It's pretty much impossible to write about Karen Carpenter without first mentioning her tragic, premature death from the effects of an eating disorder. It's the first thing most of us think about. But having acknowledged it, I'd like to now leave it behind because I'd much rather remember Karen Carpenter the singer.
The Carpenters began as the Richard Carpenter Trio in the late 1960s, with Karen's vocalizing backed by both her brother and bassist Wes Jacobs. They worked hard for a while, and even won a battle of bands at the Hollywood Bowl which led to making a few records, but none did well. Jacobs eventually left and was replaced by John Bettis, and the group was also renamed Spectrum, but it still struggled and Bettis soon disappeared too.
Richard and Karen began performing as a duo and eventually caught the attention of musical star Herb 
Alpert, who was also the head of A&M Records. As Alpert later said about their music, and especially Karen's voice, "It just jumped right out at me. It felt like she was in the room with me". He signed them to a recording contract and they were on their way.
Playing the drums in a brother-sister musical act already made Karen unique, but when the duo burst into the pop music world, it wasn't her drumsticks that drew attention. When she sang, her voice - with four-octave range and a depth and warmth that's difficult to describe - surprised and charmed listeners. And although brother Richard's skillful and lush arrangements certainly played a part in the act's rise to stardom, it was her singing that made the difference.
And yet, her voice was not always appreciated by the cutting-edge crowd. Some critics dismissed the Carpenters' music as light-weight and described her singing as too "simple" or "tame". But others fully appreciated it. Rolling Stone said, "Hers is a voice of fascinating contrasts, combining youth with wisdom; chilling perfection with much warmth."
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
Well done, Geez. Her voice really was something else. More than anything, I think it was some of the material that held her back. Some of those songs are a little heavy in the schmaltz department, but that voice rings so pure and clear. Some vocalists have to strain and struggle to deliver any emotion while others are naturally graced with that kind of voice. Karen Carpenter was one of those.
2 - Big Geez
Thanks, Josh. I've always wondered how her voice would have sounded as she got older, since it was so mature even then.
Guess it was not to be...
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Karen Carpenter was absolutely brilliant. She had an amazing voice & she played the drums. A musician way ahead of her time...It's a shame she is no longer with us!
4 - Big Geez
Appreciate the comment, Brian.
5 - BestKACFan
Hi...Thanks for the great information about Karen. I agree it's tough to look past her untimely demise and focus on her voice. ( Personally knew Karen being in the fan club for 11 years) I certainly have never heard anyone with a voice like that in my lifetime (46) and I'm sure I never will. The minute a Carpenter song plays by two notes you know it is her and the emotions kick in all over again.
She is sweetly and greatly missed. Thanks you for keeping her legacy alive. She would be so honored.
Best to All....
Robin
6 - Big Geez
Thanks for the input and the info. Sounds like you were in a position to know the real Karen.
7 - bliffle
Carpenter had a unique and engrossing voice. Quite subtle in the way it could seduce the listener into paying attention to the song. I was not a fan when she was current, but in recent years I always make it a point to listen when I chance to hear one of her recordings.
8 - Chris D
I lived in Downey on Casanes, about a mile from where her parents lived when she was taken from us that Friday. I had seen them around town on occasion, and even had the chance to talk with her briefly one day on Newville, just north of Florence Bl. She was riding a motor scooter. I just wanted to tell her what a great voice she had and how much I appreciated listening to it. She was very cordial, sweet, and said she would never grow tired of hearing such sweet comments. I also have an incredible music book that she and Richard signed for me.
Forget what Don sang about in American Pie, for this man,
Feb. 4, 1983 was the day the music died.