Karen Carpenter Video

[GreenRad2012]

I always thought there was something "off" about their family dynamic.. I think that it was disfunctional and lead, ultimately, to Karen's demise. I feel for all of them, for their individual and collective injury.

[wendylittle131]

The mother seems so cold.

[tangerinepony1962]

I believe that there was something incestuous...brother as husband, and the parents knew and did nothing,,,,,financially, it worked for them.....at such a human cost. That angels voice was silenced, all for lack of compassion and understanding of a disease, and the callousness of her "family". May God forgive them, cuz I won't....

[BellaSilvery]

@tangerinepony1962 wtf? no... Karen had a husband and there's no incest between them. Its the stress around Karen made her sick. Poor family

[JDCT37]

Based on the lastest biography of Karen Carpenter, her mother was a real piece of work, An overbearing, nasty, controlling, bigoted witch... Its a shame that Karen had to put up with her...

[tisgoner]

When you turn on a tv, open a magazine, go to a movie you see the idealised woman. Karen saw that too felt left out and started the journey which she thought might help her also obtain this idealised womanly figure. It led to her death, that is the tragedy and those of us who buy into this false sense of allure need to ask ourselves: "is that all there is?...

[calilammy]

If you all will take time and read about Karens life, and see the videos, and read both books published...One is Little Girl Blue, and the other was years before by Ray Coleman...I honestly believe the Father had something to do with it all...He is never mentioned or even part of it all...wonder what his view is on all of this...they shut him down on this video. He tries to say something, but is squashed. They are hiding somethig.

[mrshinyshoes]

Yeah, very strange----mother doesn't show any emotion at all even when talking about karen's death!  So cold and unfeeling.

[mrshinyshoes]

karen's mother had an obsessive-compulsive streak. she was obsessed with keeping everything clean in her house, even polishing the little brass door knockers with a toothbrush! she was indeed controlling---when karen wanted to back out of her wedding, she told karen "no way, you made your bed, now you have to sleep in it."

she always focussed on richard's career first, and got very angry when magic lamp records wanted to sign karen to the label without richard, in their early career.

[theshore465]

people dont be so judgmental about her parents. they are just professional in the interview.

[daveandcliff]

mother was a cold hearted bitch!

[goov47]

@daveandcliff How do you know? Did you live with them?

[tubiebrother]

Some of the comments are just reading too much into her demeanor. I think the comments about her mother and father are harsh. She was just telling what happened. A lot of people don't display grief in public. It's not like she died just minutes before or something. If she was balling and all that people would probaby be commenting on the act she was putting on. They're elderly people. I'm sure they both shed many a tear for their daughter.

[goov47]

@tubiebrother Exactly. Not everyone cries while they're talking about their loved ones. I know people who only cry in private but never in front of others. It doesn't mean that they're cold. I wholeheartedly agree with you.

[coolsweetgroovy]

The worst celeb parents along with Joe Jackson, Murry Wilson, Bing Crosby, The Lohans, Marvin Gaye's Dad and Gary Coleman's parents

[coolsweetgroovy]

The worst celeb parents along with Joe Jackson, Murry Wilson, The Lohans, and Gary Colemen's parents

[mufcgirl93]

@coolsweetgroovy : and marvin gaye's dad...

[coolsweetgroovy]

@mufcgirl93 and John Phillips too

[LadyV05]

How can her mother be so emotionless?? As a mother, she should have been crying her eyes out while telling the story of HER LAST DAY ON EARTH. I hear she was very controlling and demeaning towards Karen. A monster, to say the least. Karen and her brother wanted nothing but love and support from their parents. So glad my parents aren't that way. Karen, you are sorely missed. No one will ever sing like you again. RIP and sing with the angels. xoxoxo

[CountryTonite2007]

Karen and Richard were in their 30s at the time but it looks like their parents were over 75.

[reymatt76]

I think the irony of the situation is that if the Carpenters didn't have the controlling, unemotional parents you see in this interview, she may not have ever become famous. Yes, she has a fantastic voice, but who knows if she would have pursued that had her parents not pushed Richard. True, she may be alive today if not for them, but would she have ever found stardom if her parents hadn't been like that and moved to California? Fame isn't always about talent, luck and ambition are a big part.

[linuxwombat]

RIP Karen Carpenter, a fine musician who brought happiness to so many.

[namsak]

Is there a version of this with subtitles ?

[MrMinnie55555]

her mother is a cold woman and her father didn't show emotion either it is strange!

[dumont1957]

It took a whole minute before the TV director FINALLY realized the absurdity of that two-shot where David Hartman's leg is sticking out so prominently you pay more attention to his SHOE then what Mrs. Carpenter is saying!

[PeaceFan1]

It is a well known fact that Karen's mother favored Richard and made it all about HIM and his talent etc... How could Karen have NOT felt less than ...there is a way that a PARENT treats you that determines a lot of your behavior ....Don't forget that !!

Her " mother " makes me ill ...No responsibility or accountability just " what did I do wrong !!! " Barf ....Karen, may you rest in Peace my Angel !!! xoxo

[eddietheloggie]

John123wayne,

you are being very unkind. There are now many ''theories' as to Karen's death and the cause of her eating disorder. My favourite is that an early reporter labelled her 'tubby' after a local concert and, this allegedly lead to her insecurties.

However, all of these 'theories' are largely irrelevant. The world lost, imho, the greatest singing talent it has ever had. i celebrate what we have, and smile that she will never grow old, and mourn I will hear nothing more.

[koaro10]

with a mother like that, no wonder Karen would want to leave this mortal world.. RIP Karen, you deserved better. What's wrong with these people?

[Karenfan09]

Read Randy Schmidt's "Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter " and form your own opinion about Karen and her family dynamics.

[Shepherdess]

Wow look who controlled THAT family. Mother dearest.

[texjoy56]

All I know is Karen and Richad's music was so much a part of my life...the songs, the words. I will forever love thier music!

[scottp104]

Karen, this world cries for you even after all this time! People that comment here about her Mom being so calm while discussing her death is very disturbing, I agree. However, it was a different time where people did not discuss openly drug addition, eating disorders, alcohol.

Bottom line is whatever troubled her, killer her. No one helped her.

Love you, Karen. Thanks for so many great songs and the memories that are associated with them. You are singing with angels now

[vegas787]

Both have passed on but, why oh why didn't you get help for your daughter? she looked like a walking corpse months before her early death! If they would have done an intervention.. we would still be enjoying Karen's awesome voice!

[eatingutube]

karen mun´s is the evil.

[Maruca1155]

Curious, I wonder if her mother ever really realized that it was she who started Karen on those pills....granted yes we heard it on the movie of Karen Carpenter. Karen-- I have to admit you are first person whose songs I loved and that I thought you were singing about my life...You are truly and will be missed...Your songs touch me in the soul...God Bless You Karen...

[Adikumoro]

what a fucking foot?

LOL

[bigman671]

Well always remember her.

[newdealgirl]

If Karen Carpenter and Mama Cass had shared that ham sandwich they both might be still alive

[louisa1832]

@newdealgirl Funny!

[Starlifter88]

I don't think it is fair to call them over controlling parents. These are the parents that set up swings in the basement of their Connecticuit home, and let the kids play all the music they wanted. The story goes that the family moved to California so Richard could pursue his musical gifts. Thankfully, the parents were supportive of their children, and that has been a gift to the rest of us.

[emoviebuff87]

it's so tragic when someone dies. however when it's your own kid, it's even worse!

[Lamenta88]

Wow, it always pisses me off, how people who weren't there and don't know anything about her life, start to accuse her family just like this. Many people have controling parents. So what? Do all of them become self-destructive? No. Only those, with the 'complex of victim'. Most of the time Karen had spent out of home, on tour, and she could do whatever she wanted to do, without been overseen by Agnes!

[Bazilbrush08]

Her family killed her plain and simple and also true.

[BestKacFan]

You did not live her life, live in her family or understand the full extent of Karen's thinking.

When you become THE expert in her life; you can listen to yourself babble all you want - just like your comment. AH

[hairyscotman]

bless her heart...not a Christmas goes by that I don't say how much I miss Karen Carpenter...voice of an angel...RIP

[nicestrat]

just let her rest in peace.........

[bdhinds]

Richard has always struck me as...off. Detached...

[plingplongplingplong]

Have met girls who have gained control over their A who develop other types of obsessive behavior. Anorectic girls are often extremely intelligent or have a special talent, Karen surely was,and her amazing vocal was probably a result of such perfectionism.I can hear experiences of depression in the debt and emotion in her vocals,kind of like Eva Cassidy. What an unworthy way to end a life, and how hard it must be to make sense of it for her family..26 years later it is still braking my heart.

[plingplongplingplong]

That theory of the "overcontroling mother" is too simple.

Anorexia is strongly related to obsessive behavior, aka rigid repetitive thoughts and behavior to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. An obsessive disposition is heritable, therefor a lot of the mothers to girls with A also have control tendencies. Most people like to take control when they are scared or frightened but people with anorexia overlearn this strategy and its hard to unlearn.

[Bazilbrush08]

try a controling mother and brother

[jwri1981]

I have one sister. If she died, I wouldn't think of working with her, even if I did; work would be the last thing on my mind. A life not fully lived, etc., would be more like it. Or just loving and missing her, like I have my mom since she died.

[john123wayne]

karens mother speaks with no emotion. strange.

i believe karens mother was controlling, dominant, mean and shaming to karen and this lead to karens eating disorders.

eating disorders dont just'happen' for no reason. all dysfunctional human behavior is caused by another human being.

once, karens mother yelled at karen for refusing to stand in the rain and sign all the fans autographs.

[BestKacFan]

Hey Dukeette What do you know? Do you get your information from the National Enquirer.

YOU did not live her life and have gotten your news from media and other outlets. For Karen's sake - Leave her alone. Why not look into John Wayne's Rampant lifestyle? SH

[john123wayne]

if you have someone around you that calls you an ahole, a nit wit, a jerk, and tells you that you are stupid and won't amount to anything....and that everything you want to do is dumb...that is the mentality you will form. Karen's mother was psychologically repressive in a similar manner. She wouldn't let Karen move out, (her mother was dominant and controlling) karen wanted to play drums but her mother scolded her into singing and not playing drums.karens mother was the lead repressor. (cont)

[john123wayne]

continued...

karens mother put down karens solo record that she made without richard...and karens mother never let it get released to the public. so when a human being lives with such a repressive person, the human psyche turns 'in' on itself. karen developed very low esteem and never saw herself as 'good enough'. this was due to her mothers dominance and constant put downs. karen developed "i am no good and i am too fat" . dont be fooled by her mothers smiles. she repressed karen 2 death.

[john123wayne]

in this video....look at the fathers body language. he is on the sofa LEANING AWAY FROM THE MOTHER (closed body language) and has his arms closed with hands clasped. body language of someone not in agreement with what karens mother is saying. body language is everything. the fathers body language is "i am trying to get away from her and i disagree with everything she is saying" . her fathers body language admits that karens mother is a monster. he is trying to get away (body language tells us)

[john123wayne]

and finally....i don't watch television, i dont read the national enquirer..i am television free since 2003. i am smart, intelligent, i listen to multiple sources (both pro and con) before i make up my mind on an issue. i have read, seen, and listened to many people discuss the carpenters story. i also know alot about narcissistic personalities (look it up) and karens mother was a dominant, controlling, narcissist that 'allowed' karen to sing but no drums and no solo career. she killed karen.

[tisabug3]

@john123wayne I struggle not to hate those people for what they did to Karen.

[janamijal]

@john123wayne please don't judge anyone until you are in their shoes.

[arjunpogi143]

karen!!! nganung namatay man ka!!

[ClementineNoir]

God bless Karen. Her death was heartbreaking. I hope she's at peace now. I will miss her deeply.

[fancifelle]

So sad. When I see extremely anorexic girls out in public somewhere I know they are about to die, but feel like anything I say or do won't register.

I would like to have heard her parents sing at some point, as she probably got her voice from one of them.

[NostalgiaBob]

The entire nation knew NOTHING about Karen Carpenter's illness until the day she died.  It was hidden as much as possible from the public. Take it from a Carpenters fan who had every video clip, album, single, and everything else he could get his hands on during that period. She was thin, but most of the horrible clips of her were very rarely seen during that time. Her death from anorexia was a complete shock to her fans and the world, for that matter. Hindsight is 20/20 now, looking back.

[cdadave83814]

I think the Karen Carpenter death tells us that there are those who, for some reason, are feeling intense pressure, who've got problems, and those who are close to them, as well as everyone else, doesn't know the turmoil that person is facing. It sounds like Karen had a good life, but there was obviously something going on within her that manifested itself in anorexia. So close and yet so far away. It's sad.

[RON69METS]

Yeah that problem was that some ASSHOLE reporter called her chubby. Never mind her amazing talent or beauty just that she was fat(anything but) . It was bad enough she never wanted to b center stage but to b called names like that in a business where its more about your looks than your talent. Well u see the end results. A tragedy that's repeated everyday in this how do i loook world we live in. LOVE U KAREN 4 EVER.

[eclecticfire73]

were the parents quite a lot older than richard and karen..? they seem elderly.

[padude64]

A moment of silence will be said for Karen on her death anniversary! She was so beautiful and what a voice we have lost

[dumplingeater]

How can the mother "relate this story" and not break down in tears.......I just find it INCREDIBLE ! The family is weird... Karen we love you and miss you terribly ! :(

[captainsmith1]

Karen's mother could relate that story and not break down because she was completely unemotional. I met Richard Carpenter once, and he is one of the most standoffish people I have ever met, a real disappointment. Karen seems to have been the only emotional one in the family. That entire family is quite odd in how they deal with one another. Read the bios on Karen or watch the movie with Cynthia Gibb and you'll see.

[dumplingeater]

Maybe it is genetic? Maybe they couldn't help themselves??

[LeanaJo76]

Majority of women and young girls, who develop eating disorders, have or had a mother or close female relative who was constantly dieting or had a eating disorder.

Cherry Boone O'Neill (daughter of Pat Boone) had anorexia too (went from 135 to 75 lbs!!). Her mother was a habitual dieter and took diet pills all the time (read Cherry's book "Starving For Attention").

[paulfortes]

I'm a huge fan of the Carpneters. I'm sorry your meeting with Richard was a disappointment. I've wanted to send a letter to him just to express my sincerest feelings of love for their music and sadness over Karen's loss. I suppose I would be disappointed too if the fan letter would not be well received or appreciated.

[haseilblue]

I agree with you. I guess Karen didn't even have the chance to run her own life, I've watched the movie and I guess if there would be someone to give her an advise about her diet, it should be her parents. It makes a big difference telling Karen how much they love her. It states from the movie that she was only told whenever the decision has been made. Seems that they don't care for her opinion ahd feelings as well!!!!

[padude64]

Poor Karen was so sick and yet it went undetected! I wish I could have helped her!

[LucyShy]

It wasn't undetected. The whole nation knew she was sick.

There just wasn't anything anybody could do. Nobody knew how to treat it. The top specialist in America was Levenkron. It's not like now where a support group is a phone call away.

In today's society, it would be like dying of Pica. Some people have heard of it, you know it's some weird disease - but Jewel or Chantal Kreviazuk dropped dead because of it?

[magpieeye]

and they still don't know how to treat anorexia...unfortunatley.

[padude64]

Karen has the most memorable voice ever!

[drummerkid71]

not a place for arguing ... a place for remembering Karen.

Thanks!

[Musicmania1968]

such a shame and loss of someone with a pure voice.

[vjo123]

relax people

[aaflyer98]

Karen's parents were not tv friendly.  And to recount how you found your daughter dying on the floor can not be easy. Cut them a little slack. I see both sides, but, the parents are both dead now. Did they love Karen? Of course they did. Every family is different. Just a shame that we lost Karen too soon.

[oliviashelster]

This is so sad.. how cold! This video makes me cry. Karen was a beautiful woman.

[scottbos68]

i love karen always will

if i could only tell her and thank these wonderful people brought her into the world

[pianoboyo]

Its also grossely unfair to ignore the phenominal talent of Richard carpenter..as a musician, director, composer and manager he was and IS an amazing talent..he could have 'made it' on SO many levels without Karen - not to diminish her genius.

[Inuyashabuddha]

ya but karens voce was incomparable to ANYTHING and if you remember karens voice was what eventualy got them a contract

[pianoboyo]

I think people need to consider MUCH more carefully what they say here. Not everyone is comfortable pouring out their heart on tv..this was not the era of big brother where millions watch you go to the bathroom! public grieving was much more reserved. In an interview situation you are lead to comment too so what you answer is often in direct response to a question then mercilessly ripped out of context.

[jps397b]

you are 100 percent correct. The whole Carpenter family was absolutely devastated by Karen's death. They just are not the type to spill their feelings publicly.

[tinytears77]

that's probably part of the reason for Karen's illness.... the fact that her mother couldn't even tell her that she loved her... a person with an eating disorder thrives to make others like them and approve of them... karen's mother was very critical of her

[choosesarah]

Thanks for this totally irrelevant information. God -- is this the best you can say about Karen?

[katiexsevens]

I would love to talk with you about this futher.

If you would like that..leave your email address..and I will reply to it.

thanks

Katie

[jps397b]

cippy2k, you are a despicable human being. How do you even sleep at night you sick sob. I would love to kick your a**.

[Pogues]

Wow, go take your science and shove it up your ass. If you don't have something nice to say about Karen than never come here. No one gives a care about what you say, moron. I'm a Catholic, and I believe what you said is all bull. It is bull! Who the hell do you think you are? Well, I'll tell you're a moron, but you already know that.

[aaflyer98]

nice catholic.  Makes me want to join!~ not.

[BestKacFan]

Get a life. What a f*** loser you are.

By the way, they were not Catholic. A..H...

[BestKacFan]

Loser!

[pbamse]

Are you drunk or just stupid ?

[dumplingeater]

Not a very emotive parent. I don't like these people and I don't like RICHARD. Richard said: "Never gonna be the same not working with Karen"..... well.....Karen was YOU you dingbat. Richard would have gone NOwhere without Karen. Richard is a good composer and all but so are a lot of people....Karen had "it" and nobody else in her family had "it". So SAD A LOSS - Grateful for what we have from her. :)

[SexiFac3]

yea, hes like "its never gonna be the same working with karen, it was a great experience", he made it seem like they werent related. it didnt seem like the family didnt like her that much.

[lukejake444]

I agree

[no1cfielder]

Without Richard's talent for composition and arrangement, as well as his perseverance in pursuing a record contract, we most likely would never have seen Karen. I think it was unfair to Richard to include that clip at the end where he says it's never going to be the same; everyone should bear in mind that this was at the unveiling of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which I believe was in October 1983, not at the time of Karen's passing.

[no1cfielder]

I'd like to know the question which led to that answer. I suppose people wanted him to say his career was over. Even though a lot of us are missing Karen and her tremendous talent, her loss probably hurt Richard the most of all.

[SunflowerAim]

Wow, what a beautiful girl and a beautiful voice. So sad she had to go so young.

[TRAVISJAMES03]

Though she was recovering from her disease, the damage to her heart had been done. Very sad....though if the mother had not ALWAYS pestered Karen about her weight as a child, maybe things would have been different.

[cjh661]

They loved Karen dearly, as all of us do. Yes they werent demonstrative with their feelings, but many parents arent.

[MissLeigh78]

You're right, many aren't. But they SHOULD be.

[kcwannab]

i like this video because it tells the truth about how karen died . all those who claim she died from drugs or other things should watch this video. the parents were loving they did love karen

[gemininer]

I don't think that her parents loved her that much, especially the mom. I don't mean to be judgemental, but it is just the impression that I've gotten from the stories I've heard & from the way her mom was telling the story of Karen's death on this interview.

[SharkSport]

Karen gave so much  and got so little

[xTeenagerXScarex]

we always love you Karen,, we will nver forget ur awsome vce who rocks the whole world

[indigo2go]

That was a very beautiful tribute to Karen Carpenter. Her voice was absolutely beautiful. The way she died should be a reminder to all of us.

[NostalgiaBob]

Just for the record, this aired 11/3/83 on "Good Morning America".

[walkingencyclopedia]

Are you sure this was taped in November 1983 ? JSYK, right year, wrong month.Karen died that February.

[NedNickerson57]

It was a 2-part interview that Richard and the parents had with Good Morning, America in conjunction with the release of VOICE OF THE HEART in October 1983. I have posted both parts with the dates showing on the screen. Click on my Username to view.

[RON69METS]

how can she talk about it so easily. it was her fucking daughter . i never met the girl and i die every time i hear her voice . i mean her parents werent loving parents that said i love u or hugged their kids (richard said this) and i think this video says a lot i mean so detached its sad , i love u karen now and 4 ever and my kids will grow loving and hearing your music .

[FranciscoSerrano311]

Gee..I feel just like you do. Amen, to everything you said

[terencekuo]

This video makes me cry

I miss you,Karen.

[elton426]

linda!