Close To You: The Story of The Carpenters (2002 BBC Doc Pt5)

[jposh707]

With 5 kids and considering who their dad is I'm kind of surprised Richard's kids haven't formed a band. I wonder if any of them are involved with music at any level...?

[0780manuel]

The sadness for her lost is still fresh. We'll love you forever Karen.

[0780manuel]

Karen will live forever in our hearts, I'am surprised how after all these years

[liza8423]

Karen she needed LOVE above everything else! her life was happy at the beginning and it was unfortunate of her to end up not too good....guess she made most people happy with her singing but she herself wasn't happy deep down there....her voice was a wonderful gift from God!

[arfies]

8:58 Richard is (fortunately) wrong on this. Several studies have shown that taking liquid zinc as part of treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia can in fact be highly effective. Sadly, much of the research on eating disorders has only been done since Karen's death.

[lacymarie78]

Agnes Carpenter actually found her in the walk in closet

[rockinrex]

1980's was a great decade for music but we also lost fine singers/muscians in that era too. Marley, Lennon, Marvin Gaye and of course Karen.

[MetallicBill]

Think on the issue where someone is celeb, but passes away too soon, Morrison, Jimi, Randy Rhoads, Steve Clark, Elvis, Steve Marriot, Brian Jones, Janis... that that death didn't strike people that THIS is the sign, take heed, and prepare to avoid that pitfall, but no, it continues in life, mistakes that could be prevented, with our own will power!

[94donnacone]

when i watch this film about karen i see anger in richard he is angry at her for dying but i also see a lot of denial about her illness even after all this time he still seems not to get it and to me thats sad.

[mctous1]

@HelixProtocol You're absolutely right, but I can guarantee the Carpenter family would sue for defamation if the BBC had been more truthful.

[Davewise1965]

I love The Carpenters music.

[ritter89]

What many people don't understand about eating disorders is that once the disease reaches an advanced stage (varies from person to person) the metabolism gets stuck in starvation mode. At that point, the psychological aspects of the disorder are merely complications of a very serious and potentially lethal disease process, which is why advanced anorexia is the most fatal of all mental illnesses with a death rate of 30-40% (many forms of cancer have a better prognosis)

[MaryCyberBailey]

RIchard speaks lamentingly about "how much more" they could have done. He sheds not a tear, betrays not an emotion, demonstrates not a whit of empathy. Everything that happened to her ends up being all about him. It' like she was an object of his desire, his ambition.

[shoponline831]

@MaryCyberBailey I've noticed that in every Carpenters documentary I've seen. He never seems sad or anything. He never cries or looks upset.

[blunderboy1964]

@shoponline831 in 20-30 years since Karen died, I believe hes done his crying in private

[bookguitarguy]

@MaryCyberBailey I agree, he doesn't show much emotion. Always seemed a bit odd, but remember he's from the same unhealthy family background that she was-& 20 years later, in front of a camera (& being MALE in this society), might not be able to summon emotions at will just because you think he should. He had his own problems (addicted to quaaludes etc). As for this being about him, he talked about her a lot, & while I LOVE Karen, the documentary is about The Carpenters. There is denial though.

[petclark1]

Watching this is so sad. She gave so many people so very much with that incredible voice. Small consolation to her family that people will always have all that beautiful Carpenter's music. And what of the solo album mentioned? Was it ever released posthumusly? I'd sure buy a copy.

[RaymondHng]

@petclark1 Karen Carpenter's self-titled solo album recorded in 1979-1980 was posthumously released in 1996. It is currently out of print in the United States. Four of the songs from this album were featured on The Carpenters 1989 compilation album _Lovelines_.

[MetallicBill]

@RaymondHng Ah, but out of print means NOTHING in the age of digital, so where on iTunes?!?haha

Is there another part to this BBC doc? Seems there is when it cuts off

[OutlookVideo]

@MetallicBill It's out of print as listed on Amazon, but available on the iTunes store.

[irinikam]

I m in shock!! I knew her story and I loved her voice but I didn' t know that she was only 32. oh my God.... its so sad... When I hear stories like this I only wish that there is something more up there...

[dayzm]

Thank you CrescentNoon for posting this. At least for people like us who never got the chance to know them very well understand their whole journey. Thank you again..

[ileftbyheartbhind]

During WWII, when the G.I.s found the concentration camps and saw how thin the Jews and others were they went to get as much food as they could to feed them. They started to feed them, then The Doctor arrived with a high ranking officer. The Doctor told the G.I.s to take the food away from them, because it will kill them. He said that their intake of food had to be monitored, and had to gradually bring them up to normal wieght over a long period of time.

[CampbellScot]

Karen died bc her doctor, Steven Levenkron, who was a self proclaimed "eating disorder" specialist, put her on a rapid weight gain treatment....which doctors now know is too stressful on the anorexic heart....thanks in part to the tragic death of Karen

[justinjameswest]

thank you so much. for posting this whole beautiful thing. thank you so much. it is complete and perfect.

[vegas787]

Karen will live forever...

[Jamie10004]

Where is part 6 ????

[mnlght0snt]

thanks for everything Karen and Richard... I will treasure all your song and music for the rest of my life.... I Love you :)

[shoponline831]

What year is the picture at :14 from? Holy fuck. She probably weighed like 80 lbs in the picture. She looks so skeletal!!! Poor girl. May she rest in peace.

[MrSteveUtah]

That guy singing at 5.00 is an absolute horrible mess of a singer,What an insult and to thing Richard worked on it

[DocRossow]

To this day I'm saddened by her death as if she had been a friend, which I could have only wished for. It's just a sad story, and yet I remember her gifts and her voice, and for that, I'm grateful.

[dcmiles]

Watching this makes me wish Karen had found someone to love and to show her how to love herself.

[kyteddy1]

She will always have a place in my heart because she died two days after my birthday and it was like something was taken away from me...my angel that sang for me...Karen......but will always be remembered with joy for the magic that she shared with us all!!!Rest in peace Karen and smile...you are still the one who makes the world smile:)

[ssusan27]

Before her nobody ever heard of anerexia.

[NordyMark0594]

When I heard she passed, it saddened me very deeply. Anarexia was not a household name in 1983. Karen's voice and Richard's visionary talent will live on for generations to come.

[lightzZz10]

this woman was remarkable, i would love to see her life on the big screen, i believe her legacy is somewhat left un-done and muddied in mystery for some reason, the music industry needs to do right by her by solidifying all that this woman possessed and gave to the world via her enormous talent...brushing aside the Carpenters music is a thing of the past, this phenomenal music will live on forever.

wow, kick ass drummer and a voice that could melt the coldest of hearts.

Karen Carpenter had "IT"!

[kyteddy1]

Look on youtube for "the Karen Carpenter story" and you will see her life story.....It is a wonderful movie and you will see what her life was TRULY like in her times...She was the singing angel on earth to me and will never EVER be forgotten!!!!

[SuperDaveybaby]

Thank you Richard and Karen. What a gift.

[tomthefunky]

I bet Karen is bangin away on the skins with Keith Moon and John Bonham right now. I'll bet they do mean version of Wipe-out!!!

[ogrecito]

anorexia nervosa. she was 35 kg.

[143RJC]

what cause her death????

[oakdude1]

She died of Heart Failure at her parent's home on the morning of Feb 4, 1983 from complications of Anorexia.

[el6478]

i love richard's version of superstar

its beautiful

[AngeLsLuv]

I never paid much attention to Paul Williams back in the day, but lately some friends have been talking about him and how great he was.. Maybe that has begun with The Carpenters and how beautiful Karen's voice was???

[sarinapaternot]

whe miss you karen

[fabulousgal]

Yeah...we'll never now "the whys"

Karen Carpenter...a star on earth a star in heaven. R.I.P Karen.

[no1zgrl4eva]

The "why"s could not be clearer: dominating, judgemental mother created a Type A personality daughter, now throw in adolescence and being in constant public scrutiny: for Karen this led to a deadly eating disorder which ultimately killed her.

[zoe021987]

cant say much .. she was such a talented and lovley women

[DERedhead65]

SO SO Sad, I feel for Richard, he misses her so much to this day, I still cry when I hear "THAT voice" of hers... Karen, you are missed...

[paykay1982]

John123wayne

As you say, you are no psychologist. Please refrain from making statements on a public forum about someone's family when neither of them are here to speak up for themselves. How would like it if someone was talking about your mother for all the world to see.

[AccordionManiac]

Rest in Peace dear Karen.

[john123wayne]

i believe that all dysfunctional behavior is caused by external sources. juvenile delinquent children are pissed off because they are neglected by their parents (for example).

i believe (and i am no psychologist) that karens eating disorder was cause by a dominating, controlling mother. it is this constant criticism from her mother that caused karens eating disorder.

as i said, dysfunctional behavior is always rooted outside the dysfunctional person. no one really 'gets' that. rip karen.

[BestKacFan]

If you have never experienced the effects (Personally) of an eating disorder, then you just do not get it. The thought process of an Anorexic

is complicated and impossible to discuss fully in a forum such as YouTube. If one has not walked the walk - there is no room to talk.

[MetallicBill]

@BestKacFan There's no need to dismiss it because you aren't suffering FROM it, that doesn't help

[MrDonnaSue]

@BestKacFan I agree-I suffered from anorexia and bulimia for over 20 years. I almost died several times-but the thought of putting calories in myself was overwhelming. I wish people would stop saying that she had everything-she didn't have what she so desperately wanted-LOVE

[KKislitsyna]

@MrDonnaSue

i agree. ppl who never had an eating disorder will never understand

[iluvmikidz]

Karen Carpenter is one of my most fav singers. Thank you so much for posting this doco. I've watched all 5 parts & thoroughly enjoyed it. cheers :)

[kazrules2007]

I cry everytime I hear her sing to this day/!!

[1mouseman]

What is it with drummers? They always seem to self-destruct.

such a sad, sad, story...

[11tube11]

thank you!!!!!!!!

Amazing stuff, God bless Karen & Richard, 2 genius..

[speakingtruly]

Thanks for uploading this. The documentary was happy, sad and interesting. Just life. Glad to see Richard has moved on with his life and even recording again. He seems happy and to have really accepted everything. That's as important as keeping the memory alive.

[andcheeky2]

Such a shame ... she and Richard were both so talented in their own regard. Oh the old memories are bittersweet.

I've watched all the Videos in this series 1-5 but can't find

"Close To You: The Story of The Carpenters (2002 BBC Doc Pt6)

Does anyone have the direct link?

I've done a search and come up with nothing.

Thank you

[nakluts]

karen spirit..

[redblossom64]

............*speechless*

my role model....has gone to heaven...

RIP...

...at less her brother is treasuring their legacy...thats enough for me..

who knows...maybe one of his kids have the voice trait of Karen since they were siblings~

only time will tell...

[maktubmaktub]

kAREN ALWAYS IN MY HEART!

[orangewizard]

Criticized for being 'square or middle of the road'? That's like criticizing Zep because they rocked ass too hard! How do you criticize a group for being what they are...don't like,don't listen,what on earth is so difficult about this concept?

[elsoda]

this is so fucking sad..i cant stand it!

[johnstum]

what song is she singing at 3:55???

[CrescentNoon]

It's called 'Mr. Guder' and appears on the 'Close to You' album.

[johnstum]

ok, thank you very much. i pretty much just started listening to them and the only cd i have songs from is the 35th anniversary one, and i dont think it was on it, but i liked this song. thank you!

[johnstum]

oh actually i guess it is..i think the last few tracks didnt fit on the cd i burned. thanks again.

[77Walker77]

Mr. Guder, it was John Bettis' boss at Disneyland or someplace like that.

[brencrow]

@johnstum Put into YouTube search "Carpenters - Tonight Show 1973 part 3" and they talk about the song.

[haseilblue]

she's really a star!

she could never be forgotten,..

without her the carpnters would never have gotten this too far..

karen's voice was extremely genuine..

she's an angel..

[blackrabbit06]

3:09-3:40 That version of "We've Only Just Began" I've never heard before, does anyone knows in which album it was included? It is sound so good

[jbrown1031]

That version comes from the "Music Music Music" special from 1980. It was the ending of the medley that closes out the show. I think the song might be available on the "As Time Goes By" album.

[blackrabbit06]

As Time Goes By... I guess its a Carpenter Album right? by the way thank you. I am a rock, electronic, r&B etc type of guy but Karen indeed my favorite singer of all time

[blackrabbit06]

3:09-3:40

[kboyzrock]

A great documentary, a different perspective on The Carpenters' careers, and a fitting tribute to Karen and her tremendous talents. Its great to hear Richard is back working on new songs with his old group of guys. I'm wondering if the any of his new songs have been released yet, I understand this interview was made back in '02. Would appreciate any new info on this. Thanks.

[JenGlider]

Is there a part 6?

:-) thanks for posting this.

[mka800]

I'm only guessing that it's because this is BBC that they had to throw in Badly Drawn Boy, who has no business in a Carpenter's documentary. At first I thought it was some street person they brought in and gave a bowl of soup in exchange for his commentary.

[pujoe]

Thank you.

[skystarless]

Thanks for uploading this.

[no1cfielder]

I suppose there are those out there who for some reason want to think Richard is cold and heartless when it comes to Karen. At :37 he looks into the camera, which he had not been doing, as if to wish he could hide it better how it still hurts to talk about what happened; then "hysterical" cracks off at the end and the narrator takes over. At the end of the video, notice the forced frown, preventing involuntary mouth movements, which Gary Sims accomplishes with his embarrassed smile.

[mthivier]

Wow, Petula Clark still looks beautiful.

[karencarpenterfan]

Well, I'm glad that they played "Mr. Guder" from "MYOKOM". That's one rarity that will probably never be released on DVD.

[swimtoshore89]

That vocal on "Superstar" is bad.. I'm sorry if you like that band, but I don't like it.

[padude64]

Karen was my sweet pea and will always be with me in my heart!

[skot66]

I thought the Carpenters were always cool. I'm 35 now...and I remember the day when Karen passed. I was one of the only kids that had a Kiss album right next to a Carpenters album ..but I suppose that's why I am a great musician today because of being eclectic.

[MrSteveUtah]

Who or what is badly drawn boy,Why would they interview some nobody to comment on the Carpenters

[jeffkahl]

he's a British singer songwriter.

[abbakc]

Nobody is a nobody!!!!!!!

[karencarpenterfan]

I don't know. Go figure. They should've interviewed Bacharach and Alpert more, and not a man named "Badly Drawn Boy". No offense to whoever likes him, but, that's a pretty pathetic name.

[RaymondHng]

@MrSteveUtah Badly Drawn Boy (birth name: Damon Gough) and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, who are alternative music artists, represent the next generation of Carpenters fans. Many of these alternative rock bands recorded a tribute album covering the songs of The Carpenters. The album _If I Were A Carpenter_ was released in 1994. The entire 14-song album was featured in the 2007 film _Juno_.

[MrSteveUtah]

It just doesn't get any better

[padude64]

I hated watching this last documentary! So sad! :(

[joyful87]

i can always remember how my dad used to play carpenters' music on the car when i was really young. i'm 20 this year and totally in love with their music. i hope their music and passion for it will live on forever through many more generations to come.

[ConnyOakland]

danke für diesen schönen Bericht. Karens Stimme streichelt die Seele...

[ChinaQueer]

i love carpenters. in china ,may be it's her songs of "yesterday once more" that the students listen to first.

[jpracingph]

The world didnt lose a talent when Karen Carpenter died. It lost a friend.

[lnopq]

poor girl... sweet singer and person

[ernest72]

The voice, the songs and the loved btw brother n sister were so powerful.........

So sad.....

We all missed u!

[amjxray]

What a treasure trove of material!Although I was born the same year when they hit it big (1971) I am nonetheless a huge fan. Richard's musical ability and production was flawless and Karen had the voice of an angel. Truly a tragedy that the world lost such a talent. As mentioned by joopio below next year marks the 25th anniversary of her death. I hope that there is renewed interest in their music so that this generation can appreciate their brilliance.

[wormburner26]

Thanks for sharing this. It answers all about the passion they had (and have) for music...and a bit of the passion we have as fans for what they acomplished. She will be missed for many years to come.

[PGAD1970]

This documentary captures the Carpenters significant musical contribution to music. And, like many of the Carpenters recordings, it is a sad tale that exposes the dark side of the American Dream. PGAD

[joopio]

So on Febr. 4th of 2008 it will be 25 years ago that Karen died. We should really stop the world turning on that day and think about her. And if you still have some old Carpenter records put them on the turntable and enjoy! For sure I will do that because she was the greatest voice EVER!

Joopio

[chaeje1210]

hi...may i ask what diseas she got..?thanks.

[mka800]

chaeje: it's called "anorexia nervosa." It's a very confusing diagnosis. Some people die with it, others do okay. There is plenty on the net about it, including "pro-ana" websites for people who control it and thrive on being thin.

[JenGlider]

I would disagree to a point with that, mka800, No one thrives on Anorexia. It just depends on how bad it gets. Sometimes it can be caught in time and treatment works, sometimes it can't. It is a psychological disorder that affects the body, Chaeje1210.

[mka800]

Jen: I don't agree, but I respect your opinion. I can always get along with a Carpenters fan, no matter how different we see things.

[JenGlider]

Hey Mka, I just meant that yes, you're right, a lot of people thrive on being thin, but I would say that once it becomes the disease, it's not 'okay' anymore. (If I didn't make that clear the first time)

Haha. You got it. we'll agree to disagree. The Carpenters are classic.

:-)

[mka800]

Karen had the most beautiful, angelic voice in the history of music.

[rosarikki]

Thanks for this documentary. I didn't know all this of The Carpenters. It is so sad that she i gone. She had a wonderful voice.

[spjdplsjpdlmpdmp]

Karen was a brilliant singer, it's a shame she suffered so badly

[DesertBeach]

Wow... this was very moving to see.... I was a very young girl when I first heard of the Carpenters and when I saw her drumming that was the day I wanted to be a girl drummer too! Sadly, my dad bought me a flute instead. Haha! Thanks again to the person who posted this documentary... Long live The Carpenters music! xoxo

[BestKacFan]

At 00:12 in the video, when Richard talks about "Her eyes and the window of the soul..." She was only with us for 10 more days. My Gosh...That was so many lifetimes ago. What a difference she made to the world of music, song and memory.

[no1cfielder]

Richard also said he told her that day that he felt she should be in a hospital, which made her very angry.

[dees933]

i'M SO IMPRESSED WITH HER VOICE, SHE OPENS HER MOUTH AND WITHOUT A STRUGGLE, SHE HITS ALL THE NOTES, SHE WAS A NATURAL. iF YOU LISTEN TO THE MUSIC, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CONSIDERED "SQUARE" IT ENVOKES SUCH DEEEP FEELINGS, STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HEART, TRY TO FIND THIS IN CURRENT MUSIC. THANKS FOR SHARING!

[no1cfielder]

They say the great ones make it look easy. She was truly gifted.

[jobbybrit2]

sad - just sad - you can tell she lost her loving for singing from her heart after the "a song for you" lp ....they both needed a break - after 1973 she merely phoned her vocals in -

[no1cfielder]

This isn't true at all. If you look at videos of their concerts here on YouTube it's fully evident how much she enjoyed it, especially while playing drums. To me, "Only Yesterday", recorded in 1975, is a masterpiece of singing.

[RoryDupledorf]

Wow - I love that Sonic Youth cover. It's so eerie. Best Carpenters cover ever as a straight version of one of their songs would be lame - you could never better Karen's voice. This version is so suited to someone who's passed away tragically.

[choosesarah]

Wouldn't it be cool if those of us who play instruments could play, like Drewhelen said, just once with her in the "beyond"? That would be the coolest. I keep trying to express my feelings about Karen, but words are weak. Watch the documentaries, watch the song videos, listen to the albums. All the answers are there.

[BestKacFan]

For my Karen: I am still so saddened by your passing.

A day does not go by without me listening to your voice and cherishing your legacy.

She is gone but will live forever in our hearts.

Thank you for the moving testimony & video.

[thegoldenage]

Thanks for this. I'm not really a carpteners fan, but they do write great songs, and this doc made me realise what a great voice Karen had. Funny thing is I'm a huge Sonic Youth fan so that was great. I understand their appreciation of the carpenters - thanks for the upload.

[ladydiane911]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have been watching for 6 hours. How wonderful to be able to watch her sing because you took the time to share. Diane

[ssoko]

Gracias (thanks) CrescentNoon for let us enjoy this biography program, I didn't see it before.

Sometime voice and talent grows together, Karen and Richard are a perfect example of it.

I wonder what happens with Richard's Christmas album (the one the shows spokes) it never was released, it's a pity. I love his music.

[snookyline123]

Thank you for sharing this doc.She was the most beautifil,unique,finest artist in the world..R.I.P.Karen

[BobbyFz]

To CrescentNoon - THANK YOU, very much, for taking the time to share this amazing piece with us. She was one of the finest talents during my lifetime and I'll always love her and her music.

[theogore]

Karen Carpenter lives. Thanks CrescentMoon.

[sitedecinema]

Thanx 4 the doc. LOVED IT.

[Drewhelen]

I'm sure your Lead singer and Drummer in God's choir,

when, if, I get there hope you'll let me play bass guitar, just once for you.

R.I.P. Karen

[richard068]

we loveyou you and missed you karen, you the only one,my superstar forever.

[lucycow]

Thank you so much for having this documentary available for everyone on the globe to enjoy. I've watched it twice already and may do so again tomorrow ! I love the Carpenters music. Amazing what those two gave all of us to hear. Pure ear candy.

[bored8wtf]

Thank you so much for sharing! I think Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful and unique voice in the world, and was so sad what happens to her. I hope it makes people think of this.

[KezWasHere]

Wow, thanks so much! This is a real treat!

[sinatraandjobim]

We are a sick and twisted society that values appearance above everything,and Karen Carpenter was a victim of that. But her voice lives forever.

[Fmaj7toGsharp]

Her weight disorder started from someone saying to her " Karen, you've put on weight". I read this on a book, and it's a fact. This tragic loss is a reminder to all not to prise and admire "model bodies" or starved skinny bodies". Poor souls, they get taken away by the propaganda that "skinny is cool". RIP Karen....

[torpedo130]

Karen...we love you.

[karenacarpenter]

Can you send me this documentary as well? I was so psyched, seeing "Mr. Guder" from "Make Your Own Kind Of Music"!

[AJ2579]

WONDERFUL... Thanks for posting this...

[Gummshoe]

Thanks for sharing this!

So very sad!

[Gummshoe]

Thanks a Million! Loved watching this! Loved hearing the Carpenters Music!

What a beautiful Angelic voice she had!