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[font=Comic Sans Ms][size=3][color=#CC33CC]That is how I describe Karen's singing voice: "What a voice!" Soprano-alto. She sang, effortlessly, but with an understanding and appreciation of the talent she possessed.

I introduced my children to one of Karen Carpenter's most popular songs: "Sing," some years ago. And that was it. Thinking that they wouldn't be interested in knowing the fabulous person and the songs, I let it stay that way until two days ago, when I picked up the "Gold Edition" of the Carpenter's Album from our local Library which included a video-DVD. This was the first time my children placed the songs and voice with the face.
My 16-year old asked, "What happened to her?" I explained that Karen was battling anorexia nervosa, and yet despite hopes that she might overcome this diagnosis in getting married and hoping for happiness for Karen, the disease took a toll on her body and sadly, her life.
With my 14 and 16 year old daughter, we sat, silently, and watched Karen perform throughout each video. It brought a sadness in my heart, I was surprised to strongly feel. I made my sadness known to my daughters and how strong it still felt. I also let them know the songs that Karen sang touched my heart and soul, and many others, in one way or another. I had the courage to tell my daughters that the sadness they feel whenever they watch, "Selena," is more intense in the sadness I feel at knowing Karen Carpenter's voice and talent, which is now gone.
Now, my 14-year old daughter cranks up the volume on the song, "A Love Song." It made me proud to see and hear my girls listening to the music I grew up with and treasure, especially the person connected to this beautiful gift.
I know that whenever I sing to one of her songs I always feel as though she right there in the emotion of the song or songs. It doesn't matter how long Karen Carpenter has departed this life, I will continue to miss her.
Edited by nzlov, 13 April 2006 - 07:16 AM.

I'm 15, and we actually have a few other members around my age. My mother was the one who introduced me to the Carpenters. I'm glad your daughters seem to have an appreciation for Karen as well =).

What a sad post - but also very very true.

I want to get a DVD of the songs - I cant find any Carpenters songs which aren't perfect sounding.

Karen died from such an awful disease but it made it people Anorexia aware, which is something I am greatful for.

Take care of yourself xx

It's a shame she was gone too soon...I'm 17 and I love her music. If she would have been alive today, I think we would have seen a lot more talent coming.

Hi!

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us! It is SOOOO encouraging to hear how teens are discovering Karen and appreciating her talent!

I know some folks get bothered when they read or hear how people almost always say the words tragic, sad, loss etc. with Karen. BUT, I don't think they realize that this is in fact acknowledgment of Karen's voice, personality and a connection so many of us have with her. She truly connected with many many people. Karen seemed to be a regular, little sister of a talented composer who became a superstar yet really didn't live like it or act like a snob. Karen was the classic 'everyday Jane' and that has gone a long long way to keeping her so close to our hearts.

Yes, Karen's life was ultimately 'tragic' in that she died way toooo early and young. And, we must not forget Karen did not give up or had some sort of suicidal or slef-destructive side which is important to let young people, especially girls know! Karen, ironically, was indeed fighting her illness and did not want to give up and had put weight on when her heart attack occurred. This is far different from the glorified stars who died young immersed in self destructive and intentional self-hurting.

I am really hoping that as the 25th anniversary of Karen's passsing nears in 08, many young fans will do what they can to mark it and tell others about her.

And, though the ending was sad, Karen's life has been a source of motivation and instruction for many since her passing, which is even greater than the celebrity she gained. Out of tragedy, some goodness came.

Thanks Karen!

Gene

Gene,
I agree with you. We are all placed on Earth for a reason. Sometimes we don't realize what it truly is and that takes discovering our potential... our gifts. Today's society can present itself as a cry in distress while a battle amongst politics. There are so many "what if" questions... such as "What if Karen was still with us today?" There are many possibilities and outcomes you can think of... more songs, tours, the bright future she always dreamed of.... but I know I might not be here today. Every key event shapes the future. It's a funny and scary thought, really. However, I do know that even though she is not with us today, she surely has maintained her vocal presence and continues to touch lives everyday. Her personality is priceless compared to so called "pop singers" today... music has definitely taken a drastic 360 turn, but it all comes down to whether or not you want that message behind the song in your life. The next time you listen to her voice or watch a concert or interview, say a "thank you" to her. She knows we love and miss her... she'll be listening, I assure you!!
--Laura

I'm sixteen so obviously, I never knew Karen. But strangely, I still find myself missing her. I mean, I watch all these performances and seeing the ones from the early eighties make me really sad. For she looked so different than she did in the late sixties and early seventies. It's a horrifying example of the ghastly effects of anorexia. I'm just glad she doesn't have to suffer anymore, although it's a shame that her life was taken just as she was in process of recovery. I often find myself wondering how she would look/sound at 40, 50, 60. Also, I often dream of going to a live performance, but I know that'll never happen. But I guess all of that won't get me anywhere...

One can only imagine what might have been these last 25 years were Karen still with us. Her immense talent, along with her Brother's genius, left us a momentous legacy for the brief 15 or so years they were in the spotlight. From the bits and pieces I have been able to gather from YouTube and DVD's of their television performances and appearances, along with their musical output, I believe Karen would have been one of the all-time great variety entertainers. She could obviously sing, she could dance, she could act, she had a great sense of humor, she had a pleasant speaking voice, she had a great personality, and a wonderful smile. She could have had a career similar to, or even greater, along the lines of Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Julie Andrews, etc.. Could you imagine if in the 1980's, she had done some duet singing with the likes of Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, John Denver, Carole King, etc.? Could you imagine Karen doing musicals? I can. Imagine Karen singing the song "Sing", in a musical, beautifully dressed, in a meadow with a bunch of kids, similar to Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music? Imagine one of those 1950's style musicals, such as Carousel, with Karen beautifully dressed, singing "Top of the World", performing a dance number with others, with Karen as the star? Karen could have done a variety show, like Carol Burnett, or had her own show, like Lucille Ball. Karen could have done, in addition to singing: Variety shows, TV, musicals, movies, comedy, talk shows, Broadway, Opera, commercials, etc.. As Karen was a good person, I believe she would have brought Richard along with her to these other than 100% music genres, as she did with their TV apperarances and specials, as her Brother's genius I believe would have adapted well to these other entertainment genres.

I'm just glad that Karen is free now

I loved the things you posted Nzlov. If you want to know more about Karen and discuss, this is the place!

i was introduced to the carpenters by my mom. i always remember her listening to there music and although im only 28 i love them so much and wish that i was around during the seventies to apperciate them

My mom makes me listen Karen...was "yesterday Once more" Carpenter`s song...

she told me...she was a singer called name Karen....oh, she was so pretty!...but she die for dont eat.

listen her voice!!...is like a lovely bird...

was a beautiful girl.

since this day...

I began to love her.

I HAD 5 YEARS OLD...