It was a kind of codependency on Karen's part perhaps? Because a girlfriend of Richard's (I forget her name, I think she'd worked with The Carpenters) is convinced that Karen put pressure on Richard to end their relationship as Karen reportedly felt threatened by it. I have noticed that Richard seems a little defensive about his role in the group - Still, he was right about the foolishness of Karen recording a disco record. He did know how to arrange records around her voice beautifully.
Perhaps the single greatest tragedy in Karen's life was that she was never able to escape her family and come into her own as a fully independent adult. Once the act took off, Richard realized that he and his mother had to keep Karen under their thumb lest their golden goose get away. Yes, he was a talented arranger-musician-producer, but the key to the act was Karen's voice. He (and their mom) refused to let Karen shine without him. His fears came true after Karen's death, His career ended.
I only talked to Karen and Richard's mom once, when she requested I send her extra copies of my 1978 interview with the duo. While I don't think their mom was intentionally unfair to her kids, she clearly was. Richard was the golden child and Karen an aftertthought. Karen was raised to always defer to her brother, support and cheerlead for him.as he was the one with all the talent in the family (or so Mrs. C believed). Even in my interview with them, Karen deferred to Richard and his ego.
Richard grew up with a Mom who perpetually reminded him of his genuine genius as a songwriter, musician and arranger. That caused him to develop an ego his sister, whom their Mom overlooked, did not. Professionally, I think Karen was the finest female singer of the 20th century. Personally, she was the only one of the thousands of entertainers I've interviewed whom I wish I'd asked out. Maybe she'd be alive today. She was a genuine sweetheart -- singing of true romance she never found.
@horarwgt - Herb Alpert got Karen's appeal down perfectly, then. It's always appealing when a performer sounds like they're not trying too hard. Marvin Gaye said that he realised that he needed to 'do less' to become better (the results are evident on 'What's Going On'). What's tiresome about modern singers is that they sound like they're trying to show you all they can do within the parameters of one song (I blame Mariah Carey). They should listen to Marvin or Karen: Class.
@horarwgt - I've watched a few documentaries about Richard and Karen (and their upbringing) and one made for TV film which was probably inaccurate (it was suggested that Karen's anorexia was triggered by an unkind review about her weight, which I hope was untrue - we're told that its causes are complicated). I wonder if their mother got a bad rap? Do you think she could have over compensated for Richard, as singers always get more kudos than 'backroom boys'? 'Don't forget my boy!'
@aerialkate Karen had been a bit "chubby" as a kid and like most girls was sensitive about her weight. As she grew into adulthood, the baby fat disappeared -- but at the same time she found herself suddenly in the spotlight. She would have been far happer onstage hidden behind her drums but posessed such unequalled vocal talent that she HAD to come out front and stand alone, singing, in the spotlight. It seems pretty obvious that the pressure of visual stardom drove her to eat less and less.
Thank you for posting this. I remember playing this short little section on the album to death. She had one of the best voices ever. It was so clear and precise. I miss her very much.
I suggested Richard add a bridge and after it just repeat the track as it is (sort of like what the Gentrys did to extend "Keep On Dancing"). By doing that, the track would be extended long enough to become a smash hit single. Richard thought about it but finally decided too much time had elapsed since their last hit (in 1983) for the Carpenters to score any more hits (it was then 1997). I STILL think it could be a hit. Is it possible to have posthumous hits? Ask Jim Reeves. He had 34! .
@horarwgt - Tell us more! Did you write to him or did you ever work with him? Many years ago most singles were around the 2 minute mark. Record companies knew that radio stations often have sponsors/advertisers who would want to stick their ore in every other minute, so I think artists were advised to make their records radio friendly (ie short). Maybe a bridge would have ruined the song. I mean if Carole King/Gerry Goffin couldn't write it - maybe nobody could!
@aerialkate It was actually quite rare for singles to run just 2 minutes. Most were really 2:15 to 3:30 until the disco era when running times sometimes hit the 4 or 5 minute mark (and longer for extended disco mixes). The reason this track is 1:39 is because all the tracks in the Carpenters' oldies radio simulation on their "Now and Then" LP were so reduced. The Chiffons' #1 hit version of "One Fine Day" was 2:15 and Carole King's own recording was 2:59. Both versions include bridges..
@horarwgt - Yup: "Though I know you're the kind of boy..." Forgot that bit. I'm not a musician. I can only identify a 'bridge' as that bit that's not the chorus or the verse! I agree with you - I can't imagine their version of 'One Fine Day' not being a hit in any decade. Karen was a contralto (am I right?) and it's odd that this song should work so well for someone with that kind of voice, but it just does. You're lucky to have met them. Were they nice to you? Any observations?
@aerialkate Karen was a contralto. Her early singing was in a higher range than her recordings as she found he voice was far more effective in a lower range when she sang very, very softly. Herb Alpert likened her voice as sounding like she was sitting in your lap, softly crooning into your ear. Both Karen and Richard were nice but it was obvious that Richard feared Karen's popularity outshining his -- which it did, of course. Both were highly talented but Karen was their heart and soul.
@aerialkate I only worked with Richard on one project: the CD box set "Carpenters: Their Greatest Hits & Finest Performances" for Reader's Digest Music, I programmed it and supplied the liner notes, which were based on my 1978 interview with the duo. Richard added new comments to the interview and made a few track changes (such as taking out "Goofus," which thus became the only missing Carpenters hit). I got him to let me include some previously unissued live material: (more)
While working with Richard assembling the Reader's Digest CD box set "Carpenters: Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances," I asked him to go back to the original session tapes for the oldies medley which appeared on their "Now and Then" album and separate the songs -- plus remove the annoying DJ overdubs. He did -- revealing just how wonderful their take on "One Fine Day": was (even though it clocks in at just over a minute and a half). More in next note.
This was part of a lengthy medley on their 1973 album Now and Then. They performed these medleys live a lot - was big back in the early 70s to redo 50s music.
Wonderful rendition of an oldie by The Carpenters, Karen's voice really make this song come alive! Great videos too, some of which I've never seen, like Richard's leg in a cast! Thanks Florcha!
It was a kind of codependency on Karen's part perhaps? Because a girlfriend of Richard's (I forget her name, I think she'd worked with The Carpenters) is convinced that Karen put pressure on Richard to end their relationship as Karen reportedly felt threatened by it. I have noticed that Richard seems a little defensive about his role in the group - Still, he was right about the foolishness of Karen recording a disco record. He did know how to arrange records around her voice beautifully.
aerialkate 1 month ago
Perhaps the single greatest tragedy in Karen's life was that she was never able to escape her family and come into her own as a fully independent adult. Once the act took off, Richard realized that he and his mother had to keep Karen under their thumb lest their golden goose get away. Yes, he was a talented arranger-musician-producer, but the key to the act was Karen's voice. He (and their mom) refused to let Karen shine without him. His fears came true after Karen's death, His career ended.
horarwgt 1 month ago
I only talked to Karen and Richard's mom once, when she requested I send her extra copies of my 1978 interview with the duo. While I don't think their mom was intentionally unfair to her kids, she clearly was. Richard was the golden child and Karen an aftertthought. Karen was raised to always defer to her brother, support and cheerlead for him.as he was the one with all the talent in the family (or so Mrs. C believed). Even in my interview with them, Karen deferred to Richard and his ego.
horarwgt 1 month ago
Richard grew up with a Mom who perpetually reminded him of his genuine genius as a songwriter, musician and arranger. That caused him to develop an ego his sister, whom their Mom overlooked, did not. Professionally, I think Karen was the finest female singer of the 20th century. Personally, she was the only one of the thousands of entertainers I've interviewed whom I wish I'd asked out. Maybe she'd be alive today. She was a genuine sweetheart -- singing of true romance she never found.
horarwgt 1 month ago
@horarwgt - Herb Alpert got Karen's appeal down perfectly, then. It's always appealing when a performer sounds like they're not trying too hard. Marvin Gaye said that he realised that he needed to 'do less' to become better (the results are evident on 'What's Going On'). What's tiresome about modern singers is that they sound like they're trying to show you all they can do within the parameters of one song (I blame Mariah Carey). They should listen to Marvin or Karen: Class.
aerialkate 1 month ago
@horarwgt - I've watched a few documentaries about Richard and Karen (and their upbringing) and one made for TV film which was probably inaccurate (it was suggested that Karen's anorexia was triggered by an unkind review about her weight, which I hope was untrue - we're told that its causes are complicated). I wonder if their mother got a bad rap? Do you think she could have over compensated for Richard, as singers always get more kudos than 'backroom boys'? 'Don't forget my boy!'
aerialkate 1 month ago
@aerialkate Karen had been a bit "chubby" as a kid and like most girls was sensitive about her weight. As she grew into adulthood, the baby fat disappeared -- but at the same time she found herself suddenly in the spotlight. She would have been far happer onstage hidden behind her drums but posessed such unequalled vocal talent that she HAD to come out front and stand alone, singing, in the spotlight. It seems pretty obvious that the pressure of visual stardom drove her to eat less and less.
horarwgt 1 month ago
MY EARS FOLLOWING THE SONG.
nnamasay 2 months ago
La mejor musica, voz de Karen jamas habra ninguna, que pena que haya partido tan pronto, todos sus temas son preciosos, el mejor duo....
Me encanta tema swett swett smile everyday
1claudona 3 months ago
Thank you for posting this. I remember playing this short little section on the album to death. She had one of the best voices ever. It was so clear and precise. I miss her very much.
j0287garcia 5 months ago
Love it!!
genevievemsr29 7 months ago
I played this on the radio AM Station as a DJ years ago. One of my all time favorites! Thanks!
johnnyhuis 7 months ago
I suggested Richard add a bridge and after it just repeat the track as it is (sort of like what the Gentrys did to extend "Keep On Dancing"). By doing that, the track would be extended long enough to become a smash hit single. Richard thought about it but finally decided too much time had elapsed since their last hit (in 1983) for the Carpenters to score any more hits (it was then 1997). I STILL think it could be a hit. Is it possible to have posthumous hits? Ask Jim Reeves. He had 34! .
horarwgt 9 months ago
@horarwgt - Tell us more! Did you write to him or did you ever work with him? Many years ago most singles were around the 2 minute mark. Record companies knew that radio stations often have sponsors/advertisers who would want to stick their ore in every other minute, so I think artists were advised to make their records radio friendly (ie short). Maybe a bridge would have ruined the song. I mean if Carole King/Gerry Goffin couldn't write it - maybe nobody could!
aerialkate 1 month ago
@aerialkate It was actually quite rare for singles to run just 2 minutes. Most were really 2:15 to 3:30 until the disco era when running times sometimes hit the 4 or 5 minute mark (and longer for extended disco mixes). The reason this track is 1:39 is because all the tracks in the Carpenters' oldies radio simulation on their "Now and Then" LP were so reduced. The Chiffons' #1 hit version of "One Fine Day" was 2:15 and Carole King's own recording was 2:59. Both versions include bridges..
horarwgt 1 month ago
@horarwgt - Yup: "Though I know you're the kind of boy..." Forgot that bit. I'm not a musician. I can only identify a 'bridge' as that bit that's not the chorus or the verse! I agree with you - I can't imagine their version of 'One Fine Day' not being a hit in any decade. Karen was a contralto (am I right?) and it's odd that this song should work so well for someone with that kind of voice, but it just does. You're lucky to have met them. Were they nice to you? Any observations?
aerialkate 1 month ago
@aerialkate Karen was a contralto. Her early singing was in a higher range than her recordings as she found he voice was far more effective in a lower range when she sang very, very softly. Herb Alpert likened her voice as sounding like she was sitting in your lap, softly crooning into your ear. Both Karen and Richard were nice but it was obvious that Richard feared Karen's popularity outshining his -- which it did, of course. Both were highly talented but Karen was their heart and soul.
horarwgt 1 month ago
@aerialkate I only worked with Richard on one project: the CD box set "Carpenters: Their Greatest Hits & Finest Performances" for Reader's Digest Music, I programmed it and supplied the liner notes, which were based on my 1978 interview with the duo. Richard added new comments to the interview and made a few track changes (such as taking out "Goofus," which thus became the only missing Carpenters hit). I got him to let me include some previously unissued live material: (more)
horarwgt 1 month ago
While working with Richard assembling the Reader's Digest CD box set "Carpenters: Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances," I asked him to go back to the original session tapes for the oldies medley which appeared on their "Now and Then" album and separate the songs -- plus remove the annoying DJ overdubs. He did -- revealing just how wonderful their take on "One Fine Day": was (even though it clocks in at just over a minute and a half). More in next note.
horarwgt 9 months ago
Te extraño mucho Karen.... me hiciste muy feliz con tus canciones
danielshon 11 months ago
One fine day they will release those other TV specials they did to DVD
oakwoodx88 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
0:34 richard looks kinda hot in that superman costume
No1KCfan6 1 year ago
Comment removed
No1KCfan6 1 year ago
super voice, a sad loss far too early
thfcmartin4 1 year ago 5
a voice of an angel
3113jp 1 year ago 3
shoobie doobie doobie doobie do bop bop...one fine day, youre gonna want me
CirSam 1 year ago
class song , better than the chieftons version :P
ringwormts115 1 year ago
Sure you used enough echo, there, Dick?
thishereguitar 1 year ago
We watch shows like American Idol, yet show me a girl close to this greatness.
pabsk67 1 year ago 3
What ever she sang was great.
Aboutjohn747 1 year ago
many many many rehearsals!
! of my Ultimate KC tribute...with this soooong lol
2007 =))
UltimateKarenTribute 2 years ago
this is my fave version!!!
thank you for this upload florcha34! :D
Nebuchadnezzer02 2 years ago
I love you KC. Miss you loads XX
guv07 2 years ago
Pretty good cover, but they left out a verse.
msw0322 2 years ago
This was part of a lengthy medley on their 1973 album Now and Then. They performed these medleys live a lot - was big back in the early 70s to redo 50s music.
steveatl40 2 years ago
my favorite on the medley. On the album. Maybe my Carpenters´ fave.
betwes 2 years ago 2
This is a rare find. Thanks for posting!
yomama532 2 years ago 8
You're Welcome ;)
florcha34 2 years ago
You can find it on the album "Now & Then". It's not too uncommon. :)
thelifeofkai 2 years ago
strepitoso!!
nokkia79 3 years ago
Super !!!
steev78bfa 3 years ago 11
Great Song! Love the pictures......thanks for posting it!
skystof 3 years ago
THANK YOU =)
florcha34 3 years ago
Thanks! The best performance of that song from a vocal talent that left far too early.
wcstflyer 3 years ago 7
I enjoy their versions of "old" songs made popular by other artists. Most of the time, their version is far superior. Thanks for sharing.
KSchwab9 3 years ago 2
Thanks for showing this montage of some very unusual photos!
no1cfielder 3 years ago
You're welcome
florcha34 3 years ago
I agree. I've never seen some of these images.
KSchwab9 3 years ago
Wonderful rendition of an oldie by The Carpenters, Karen's voice really make this song come alive! Great videos too, some of which I've never seen, like Richard's leg in a cast! Thanks Florcha!
kboyzrock 3 years ago 3
You're welcome..
and..thanks =)
florcha34 3 years ago