signed with A&M.

"Top of the World" and "Mr Postman", two of my favourites from the Carpenters.

The voice of an angel. The hands of a mad drummer. Check more of their songs please, "Superstar", but also check out her drumming solos. Her brother isn't appreciated enough for his producing.

By the time I saw the Carpenters perform on TV, she had sadly left the drum set behind, so it's always a special treat to see her drumming while singing!

I fell in love with Karen back in 1970 when I was 9 years old. I still tear up when I hear her voice today. It is sad this beautiful and talented woman felt she was so unattractive and unworthy. If only the people around her provided her with the support she needed; she would still be here with us today.

@JuliaGulia310

Ай бұрын

Plus she also had a brief marriage to a guy who proved himself unworthy.

This song was written by the great Paul Williams and used as a commercial for a community bank. It was one of the first songs to put them in the spotlight.

I don't know how this happened on this video but "Close Too You " is a separate song!

“Top of the World “ and “Rainy Days and Mondays” are two more great ones to hit

In the 70s, this was the favorite first dance wedding reception song.

I’ve always loved her voice and when you think that the background vocals are layer upon layer of her and Richard….just puts the richness factor into the stratosphere.

The experts call it a natural perfect pitch. The drums are her learned skills. 😮 Still, keeping beat and remembering lyrics, chorus and harmonies, MASTER. Missing Karen, yet grateful you 2 are keeping her music relevant. ❤

She had a BEAUTIFUL VOICE. It sad she died way too young. R-I-P

I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to see them in concert in 1973. They were magical.

This song came out my senior year of high school. We made it the theme for our prom!! This one is so very special to us!! So glad you two really like Karen and her amazing talent!! I was proud my name was Karen!

OMG - THAT VOICE!!! I miss her!! ...and, Richard's back-ups and arrangements: JUST SO GOOD!!! ENJOY!!