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I'm sure this has been asked before at some point, but indulge the newbie:
What can anybody tell me about the wonderful yet depressing "And When I Die" duet? Who is the rich-voiced partner for Karen, who, in my opinion, never sang anything else quite like "And When I Die"?
Does the song appear on any albums? I could understand if it didn't. Kind of maudlin, considering what eventually happened to K.C.
Regards,
Steve

I made the same question in one of my first topics, someone told me the name of the singer, but I don't remember it...anyway, I know the song is from 1969, and it doesn't appear in any album

Thanks, Renata. Yeah, it sounded like early Karen to me. Quite different from everything else she did, n'est pas?

Steve,

I knew the song was recorded in 1969, but I don't know who sings with Karen either and would really like to know too. I've heard that song before from "Blood, Sweat and Tears". But I like the Carps version too!

Jayne

Hi All,

And When I Die is a favourite Carpenters rarity

Karen & Richard recorded song Spring 1969 for inclusion on Long Beach Choir
Album ....Goodnight was also taped for this set

I often think of Karen's Choir Co-Vocalist as Wendy -but her name is Wanda
Freeman -much more American christian name !

This a Soul -Gospel arrangement , great reading and performance -wonder if the Choir recorded / performed other similar songs at concerts / benefits etc ?

Karen's reading of the line ...Just Let Me Go Naturally .....is absolute goosebumps and very sad in light of her own passing

Hope this helps ......

Peter

Peter--
Thanks so much for the info. Mystery solved. I think Karen's version of AND When I DIE is excellent. I really like it....such a different style for her--concluding once again: the girl could SING anything. (And all I knew about the song before was that she had recorded it in college....and of course, the excellent version by Blood-what-must-go-up-must-go-down-Sweat-and-Tears). I can see everybody's point concerning the irony of the song's title. I suppose my outlook is a little different: that no one gets out of this world alive...we're ALL GOING TO DIE....Karen was just like the rest of us. I suppose what really is disturbing us all about the song is not her death, itself, but the NATURE of her death--eh?

David

Peter,

Thank you so much! I always wondered who the other singer was singing with Karen. She had an awesome voice too (not as awesome as Karen's though)! I love that song and I love the style it was sung in. David you are right - Karen could sing anything!!!

Ideally Richard Should Remix / Remaster AWID For Release on FUTURE BOX SET / NEXT RARITIES SET

Plus Some Extra Carpenters / CSULB Choir Recordings / Rarities Would be Even Better

Often Fans and General Music Lovers Love / Like One Particular Style of Capenters Music / Performances , Whereas I Love Numerous Types of Pop, Love Songs, Jazz, Rock That Karen and Richard Performed with Such Talent, Emotion and Unique Sound

Look Forward to Further Rarities / Unissued Songs for 2004/2005

Peter

Wow. I never listened to it before. I'm sure it sounded really beautiful though! Karen has no limits!

Peter,

I hope Richard comes out with other rarities too. I'm sure all of us would! I think Richard will eventually come out with some new things we would all want to see!

Thanks, Peter. Very helpful.
Any word on whatever became of Miss Wanda?
Steve