Carpenters - Little Altar Boy

This song was recorded in 1978 when Karen was 28 years old.

In 1978, Karen and Richard recorded their first Christmas album, "Christmas Portrait." At the time, the original plan had been for them to record a double Christmas album, but in the end, only one album was released. Karen and Richard planned to return to the studio to record more songs for another Christmas album, but health problems for both of them interfered and any further work on another Christmas album was postponed. Subsequently, Karen died of heart failure in 1983. A year after Karen's death, the second album, "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" was released, which included the out-takes from the Christmas sessions as well as new material recorded by Richard. "Little Altar Boy" was the last song on Side A of the album.

The song was written by Howlett Peter Smith in 1957 and has also been recorded by Vic Damon, Andy Williams, and Glen Campbell.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Carpenters
• Little
• Altar
• Boy
• Karen
• Richard
• Carpenter
• Christmas
• music
• songs
• portrait
• old
• fashioned

[karenaperville]

This is not in sync with her lips.

[NedNickerson2010]

@karenaperville There is no video of Karen singing this song. I used the video of Karen singing "Ave Maria" to create this video. This song was not released until a year after Karen's death.

[guitargeekette]

I remember being terrified of this song as a child, and yet I had to listen to it because I thought it was beautiful. Many years later I get the same feelings listening to it. Hauntingly gorgeous.

[NedNickerson2010]

@guitargeekette I know what you mean... I still get goosebumps with different parts of it, particulary the very last verse... It amazes me that she was just 28 years old when she recorded this.

[KSchwab9]

It doesn't have to be Christmas to enjoy this beautiful song.

[jojo34209]

Gorgeous voice, just masterful.

May you always be in peace, Karen Carpenter.

[stevendorty1961]

I have adored Karens voice for decades, during her life and unfortunately afterwards, there was a running joke in the eighties of which I shall not mention here out of respect for this talented family. But let us all be reminded by this haunting, yet beautiful voice that you don't have to touch anyone to abuse them . You don't know how this woman's voice and life could've been so much more if it were not for demeaning and disparaging words by one so close to her.OHHH rest in peace Sweet Karen.

[Wizzcan]

Beautiful! Karen is now in the arms of the Angels - RIP Karen

[louise4053]

Such a beautiful song. She was an incredible talent. Thank you so much for providing it for all of us to listen to. Very well done. As usual. Another home run by the uploader.

[froggie6608]

I've tried for years to understand why Karen was taken from us so young. When one listens to this, it becomes clear. God missed her and wanted her home!

[eddiesamuel1]

I used your video to help me learn it! I made my own version. Could you please check it out and tell me what you think? :)

[MissManchester10]

Beautiful!

[auaiao9]

I listen to their Christmas cd every year and every year I love hearing it. The Carpenters' music always puts a warm place in my heart.

[Tracevidence1]

I thiink Richard and Karen scored some points in heaven when they recorded this beautiful song.

[TheHitDetector]

What a beautiful song, sung by one of the worlds greatest female voices. God bless her soul. Every song she sang was sung with passion and perfection every time with out fail. Superb

[SEFYH]

@avdreader1 Me too!