Karen Carpenter sings "Johnny Angel" - Better than Shelley Fabares?

[dilseygirl]

Better than the original, and I really liked the original.

[fullhouseflatty]

Not even close. Karen sounds totally staged. Shelly sounds like a kid - which is why her version is by far superior.

[4thstooge]

Of course Karen sings it better, Shelly by her own admission was an actress not a singer. Karen was one of the best singers ever to walk the earth!

[dannie2061]

Karen C. will always be in a class of her own ! The voice from heaven !

I will miss you always, Karen !

[stp88661]

Love Karen Capenter, but, better than Shelley's original version? I DON'T THINK SO......

[lazydirtyandirrespon]

I like how you redubbed the beginning lines at the end to finish the song. It sounds like it was supposed to be like that. I think Richard would approve!

[howiecricket52]

Karen Carpenter was & is a legend! But this song belongs to SHELLEY FABARES! She took it to # 1! No one on God's green earth can take it higher than that! I don't care who you get! So there! Let Shelley have her one-hit wonder for the love of mud! Even if you don't love mud! LOL!

[brendamyrmicinae]

quiero llorar, cuanrtos recuerdos, su voz es insuperable!

[michito46]

Que hermoso tema.

[drogersnm]

Shelley's version was great and I never thought anyone could do it better -- but Karen's version is the best. However, there is no shame to Shelley for being beaten by the best singer that ever walked on this Earth. 

[garymichael1950]

Because it's so important that we pick one version over another. And the winner of who sings the best version of Johnny Angel is....PLEASE! It's not a contest you can like both. Trust me on this. Who CARES which version you like best? I doubt seriously that the reason Karen Carpenter recorded the song was to upstage Shelly! Both versions are wonderful.

[murraybott]

Karens voice and singing ability shine above most others and makes a great version of this song. I enjoy both Shelly's and Karens rendition of this song

[314194]

Karen had a wonderful voice and she phrased every word perfectly, there will never be another like her and we are all the less for it.

[KIP51448]

Karen had the purist voice of any singer that I can think of. You simply can't beat her.

[kerryincolumbus]

as MUCH as I love the late great Karen Carpenter, this version makes Karen sound like she's had too many sleeping pills and someone woke her up too early to get to the recording studio..

[25FIREBALL]

KAREN...KAREN...KAREN..THANK GOD FOR UTUBE

[Ettoredipugnar]

That warm beautiful mezzo of Karen's out shines Shelly sorry.

[nyimtman]

Now, that was one outstanding voice.

[tinyliz52]

nearly died with this condition myself too much pressure to look like twiggy but we werent built like that we were healthy teenagers but strived to be ultra thin just couldnt work in the end some diied trying.

[taypar11]

No one sings like Karen Carpenter, period! Barbara Striesand said in an interview that she thought Karen was one of the greatest singers of all time. That says it all about Karen Carpenter. Shelly was good and a lot of pretty girls and boys on hit T.V. shows back then were groomed to appeal the younger audience thru song ala Ricky Nelson. And some of them had talent as Ricky did. But when you want to get to the next level, think Karen Carpenter. A singer's singer.

[dowopper51]

1st hearing, I wish people would stop comparing tunes like this with original artist, they're both beautiful versions nicely arranged.

Just my opinion.

[kurtsupreme]

Another factor that make the Shelley Fabares version better is the fact that the Blossoms with Darlene Love are backing Shelley up on her version. Shelley didn't have much range and wasn't much of a singer..........so, when the song went up, The Blossoms would chime in and take over. The arrangement of Shelley's version is superior to Karen's version despite the fact that Karen sings like an angel.

[kurtsupreme]

I would never put down the angelic voice of Karen; however, this cover version was recorded in a different era than the classic version by Shelley. This song will (now and forever) belong to Shelley Fabares and a generation of American teenagers from 1962. The fact that Karen Carpenter recorded it as a nostalgia take for an album will never negate the fact that Shelley's is the classic. It angers me that people compare the two Although Karen had that beautiful voice, this is Shelley's song..

[kalios55]

Karen's singing is very soulful. You can hear feelings and emotions through her voice. 

[robertduffersr1962]

I just love this-greatness-From the tennesseedog1000

[PhoenixBird50]

Shelley's and Karen's cannot be compared.Shelley's was the song of a teenage girl - bright, lively and fun. Karen's version is more mature. Both very good, in their own way.

[emiliog04]

Karen, you are an angel to me,,,,,

[DonnaKKKKKK]

I love the the scenes from this movie with this song. It doesn't matter if it is Karen's or Shelly's version, romance never gets old.

[bigm1953]

nice stuff

[cemab4y]

Every song Karen Carpenter ever sang, was a miracle. I have heard the short version of this song many times. But I never heard the full version, until this posting. Thanks.

[Wolfsky9]

How much " formal" vocal training Karen ever had, all that matters is that with her Brother's genius for arrangement & production, they were simply--the best--ever. The voice & heaRT OF AN ANGEL. Wolfsky9

[dwlloyd810]

As a kid, this was one of my favorite Carpenters hits!

When it played on the car radio, we would all enthusiastically sing along:

"Shut-up, Shut-up!"

"Shut-up, Shut-up!"

[huntersingle]

W O W

[infinera06]

Karen obviously had the better voice, but this song (teeny bopper) fits Shelly's voice (teeny bopper) better. Karen's voice is mature and full; Shelly's girlish and innocent.

[Chelsea4President]

@infinera06 I bet Barbara Streisand was born with an angelic voice, while Britney Spears wasn't.

[infinera06]

@Chelsea4President Believe it or not, I have not heard one single Britney Spears song! I refuse to!

[Chelsea4President]

@infinera06 I chose NOT to believe it.

I also choose not to dislike anything I have never seen or heard.

[Chelsea4President]

Karen Carpenter was a trained vocalist. Shelley Fabares was a beautiful teenager with sparkling personality. The singing and acting were less than perfect, but like many of her peers, Shelley Fabares was marketed as a sweet girl next door.

Annette Funicello and Patty Duke were similarly marketed to "do it all" in order to get the most bang out of the audience's dollar. (although Patty truly was one hell of an actress).

Can Karen out-sing any of those starlets? Of course she can!

[infinera06]

@Chelsea4President Actually, Karen never had a voice lesson ever! It's all natural.

[ah1016]

@infinera06 Untrue. Karen herself said she had training to round out her range to a full three octaves.

[infinera06]

@ah1016 Nope...both Karen and Richard have said that she has no formal training. Further, Richard said that her range was about 2.5 octaves.

[ah1016]

@infinera06 Read the most recent biography of Karen Carpenter. It states, with quotes from her, that she received vocal training to achieve a three octave range - which is actually quite easily displayed in her recordings. Also, it's very interesting that you believe she had no training, yet she was a vocal major in college (which Richard clearly states). I'm not arguing with you further, as it's fairly obvious you have your own opinion, which is fine. Cheers.

[1hiassen]

R. I. P. songwriter Lee Pockriss.

[mrsbelcher1987]

I like Shelly's version better just because it's the first one I heard, but this is good because Karen Carpenter had one of the best voices in my opinion.

[Brian201154]

Nobody can sing this song but Shelley Fabares.

[JohnnyGNV]

Well, naturally, Karen was a true singer, so "technically" this version is stronger vocally, but most of us have a sentimental feeling for Shelley Fabares' original

1962 Colpix recording of the song.

[LICHBKLYN1]

There was never, ever anyone better than Karen. That Angelic voice! What an incredible loss to us all. So very young, so gifted. May she rest in peace.

[gacj2010]

how sorry she wasn't saved ... what a clear sharp voice....Love that tone , timbre .....only if she were still here

[lastrada52]

Sorry. Karen is great but Shelley Fabares is far more sincere and warm. And let's remember, if you listen carefully, Karen is emulating Shelley's original vocals. Nothing has changed except that it's Karen's voice. Karen was always excellent and does do an excellent cover of this song...but Shelley's is just a more endearing and special version. 

[B52sguy]

That gal had such an incredible voice that it totally defies description In my thoughts at least once a day, has been, and will be until I take my last breath. Afterwards? Who knows/

[InfantrysoldierOIF7]

Such an incredible talent. There are many talented female singers, including Olivia Newton-John, Barbara Streisand, Cher, etc. And then there is Karen Carpenter. The gifted singer who is in a category all to herself. Nobody can come close.

[sjtom57]

Never heard this version before. Very nice. Rest in peace, Karen. You're still missed.

[ainzmuva]

Ah, who could do it better than Karen Carpenter! Sorry, Shelley, there is no contest.

Karen has the touch.

[eventidesj]

What a fabulous song, love you Karen.

[Wolfsky9]

Karen, we miss you more as the years--& tears go by.  RIP, 4-ever. Wolfsky9

[MrTrashcan1]

Ever wonder why even the backup singers in the Carpenters recordings have such a unique sound? That's because they did all the backup voices themselves. If you listen carefully you'll hear that the female voices are all that of Karen Carpenter. Such an angelic voice, and such a terrible loss. I cry every time I hear her sing. Thanks for posting...and making me cry again.

[herasmarket]

Well isn't that funny many performers at first felt they just weren't good enough to sing and yet they became famous. Ya just never know.

[waynebrasler]

Shelly Fabares herself has said many times she wasn't a singer and didn't want to make records but did want to be cooperative. She said her "Johnny Angel" vocal and subsequent recordings were pieced together from numerous takes in what really was a masterful job of editing. Evidently her recording career didn't last long because it's not want she wanted to do. Anette Funicello also has said she never felt like much of a singer but Disney recorded her brilliantly.

[cromwellj]

@waynebrasler Agreed Shelley is a much better actress. Remember Coach?

[chrispmis]

Elisha Cuthbert is soooooo fine in this movie (My Sassy Girl). The movie is pretty respectable overall. Pairing this video with Karen carpenter's version of Johnny Angel was an outstanding piece of creativity..

[johnnyu278]

I love Karen Carpenter more than any female singer I've ever heard. Her voice is angelic and I believe its what will greet us in heaven. However, on this song I'm convinced that Sheely Fabares version is more melodic and a better listen. Maybe only because growing up and loving the song when it originally aired and hearing it so many times by Shelly meddles my judgement. Or maybe its just the song which would be beautiful even if sung by a sore throated billy goat.

[PolarSkua]

@johnnyu278 Fabares had *great* backup singers on her recording. In my opinion however, Karen Carpenter's version is far stronger.

[whirlyfan]

yeh fell for guy didn't feel same crushed me *sighs * over it now though i think

[showtuneful]

What a voice of an angel.....

[GKRENKEL]

Karen Carpenter does a great cover version of this song !

Her voice was that of an Angel.

[Wolfsky9]

Karen, you were an Angel among us, for all too brief a time--what a voice. I'm in tears. Wolfsky9

[kappazei]

What a voice!

[waynebrasler]

I was at the Carpenter Center at Long Beach for an engagement. It's a beautiful facility and everyone there had beautiful things to say about Richard, his wife Mary and their children. Backstage there were signs asking people not to curse! The performers I was with were impressed with how immaculate the place was and the professionalism and manners of the staff. Richard somehow survived and made a new life for himself. He always was, and remains, a champion.

[dwsingrs]

@waynebrasler

"Backstage there were signs asking people not to curse!"

Yes, a sign of the times, no pun intended. One can hardly go out in public anymore without being bombarded by some Philistine's, shall one say, "poverty of language." Just as there was a time one didn't have to worry about having to see someones pants descending past the lower limb of their glutei maximi.

[huntersingle]

all i can say is wow, finally a karen carpenter song that didnt sing zoloft.

[chewjfsh]

Karen's voice overwhelm's Shelly's....my opinion, shared by many. You can tell from the phrasing, the tempo...she and Richard are perfectionists. I only wish this song was recorded in full, not just part of a medley in 'Now & Then'. It really does show how effortlessly silky smooth her voice was. I am sure it was a lot of hard work.

[kurtsupreme]

@chewjfsh Karen Carpenter had the ability to turn any melody into her own with her inimitable, warm style. Despite the fact that she so nicely "Karen Carpenterized" this song, it still belongs now and forever to Shelley Fabares. This is a song that will always belong to the early 1960's, the Donna Reed Show, young love in that era, and Shelley Fabares. Karen did a great job with it.............BUT............­. it's Shelley's song!

[WendyKS93]

Though I do like Karen Carpenter she just cannot sing this song well at all. Just my opinion people but this is a terrible version of Shelly"s beautiful song.

[WILTALK]

@WendyKS93 I totally agree with you. K. Carpenter is by far the better singer and has a great voice. I think they must have used every tech trick in the book to make Shelly sound good. Karen's voice sounds far too mature for a song thats supposed to reflect an innocent love. Hers doesn't work for this song. I for one wish that a lot of artists would think before they just went out and recorded certain songs. I can think of many including the King {elvis} who recorded songs they shouldn't have.

[invinciblec1]

you had a beautiful voice Karen what a shame you did not know how you would be missed by so many who loved your singing.

[oakwoodx88]

This song couldn't possibly be sung any better ...amazing

[Pacer8]

one of the great voices! smooth and pure!!

[chrispmis]

I love this movie. I've been in love with Elisha Cuthbert since "The Girl Next Door". This movie, "My Sassy Girl" is a good movie to watch with your girlfriend or whoever you're dating. My money says you'll score afterward. I'm just sayin....! ;o)

[blackforest270]

Karen,a star on earth,a starr in heaven,we all miss you so much,someday i wil meet you in heaven...........

[AllenOption8]

This is perfection - Karen and the entire Carpenter sound was incredible. That album (the oldies set) from Yesterday Once More was incredible and a staple of their tour set. Amazing.

[Chimbotero100]

Preciosa canción. Una de las mejores interpretaciones de Karen Carpenter, que tuvo un gran dominio de voz. Si necesidad de gritar, su voz era muy dulce. Alguien dijo antes que su voz era un orgasmo para mis oídos, y comparto esa opinión. Gracias por compartir esta canción.

[Wolfsky9]

Karen oh Karen, you were an Angel among us. Wolfsky9

[kenjohnsonmusic]

Like Butter....She was soooo smooth.

[cemab4y]

What a miracle voice! Karen did not die, she just went to sing in heaven. When I get to heaven, I will listen to her music.

I ache, that she never found true love. Her one marriage ended in divorce.

I fell in love with my wife, while listening to Karen's music. "Only Yesterday" is my classic song.

[Jibbie49]

@JohnnyFever00 That is what makes Karen singing this song so awesome, since it IS Shelly's hit, but Karen doesn't try to go "over the top" when doing it. That says lots about Karen.

[lukejake7771]

@carpentermanuel Me too.

[zanoniguy]

I once had a gf who sang this song to me~ ahhh, the memories!

[Wolfsky9]

Hearing Karen's voice--do this masterpiece--brings me to tears as it did, back in '72, when I 1st heard her do this. Karen we miss you more than ever. Wolfsky9

[fgonzalezcuba2008]

karen has a very good voice she is more of a singer but shelly has a more heavenly voice and a higher pitch i like shelly's version better

[maleficentdiva]

Karen's version is WAY better than Shelly Fabares! NO QUESTION! Karen could sing anything! that is how good of singer she was! she is still missed by the world! LOVE YOU KAREN! :)

[wahinetoa777]

shuddup shuddup

[wildhorsestudios1421]

Man I've never heard her do this before. One of the greatest voices ever singing an awesome song.

[chrispmis]

Worship999: Thanks for the info. I just put the movie in my Netflix queue.

[LUGTrekGM]

Named my first daughter after Karen, that's how much I loved her music as a kid.

[CaptainDuke71]

so nice to be with her again

[Jadestone218]

What movie is this? It looks really good!!!!:D

[worship999]

@Jadestone218 ... its called "My Sassy Girl" ...... the USA version....inspired by a Korean movie of the same name. It's a true love story of a guy and his impossible girlfriend.... Does she really love him? A truely great love story.....

[herogaines]

Karen has a sweet voice.

[Wolfsky9]

Karen, we miss you more as the years go by; you were truly, An Angel among us, for all too short A time. GBY, Forever. Wolfsky9

[TheRisingforce2000]

how fresh and clear like water is her vocals

[MrStrontium90]

Reminds me of Vietnam and how we used to listen to this song by Shelley Fabares. Lots of guys never made it home to their girls, it was a sad time and this song makes me think of the many broken dreams and friends,great song though. It kind a hit me all of a sudden tonight as I heard it on digital cable.

[Starlifter88]

@MrStrontium90 I think of our friends who never left Vietnam all the time. Still honor their memory every day of my life.

[Krichardvn94]

@MrStrontium90 I'm very sorry to hear that :( I'm Vietnamese...

The war is terrible...

[FlyingMondongo]

Is Karen your favorite vocalist? If so, please go Google:

LAS 50 MEJORES VOCES FEMENINAS DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS 20 MINUTOS ES

Karen is in place Nº 3. She deserves Nº 1!!!

Cast your vote, mark 5 points.

(You can vote many times, just wait 24 hrs between one vote and the other).

[wahinetoa777]

shut up shutup.....

[turquoise770]

like the fellow said--karen carpenter could sing the phone book and it would be great.

[MsJune54]

LOVE hearing Karen singing this classic!!simply beautiful, thanks so much for this video!!!

[antinotis]

I almost didn't click on this. Shelley Fabares was so sweet with this song and I will never forget it, but it is like hearing it for the first time when a brilliant artist like Karen sings it!

[starfruit97]

yes i have fallen head over heals for someone....sad story u c: he was simply the most charming FICTIONAL book charector!! O wat heartbreak! im just 12 but do love nathaniel from fever!

[nanaslbkp]

I loved Karen then and still think she has the smoothest and most mellow voice I've ever heard. We miss you, Karen, you left us too soon!

[ITcanB]

Who are the actors in this clip? Is that Freedie Prinze Jr.?

[pugliesej]

Great rendition, love Karen's vocals.

[jaddison1112]

Karen was and always will have an angel of a voice ..... We were both born in 1950 ... I still miss her all these years later ..... bravo Karen.

[wahinetoa777]

shut up shutup...shut up shutup

[xvoy2002]

Wow, never heard this before.

Karen was the best. No matter what the song. She had such a unique, quality voice.

[is1531]

This is one of the better cover songs I have ever heard. Karen died to young back in 1983. She was like CHRISTMAS

[Jadestone218]

What movie is this?? it looks like a good movie. :)

[BuzzLOLOL]

.. Karen's voice doesn't fit this song...

[sharbill77]

This woman is ALWAYS in key - no ,matter the song or melody. I always hear an angel when I hear her singing.

[fraaaaaag]

Hi there, I`m a guy with a big hart, I heard the original version from Shelly and it got stuck in my head for years. Karen does a great job singing this song.

There is another song that I would like to find called ,I know, heard it once and loved it a female singer 50s or 60s style of song but I doubt I will ever find it, IF any body knows this song Please come to my channel, please send it.

[rinarover]

I'm not sure if you have already found the female singer who sang Johnny Angel in the 60s. Search Patti Lynn (1962) uploaded by SirBasildeBrush. The other by Laurie Loman (1960) uploaded by TheLimePopsicle. I like the latter version. Take care God bless!

[fraaaaaag]

Yes I like both versions, I have them in my favourites.

[olabradha1586]

This is beautiful.

[wuvthewildlife]

wat movie is this

[rinarover]

My Sassy Girl!

[waynebrasler]

Hearing Karen always demolishes me. What a terrible loss to the world. I always think of all the music she and Richard could have been making through the years. You can be sure they would still be on top, having reinvented themselves several times.

[Wolfsky9]

To waynebrasler, I so --sadly so--agree with you sir; just to imagine what karen & Rich had ahead for them, just breaks my heart. Such a terrible loss. Karen, Carl Wilson, Dan Seals, Paul Davis, Dennis Wilson, Dan Fogleberg---on & on. Wolfsky9

[lukejake7771]

@waynebrasler You are so right.

[cubbymom]

@waynebrasler I just listened to a young girl on Youtube - Joanna Lauren - she sings this song...more like Shelly Fabres - but lots of other songs, Venus, other Carpenter songs, rock, country, and Opera....yep we lost Karen and so much good music...but this young girl I think will be one of the greatest vocalists of our time...if she ever gets discovered....give her a listen! Enjoy!

[ChrisCurtisFan]

@waynebrasler Can you imagine being Richard Carpenter -- losing his career partner and beloved sister....when I see or think of him, that's even worse. What could have been....

[Wolfsky9]

Spring, '62, Shelly's timeless version was on the radio every 10 minutes. Karen does it her way, & makes it even better. GBY Karen, You are Forever. Wolfsky9

[panzerbjorne65]

wow her name was melanie and i was head over ehals and she was not now i look at her and wreck her life is and laugh she turned me down for some jock that knocked her up left her her parents threw her out it was classic!!!! still feel great about the way it turned out

[calalilygirl]

Her 1962 song--the original was the BEST

[cd72]

The reason the song was so short, is it was part of the Oldies medley on their NOW AND THEN 1973 platinum selling album....but her four part harmony is definately sublime...

[ScienceProjek]

Is this the actual length of her version of this song? 1 minute and 44 seconds?

[blackforest270]

This song should be called Karen Angel!

[Wolfsky9]

Hearing Karen do this masterpice from spring of '62, brings tears to my eyes; Karen, your voice & this arrangement were made in music heaven. Wolfsky9

[d4seasons]

beautiful song. karen made it better.****

[nancyfloressantos]

Nice version. Thanks for this sharing.

[Wolfsky9]

Karen, we miss your voice more and more as time goes by. You were truly an angel among us. Wolfsky9

[kidshandsam]

構成がすばらしいですね。good job　ありがとう。謝謝

[dolphinspray19]

beautiful.

[geemonday]

Nice editing job. Especially at the end adding back the intro to make the song sound complete since the original was just a part of a medley. Thanks.

[willy350z]

Lovely!! song by Karen!!!A 5 stars!!!! I' am sending a video response see how you like it me singing theres a kind of a hush!!! thanks!!!