Richard never got the recognition he deserves. Those vocal arrangements on those Carpenters songs are amazing. They stand up as some of the best backing vocals of the era.

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

12 күн бұрын

We agree with you 100%!!!

@elmertoralba6410

9 күн бұрын

Yes i agree too! Mr. Carpenter should be recognize in American Songbook from the Kennedy Awards Night, They contributed so much beautiful songs. Even Ms.Karen with an angelic voice a few voice cannot copy, were up to now still in love to her voice amazing!

Richard Carpenter is a national treasure.

@ralex3697

14 күн бұрын

Genius

The Carpenters are a treasure of mankind. Their names belong to history.

What a special treat. I still think he hasn't been given the recognition he deserves as a composer and arranger. He's up there with Burt Bacharach, Nelson Riddle, and Henry Mancini, just to name a few.

@edwardhenry3158

13 күн бұрын

I totally agree with you 100% what a tragic loss when we lost Karen also she had the voice of an angel and was one hell of a drummer

@unclewilbur8976

12 күн бұрын

Karen was an extraordinarily talented lady. She was persuaded by Richard and A&M management to take center stage. She was beautiful, and she had charisma. So, it's no wonder why she got more attention than Richard. She stood in the center of the stage to promote the band. Nevertheless, Karen was noticeably happier playing her drums. But, as Richard said, "Karen and I were born to compliment each other." There wouldn't be the "Carpenters" without Richard. He made their unique sound happen. Full disclosure: Karen's beautiful, big brown eyes are irresistible to me, and many others.

Hard to see the greats get old. Funny, as he played, I could hear Karen start to sing. Still,gives me goosebumps.

I'm glad Richard is keeping the Carpenters' legacy alive!

He’s an Icon. He and his sister are Musical Legends!

Thank you Richard for all the beautiful music you and Karen bestowed upon the world.

I was honoured to attend Carpenters concerts in England in 1974 and 1976. They will always be my favourites.

A very special sister and brother, Karen & Richard Carpenter. We miss Karen so much.😢

Richard Carpenter Is a Genius. Thank you for some of the greatest music ever created!!

@RubyBandUSA

18 күн бұрын

not to take away from Richard, but let's face it - Karen was the game changer.

@jacquelinebodkins8161

6 күн бұрын

He is definitely a musical genius. And she was a superb singer. Both have there strengths that made them what they were.

Richard is an amazing musician, composer, arranger and vocalist who along with his sister Karen has given the world some of the finest music ever produced. ✌️💜

@jeffprokes8990

14 күн бұрын

I'm on the top of the world..lookin' down on creation..😊💜💜

@jeffprokes8990

12 күн бұрын

🤟🤟 🎸 💜💜

Richard Carpenter is an amazing and outstanding music arranger. His body of work has shown that.

He has such an elegant, beautiful piano style. He always seems so down to earth and somewhat modest, too. He's a musical genius.

The mother of one of my very dear friends, Mrs. Dickerson, owned a dance studio in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1950s. Two of her students were Richard and Karen. They left Connecticut & moved to California. In 1970, Mrs. Dickerson received a card in the mail from Richard and Karen thanking her for her tutelage and guidance in showing them how to perform in front of people. They wrote that they wouldn't be where they were without her instruction. Mrs. Dickerson is gone now, but her daughter, Barbara, still has the card.

@michaelhudecek2778

16 күн бұрын

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

@edwardkaminsky8142

13 күн бұрын

Thank the Lord individuals shared their gifts. Huge Richard and Karen fan. I resumed drum lessons after a 52 year break due to the infatuation with Karen and her drum appeal. I am 63 and my instructor is a gifted female who teaches drums, keyboards, guitar, and ukulele here in Summerlin. Born and raised in Manchester Connecticut. I am FORTUNATE and blessed.

Watching this clip and smiling involuntarily throughout. God Bless Richard Carpenter ! With Gratitude & Best Wishes - John

Such a gifted musician and sweet human being! My heart still aches for him losing Karen. We all miss her so.

Unbelievable. i got Goosebumps watching Richard...those songs are timeless and hes still got it it....

I grew up in Downey until the State of CA was going to build highway 105 right past our little house, so my parents moved us to HB in 1968; but my first guitar teacher at Downey South said he was the Carpenters' teacher. And my uncle lived down the street off Paramount Blvd where a little green tavern he said was one of the first places Richard and Karen played. And recently I realized the Carpenters didn't live very far from my uncle. The Carpenters were always one of my favorites, and my freshman school yearbook theme 1970 was 'CLOSE TO YOU' - oh how we love their music, Karen and Richard, and Richard was indeed never accoladed as he should have been. What a huge talent they both were. We were hugely blessed to have their beautiful, phenomenal music in our world.

I hope Richard is around and playing Carpenters tunes for decades to come. ❤

I was fortunate enough to be a child choral singer in the early 1970s, as I was chosen, as were so many other talented young kids, to sing in the Choir that backed the Carpenters for the song 'Sing'. I was also extremely lucky to actually get to perform that song live at The Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA, where I met my then idol Karen Carpenter, and her brother Richard at both rehearsals prior to the concert, as well as Herb Alpert who was the opening act. I was in second grade.

I was a freshman in high school when Karen died. I had just gotten home from school. I cried.

What a rare treat to meet him and hear him play He’s aged well

Class of 1973. The Carpenters equals HAPPY FEEL GOOD MUSIC.

What an amazing experience !!! Their music is timeless. Karen was a special kind of talent, and Richard is a musical legend !!!

What a joy to hear Richard Carpenter play excerpts from The Carpenters’ most famous songs on his piano. Loved him explaining how he arranged Burt Bacharach’s “Close To You” which catapulted Richard & Karen to win Record of the Year Grammy for their “Close to You” album in 1970! At the end of this video, he modestly says “I need to practice”. Lol! If there ever was an expert on playing Carpenters songs, it’s Richard!

Real Music

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

16 күн бұрын

Yes!! 🤩

what a humbled man richard carpenter is. god bless him, his sister and all his family. and thank you for the music, sir.

Marvelous. I'm so glad you were able to be there and go inside. He's an absolute sweetheart and most definitely loves his cars and warehouse. Haha. I don't blame him! They worked hard for their music. So love how amazing he is on the piano, just an incredible musician and songwriter. Absolutely, he's one of the best and most musically gifted icons ever. Keep soaring, Richard. I love you, dear man! And precious Mary, too!

We went to a Glen Campbell concert at the Richard and Karen Carpenter’s Performing Arts Center in Long Beach about 15 years ago. Glen was fantastic, we managed front row seats. We had paid extra for a meet and greet after the performance. Glen was very nice and gave me his guitar pick from the show. Richard Carpenter was the host of the show and was also greeting the fans. I grew up a couple of miles down the street from the Carpenters, and every Christmas we would drive by their home to view the fantastic decorations. He was standing alone for a minute and we approached him. He greeted us, the wife and me, and was so darn nice. I told him where I grew up and how we loved his and Karen’s music. I told him that my parents were buried close to where Karen was laid to rest at Forest Lawn, and that every time I would go see my parents, I would place a rose on Karen’s crypt. He asked us our names and thanked us for that. I did see where he had moved his family to a new location, so I won’t be able to continue the tradition. I just can’t overemphasize how nice he was, he gave us all the time we wanted to chat and wanted to listen. We had a double treat and both autographs, and a guitar pick, proudly hanging in our office.

This is Gold. What an honor this must have been, to meet one of the most talented individuals in the Music Business. So happy for yourself and Ned. ❤😊

I always loved and admire Richard. What a talent.

instant tears just listening to these few notes......

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025 lets get them there

Richard is a musical genius. He made a host of studio firsts that he doesn't get credit for. The Carpenters will live on forever. These people are extremely lucky to be able to spend some time with this icon. They obviously be in the Rock N Roll HOF.

In the 80's I and those I worked with at Leo's Stereo in Downey CA met and got to know Richard Carpenter because he would bring in his cars for audio systems...he was so congenial and friendly as if he was a member of your family. Definitely treasured memories.

RIchard is a real first class human being. Along, with the fact a great song writer and musician. So humble and kind. The Carpenters were ahead of their time and not as appreciated back then as they should have been. A great duo. RIP Karen.

@michaelhudecek2778

16 күн бұрын

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us Karen and Richard. 🙏🎼🎹🥁🌹

There is no better music in my opinion. Lifelong fan!

Love the Carpenters !!!

What a international treasure. What an incredible man with the purest of talent. Words can't describe how much I'm greatful for him and his sister. Can't wait to see him in September ❤ Great video ❤🙌

When he played the intro of those songs, I started to weep inside my time machine. Those songs were part soundtrack of my once young life and still today. Thank you, RICHARD CARPENTER for your contribution to help save and tame mankind with your gift and talent.

What a wonderful musician. A music legend !!

NOw that was entertaining!! Guess it was a very informal event as people talking in the background. I would have been glued to every word Richard was saying. Amazing how music works ...even those little snippets he was playing evoked so much emotion. The sign of truly great music. The icing on the cake ....Karen's voice. Thanks from Canada for posting!!!!!

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

14 күн бұрын

It was a private meeting so therefore informal, hence the voices in the background at certain points. Just glad to have had the opportunity to capture some of these moments on video. Like you, we were glued to every word Richard spoke. A surreal and amazing experience. ☺️

@jamesbond4633

13 күн бұрын

@@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy Very COol!!! Such a talented man!!!!

Richard Carpenter is an absolute legend! As we all know he did most of the songwriting, producing arrangements, and collaboration's along with Burt Bacharach. The Carpenters will historically be renowned as one the greatest music talents in history.

Mr. Richard Carpenter must be awarded to Kennedy Center Award he contributed a beautiful music his pretty sister Karen Carpenter pls. Pls. Put on the records of American Songbook..God bless the beast in the children!

I wrote to Richard last year it being 40 years since Karen's death. I am a long standing fan from the UK. I was a member of the fan club and was fortunate to see them live in London. I felt it was simply time to personally express my admiration. Whilst not expected on my part I received a reply from the great man. I had discussed the Horizon album and that feeling that Karen is almost sitting in your lap as she sings, her pure voice being even more to the fore. Richard confirmed that the studio mikes used on that occasion were selected for that very purpose. A great composer, arranger and human being. Thanks to Richard and Karen for the music.

Thank you for posting this special meeting with Richard. Fantastic

The most talented musician of my lifetime. Every album was meticulously crafted to perfection. My brother and I love cars, so we would have enjoyed even just that part of the tour without even getting into the music. You lived a dream of mine. Congrats!

Oh wow guys, that's fantastic that you hung out with him

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

15 күн бұрын

Yes! Best day ever!! 🤩

Loved this. Richard is so gifted, a love for music - pianos and cars, love it.

Richard Carpenter is wonderful

My father was a famous American composer. I grew up in California listening to him write a lot of music and working with industry greats. I started studying piano at age 4 and by age 7 I was writing some music. Helped to have a father who could teach me. One day when we were in a recording studio in Los Angeles, my dad was working with a well known singer on a new tune for her album. The chorus just wasn't fat enough and lacked emotional depth. Dad asked if the studio had any Carpenters albums, and they did. We sat there for an hour or so and listened to what Richard had done with the layering of vocals. He then told the singer to take a break for a bit and dad wrote 8 background vocal parts. After that, we recorded all of the background vocals using a session singer who could sight-read really well. The next two days was spent on engineering those vocals to blend well. The result was an amazing song that eventually charted. Richard Carpenter's influence was more than just a great composer. He is a great engineer with an amazing ear. His layering techniques are still in use today. I went on to become a recording artist, composer, arranger and engineer. While I have stolen many of Richard's ideas for songs and vocals, I never was able to master the craft at his level. I'm convinced that God gave us one musical genius for this lifetime and it's Richard. He deserves far more accolades than he has received. Truly the best.

@leonardodalongisland

15 күн бұрын

why are you not including names of the people in your story-including your father?

@salterrae2525

15 күн бұрын

And I wonder why there are haters during the 1970s when they were at the peak of their popularity.

@SMETSYSGNIMIT

14 күн бұрын

@@leonardodalongisland Sadly, because the world is full of freaks and nuts and our family would prefer the privacy.

@MRROBBIEWATTS

14 күн бұрын

@@SMETSYSGNIMIT - Agreed! - :)

@leonardodalongisland

14 күн бұрын

@@SMETSYSGNIMIT Well I've had a life that's involved many different celebrities and I'd never consider telling a story that involved one of those people without mentioning their names. That's like telling someone you made dinner for them but not serving them the food.

Wow, that was great. Thank you. I especially love For All We Know.

Imagine how wonderful that would be to have Richard Carpenter playing the piano in your house. 🎹

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

Күн бұрын

It was absolutely marvelous. 😍

At 3:13, when Richard played the intro to "Won't Last A Day," I was reduced to teary eyed goosebumps within moments... Whoa... 🥹

Glad to see how Richard is doing, thanks for sharing this. My mother loves the Carpenters has every LP records they did.

This is great. To see Richard in a video today. In 1973, my wife and I married. Our wedding song was, “ We’ve Only Just Begun,”. We both loved the Carpenters that much to have their song as our wedding song. I surely do miss those days as I do their music. Although I do watch the old videos. Both Karen and Richard will always remain alive in my heart. Thanks for this video.♥️

I wish you the best Richard like they say you never really got the recognition you deserve, both you and your sister were number one in my book, thank you for all the memories.

What a great composer and performer! Together with Karen, he built a big chunk of the music I grew up with and loved. Thank you!

Thank you for showing the great composer in relaxed mode. Such a treat, and very kind of you to share these moments with us.

An absolutely one of a kind Composer and Arranger….a Powerhouse 💥

Very interesting to see him after all these years.

High school class of '70. Go ahead, just ASK me if I ENJOYED this!?

@TimothyBruneau

15 күн бұрын

Of course you did, he and Karen provided the soundtrack of our youth. Goosebumps just thinking of that.

@fosterapp

15 күн бұрын

Class of ‘75 and when Richard played the notes on the piano I teared up immediately

@PepperWilliamsMusicBlend

14 күн бұрын

I'm also from a class of '70. I graduated from Berkeley High School that year.

@terryballard4674

13 күн бұрын

I graduated from 8th Grade in 1971. "We've only just begun" was our class song :-)

@AZMagic228

16 сағат бұрын

Class of ‘70 here too. Grew up LA area. Karen and Richard = pure talent. ❤

Thanks for sharing. "Goodbye to love" was the third record I ever bought.

Wonderful meeting, so great to hear him bring back those favorite song they produced. He and Karen provided the soundtrack of our young lives. Thank you Richard!

How exciting to meet Richard! When I was a kid, my mom used to listen to a radio station where they played their music, and now I realise Karen's voice is unique! I have some of the albums on vinyl.

Three California gods of harmony: Brian Wilson, Richard Carpenter, John Phillips.

You And Karen play.beautiful 🎶 music.I had all your Albums.in the 70s And 80s ❤

Gifted Musical genius. It had to been so hard for Him upon his sister’s Departure from this planet. Together they graced the world with a unique style that will never be duplicated. Karen’s Duet with Ella Fitzgerald’ is one of the greatest musical performances of the Century and beyond

Glad Richard is doing well

Timeless beautiful music. I saw The Carpenters in concert at Mershon Auditorium on the campus of THE Ohio State University. I can't begin to remember the year. 1970 something. What a great concert and a memory I'll take to the grave. Bless.

In the 70s I worked briefly in a record store where I could put whatever I wanted on a turntable. I soon learned that if I put on the Carpenters, customers would buy the lp. And I learned to really like the Carpenters for their unique musical genius.

Glad to see Richard!

I lost my sister 1/8/2022 among her many photographs was a pic of Karen taken backstage at an amateur talent show hosted by an AM radio station near Birmingham Alabama...it was right before they hit the big time. Karen was described as very warm down to earth individual and that picture certainly showed it. Very few brother-sister acts out there...Donny & Marie Osmand Michael & Janet Jackson & Karen & Richard Carpenter. I've yet to see any others out there like them. Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely loved the Carpenter's, when I was in Jr. Highschool 🥰

Although I still listen to the recordings, I got goosebumps at the start of every piece that Richard played. "Close To You" came out in my second year of college. Although the late 60s and 70s were depressing in many ways, I had a cool car, a pretty girlfriend, a good job, and this music. I believe that the 70s pop music produced was better than at any time before or since; and the Carpenters were the best part of it all. These were the most popular, musical, and romantic pieces on the charts. They will live on and on. RIP, beloved Karen. You are so missed.

Absolute class act, and incredible talent.

Sie haben wundervolle Musik gemacht. Legenden. Ein 57`er Plymouth Fury aus seiner "Car Collection" fuhr hier vor ca. 20 Jahren in Deutschland.

Glad to see him clean. Show business is an absolute hell to live in.

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

6 күн бұрын

Richard is doing well, and yes show business is not for the faint of heart. However, it is a blessing to do what one loves for a living and I'm sure that's how Richard feels about it. I know that we wouldn't trade our career in the entertainment industry for anything, even though it can be really tough at times.

The Carpenters, today most don't know that Karen was a highly accomplished drummer and back in the '70s most didn't appreciate the behind the scenes talent of Richard. Together they were magical. Karen had a very angelic voice that could draw you in and hold you till the last note was played. Richard's best talent of which he has so many, but, his best talent was knowing how to showcase his sister and make her star shine even brighter. I'm not trying to take anything away from his vocals, keyboard skill, producing, song writing, etc. but he really did know how to make her star shine bright. It sure was nice hearing some familiar notes. I think I need to go put my records on to play.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Carpenters fans👍🎶👏

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

18 күн бұрын

You’re most welcome! More to come… 😉

Back in the 70's and 80's when the Carpenters were popular, many critics complained of their music being too generic, middle of the road, syrupy and so on. Rubbish! I am someone who listens to everything from the likes of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC to Beethoven or George Straight or Pat Metheny. Music does not have to be edgy, complicated, revolutionary or fit into any particular genre. Good music is simply good music. The Carpenters made good music. Karen had a unique voice and style, that only a handful of others can try to duplicate. Richard was a master at playing and arranging music. Karen was also a talented drummer! The Carpenters, and especially Karen, will always be one of my favorites.

@gregpaspatis9425

14 күн бұрын

I was in the last years of elementary and then middle school when the Carpenters hit making machine were at their peak. Although I couldn't say I was a fan of their music, I still understood the musical elements that made all their hits so big during that time. Their memorable holiday music album made it out to all the music retailers just months after I was beginning college, as my younger brother likes to put it, the remaining few radio formats that are still including holiday music classics during the last ten days going into Christmas in the first half of the 21st century aren't really complete yet until they've included a playing of the song "Merry Christmas, Darling" among the fifty and more "must be played at all costs" vintage holiday classics by singers like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Gene Autry, Burl Ives and that symphonic version of "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson.

@neilfisher7999

14 күн бұрын

I would agree. I'm a fan of their music because I listen to different types of music for different reasons. I guess people would call me an audiophile since I have a well put together 2-channel system dedicated to music listening, not home theater. I find the Carpenters music very relaxing and helps you wind down and feel comfortable. It creates a mood and isn't difficult to listen to. The way the vocals are layered creates a neat effect. If you aren't a critical listener, you may miss out on many elements that make the music truly unique and special.

He is amazing

He seems like such a nice man!

What a musician !

Oh my goodness. I loved this video very much. Thank you 🙏🏽

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

7 күн бұрын

You are most welcome! 😊

What a living legend! ❤

Beautiful

Absolutely wonderful!

Wow! It doesn't get any better than this.

This is really cool thank you lots of love from a uk pianist x

Awesome to see him!

This man has created so many wonderful compositions and arrangements. I copied some of his style and has incorporated in my style.

Great interpreter and arranger.

He still got it.

As a native-born Cincinnatian, I was glad to hear your praise on the Baldwin piano, which was also "native" to my city! And I am also glad to see that you own a Steinway, another American-made piano. I have a 1925 American-made baby grand piano (Duo Art by George Steck) that I inherited from my grandma, whose dad was part of Cincinnati's "Porkopolis" legacy by starting the Busch Sausage Company in the mid-1800s. I admire your musical genius so much and always thought that you were the backbone of the Carpenters and every bit as important as Karen, even though many people didn't realize the importance of your contributions. Her voice was absolutely exquisite and still gives me chills, but you are the one who really brought that sound out of her with your beautiful arrangements and the keys in which you chose for her to sing, not to mention your talent on the piano! I saw your group twice in Columbus, OH and will always cherish the memories of seeing you when you first became famous. I was devastated by Karen's death at age 32 and still remember the moment when I heard the news. It was truly a sad time for all who loved her and I know that you and your parents were especially stricken by this giant loss. God bless you and thank you for the gorgeous musical legacy you and your sister have left to the world. That music will never be forgotten!

@SallyOlsonCarpentersLegacy

14 күн бұрын

We agree with you 100%. Richard is the unsung hero and one of the most underrated pianists, arrangers and composers of the 20th century. Without Richard there would be no Carpenters.

I I remember the Carpenters and I love the song close to you love

How Very touching WOW!

Wow!