We have all heard of The Carpenters, especially those who are fans of 70’s music. Everyone might know that the two shaped the “Sunshine Pop” subgenre, but let us not forget about the people behind the music. Richard and Karen Carpenter are one of the world’s most popular musician siblings, but who are they really? Read on to learn more about this duo and their story.
As Kids
The Carpenter siblings were born to Harold Bertram Carpenter and Agnes Reuwer. As kids, they had different inclinations. Richard was an indoors person who liked to play the piano. On the other hand, Karen liked to spend her time outdoors and play sports with children her age. Regardless, their parents saw that the children were both passionate about music.
As Kids
Musically Inclined
Their parents were uncertain about Karen’s interests, so they decided that the best thing to do was give her as many possibilities as they could. At the tender age of four, she was already a budding ballerina and tap dancer!
Musically Inclined
The Drums
The Carpenter family relocated from Connecticut to California in the year 1963. Richard enrolled at California State College at Long Beach and Karen enrolled at Downey High School. Richard was able to hone his musical skills, while Karen learned the drums. The siblings were able to play alongside each other during a production of “Guys and Dolls”.
The Drums
A Little Secret
Did you know that learning the drums was only a bonus for Karen? It’s true! Do you know the real reason she decided to take up the instrument? The answer is that it excused her from having to attend early morning gym class. It’s nothing short of amazing that she became exceptionally skilled at it!
A Little Secret
Her First Set
Karen managed to persuade her folks to get her a $300 Ludwig drum set. She was motivated by the skill possessed by her drummer friend Frankie Chavez. However, Karen was not only a curious teenager. She turned out to be particularly adept at the instrument! In fact, she was able to master Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’ in 5/4 time.
Her First Set
Trio
Everything started with a decision to form a jazz trio. Karen and Richard teamed up with Wesley Jacobs, Richard’s friend from college. Richard was the pianist, Wesley was the bassist and tubist, and Karen was the drummer. At the time, Karen did not have a lot of singing when it comes to singing. However, this was remedied by vocal lessons.
Trio
Battle of the Bands
The three of them were able to win the Battle of the Bands competition held at Hollywood Bowl in 1966. This gave them the opportunity to sign with RCA records. However, this would not become their big break as the label fired them under the belief that they would be flops. Karen graduated from high school the next year and enrolled in Long Beach State. The trio did not let the ordeal discourage them and they were allowed to record in the studio in Joe Osborn’s house.
Battle Of The Bands
Small Time Job
Once Karen was able to complete her college degree, she had to find a job in order to support herself. It may come as a surprise that she did not begin immediately go into music! For a while, she was actually working at a printing business.
Small Time Job
Karen Goes Solo
Joe Osborn discovered Karen’s potential when the young woman sang in front of him one late-night garage session. He signed her to Magic Lamp Records, his own label. He also gave Richard an opportunity by signing him to Lightup Music. During this period, Karen was able to drop a single with backup music provided by the Richard Carpenter trio. Sadly, it ended up becoming a flop and Osborn had to fire her.
Karen Goes Solo
New Band
Richard and Karen launched a bigger band together with other Long Beach State alumni in the year 1967. They decided to call themselves “Spectrum” and the group recorded demos to send to record labels in L.A. It is important to remember that psychedelic rock and dance music were popular at that point in history. For this very reason, labels did not entertain them nor did clubs want to play their music. After just one year, Spectrum ended up disbanding and the members went their own ways.
New Band
Duo
The original trio would cease to exist when Wes Jacobs left California to join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. After several months, Karen and Richard began to play as a duo called the “Carpenters”. They continued to record demos and send them to A&M Records. The siblings also made an appearance in “Your All American College Show” during this time. Luckily for the siblings, A&M Records would get in touch with them and snapped them up in 1969 for their remarkable sound.
Duo
Freedom
A&M was pretty much the big break they had been waiting for. It was a great deal, especially when you consider the fact that they were given a lot of artistic autonomy. The record label allowed the siblings to write their own lyrics and music. This pleased Richard, who was the one behind the composition work. As a testament to the good treatment, they were quick to work on their first album.
Freedom
Mild Success
“Offering” was officially released in the year 1969. It is unfortunate that their first album flopped— it was criticized by the people in the music industry and performed poorly on the market. Despite this, A&M Records kept supporting them and decided to repackage it for the international music community. Now called “Ticket to Ride”, the album did wonders and 250,000 copies were sold globally!
Mild Success
Unique Sound
It was obvious that the Carpenters’ sound was different from the other groups at the time. While they had undeniable influences from The Mammas and The Papas, their own sound made their music unique. Karen and Richard continued creating their own music and it’s a good thing they did not give up along the way. People were finally recognizing how talented they were!
Unique Sound
Gold
The siblings were finally able to experience a little success! They could have worked on a new album, but instead they decided to record and release more singles. They recorded their own versions of “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Close to You”. The success of these two singles made it clear the duo was on the path to fame. They went on tour and guested on “The Ed Sullivan Show”.
Gold
Highs And Lows
You might be wondering what notes Karen reaches when she belts out to their hits. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In “Only Yesterday”, she reached a low E flat and below middle C, whereas she managed to hit a low D and below middle C in “A Song for You”.
Highs And Lows
The Pres
The Carpenters were an international hit by the time 1972 rolled in. As a testament to this fact, they were even asked to visit the White House, where they got to meet figures like Ken Cole, Ronald Zeigler, and James Cavanagh! In August of the same year, they returned to meet President Richard Nixon. There are many photographs that show the unforgettable meeting at the Oval Office. How remarkable is that?
The Pres
That’s Not My Name
The duo is actually “Carpenters” on the dotted line, not “The Carpenters”! Not a lot of people are aware of this fact and it is true that they have been called by the wrong name throughout their career. So what was up with the missing article? Here’s the deal: they were only keeping up with the times! After all, didn’t musical groups like Jefferson Airplane and Buffalo Springfield do the same thing?
Thats Not My Name
Playboy’s Vote
Playboy once conducted a poll about the best drummers and Karen ended up in the first place. However, it should go without saying that not everyone was pleased about it. In fact, John Bonham from Led Zeppelin had something to say on the matter: “I’d like to have it publicized that I came in after Karen Carpenter in the Playboy drummer poll! She couldn’t last ten minutes with a Zeppelin number.”
Playboys Vote
Lip Syncing
You might not know this, but lip-syncing is a widespread practice that musical artists use whenever they have to perform live. Karen and Richard had to do the same thing when they sang “Bless the Beasts and Children” during the 1972 Academy Awards!
Lip Syncing
A Big Performance
The biggest crowd they had, however, was for the Ohio State Fair in the summer of 1971. Impressively, the concert had drawn an audience of 50,000 guests who were all there to watch them perform! It is clear that they have gained quite a large following by that time.
A Big Performance
Fame
The Carpenter sibling’s popularity kept increasing as they continued to release songs like “Horizon”, “Now & Then”, and “A Song for You”. How famous did they get, you ask? Well, rumors spread that Karen was hanging out with personalities as big as Elvis Presley! Unfortunately, Karen and Richard had their own personal demons to contend with.
Fame
A Break
It might seem like famous people have it all but that is rarely the case. In fact, any level of fame often comes with its own set of problems. Richard, for one, became dependent on sedative drugs and he had to enroll in a rehab center in Kansas to get better. Despite this, Karen wanted to continue making music and so she did— she was able to make an album on her own! However, it did not get a release date because the labels did not like it.
A Break
Not A Fan
Karen was pleased that she was able to finish an album by herself and it is undeniable that she worked hard to make it happen. Unfortunately, most people did not have good things to say about it. Richard himself said the album was “too mature” for her and claimed that the vocals did not suit her. Why, he even called the songs weak! Karen began to think that the album’s failure was completely her fault.
Not A Fan
Her Struggles
When Richard was trying to overcome his drug addiction, he came to the realization that his sister was dealing with anorexia. Karen, however, denied the claims when he asked her about it. The two finally returned to work in 1980 and they released an LP titled “Made in America” the following year. The comeback was a success! They were able to sell 200,000 copies and one track from the LP, “Touch Me When We’re Dancing”, reached the 16th spot of the Top 100 Hits.
Her Struggles
Long Battle
It is important to understand that anorexia was not as common back then as it is now. This made the condition particularly difficult to understand when she was given the diagnosis. Karen had to go through rehabilitation and therapy, where she was basically forced to eat a sufficient amount of food. After all, the young woman lost over 25 pounds in just a single month since her intake was limited to drinking water and a small amount of food.
Long Battle
Shows Cancelled
They might have achieved a high level of fame, but that did not mean that it was a smooth-sailing ride. When their music career was at its peak, they were under a lot of pressure. Karen was also dieting disproportionately to ready herself for the shows. In 1975, she was in no condition to continue with the tour and the Carpenters had to call off their shows in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Japan.
Shows Cancelled
Seeking Help
It was then that Karen finally reached out to a medical professional for her condition. She underwent therapy conducted by psychotherapist Steven Levenkron in New York City. Richard expressed disapproval at the methods employed by the doctor, but he did not have a say on the matter. Karen continued to attend sessions with Levenkron. One day, she paid the professional a phone call and explained that her heart was “beating funny”.
Seeking Help
Her Friends Said
Karen had been described as caring, goofy, and fun-loving by the people closest to her. She even had a fixation with adorable stuffed animals! However, there was more to the musician than meets the eye. Even her friends did not know about a certain aspect of her life. In fact, the young woman had a lot to deal with it in the comfort of her childhood home.
Her Friends Said
Mommy Issues
When one loves, there is zero guarantee that it will be returned by the recipient. Sadly, this rings true even for the bond between daughters and mothers. Agnes Reuwer Carpenter was not the most affectionate person. For most of her life, Karen craved acceptance and affection from her strict and difficult mother.
Mommy Issues
Brother Issues
Everyone knew that the Carpenter siblings were close to one another, but that does not mean that they get along all of the time. In fact, there were many points of contention regarding their work life. Reports say that Richard was something of a slave driver who refused to give Karen a lot of freedom. Apparently, it was often his call whether to cancel or proceed with a show. Who would not want independence if they were in her shoes?
Brother Issues
Walking To Her Death
In addition to her extreme dieting, Karen tended to walk for several miles in order to lose even more weight. Her doctor cautioned her against this habit and got in touch with the family to ask for their involvement in her recovery. Sadly, the phone call did not go in the direction that the doctor had in mind.
Walking To Her Death
Tension On The Phone
When Karen continued to walk from her home to the clinic, the doctor decided that it was time to contact her family. After all, she was in no condition to walk those two miles on the regular. He posed this question to the Carpenter household: “Do you love Karen?” Richard cried during the phone call and said that he naturally does. Their mother was not moved, however, and lambasted the doctor for asking them a question like that.
Tension On The Phone
Rushed To Hospital
When the doctor answered Karen’s nerve-racking call, she was instructed to head to the hospital. She eventually heeded the advice, but only after several weeks had passed. She was then hooked to an IV drip and it helped her regain 30 pounds in the span of two months. She even went as far as to announce that she had recovered completely and decided to leave in November. A lot of people were concerned that it was far too early, but Karen was hell-bent on getting out as soon as possible.
Rushed To Hospital
Off The Radar
When Karen got back from the hospital, she dived back into where she left off. She did not bother to get some rest before going back to work! Aside from returning to the recording studio, she did not shy away from the limelight. In fact, she made an appearance during the 25th year celebration of the Grammy Awards held on January 1, 1983. No one knew it then but it was the last time she would be seen in public.
Off The Radar
Not For Me
Earlier in her career, Karen talked about how she was not searching for a relationship because she knew her schedule would make dating difficult. Besides, it must have been difficult to find someone while working in the industry. Regardless, it did not mean that Karen wanted to be alone forever. As a matter of fact, her friends reported that she wanted a husband and a family.
Not For Me
Surprise!
Karen actually got her wish sometime in August 1980! She started dating Thomas James Burris after they met each other in the Beverly Hills Hotel in the latter half of the month. He was a real estate developer nine years her senior. He also had a teenaged son from a previous marriage. These details did not bother Karen, however.
Surprise
A Perfect Suitor
Many people were happy for Karen! After everything that she had been through, she deserved to have a happy ending. Tom Burris sounded like a real prince charming: attractive, generous, and nice. However, this man would end up being a farce.
A Perfect Suitor
Kids
Many people knew that Karen wanted to have her own kids. Tragically, this was not ever going to happen between her and Burris. Why? Well, he actually got a vasectomy procedure done years before. This came as a huge surprise to Karen, especially when you consider the fact that Tom only mentioned it right before the wedding.
Kids
Calling Off The Wedding
Nothing was more important to Karen than raising her own children so she had no choice but to cancel the wedding ceremony. However, her mother did not take kindly to the news when she relayed the problem. Agnes urged her to continue with the wedding since all of their relatives and friends already made plans to come to the wedding. In fact, Agnes told her, “The invitations have gone out. There are reporters and photographers coming. People magazine is going to be there. The wedding is on, and you will walk down that aisle. You made your bed, Karen. Now you’ll have to lay in it.”
Calling Off The Wedding
The Mask He Wore
The phone call made Karen rethink her plans and she decided to marry Burris anyway. She remained hopeful that she can have kids of her own, but she was surprised by the reaction of her new husband! She definitely did not expect the loving man to sneer at her and call her a “bag of bones”! Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of his abusive behavior that he would show her.
The Mask He Wore
Careless Spending
When they first began dating, everyone was under the belief that Burris was as rich as Karen was. That would not turn out to be the case. Appearances aside, he was actually spending more money than he had in the bank. Evelyn Wallace said, “It wasn’t long after they got married that he started asking her for money. He’d give her some excuse, and she’d give him the money. He’d ask for $35,000 and $50,000 at a time. Finally it got down to the point where all she had left was stocks and bonds.”
Careless Spending
Not A Happy Ending
Aside from draining her bank accounts, Tom Burris also inflicted physical and emotional abuse on Karen. She stood up for herself by changing the contents of her will and testament. Instead of naming him a beneficiary, she clarified that everything she owns would go to her family members. The couple called it quits after they fought publicly while at a restaurant. Karen wrote a petition for divorce in 1982.
Not A Happy Ending
Helping Others
It was unfortunate that Karen Carpenter passed away from anorexia and heart failure on February 1, 1983. Her passing was a tragic moment, but it got people talking about eating disorders. Everyone was genuinely shocked at her death, but it undoubtedly highlighted the importance of educating people about anorexia and bulimia.
Helping Others
Ending In Divorce
Do you want to hear an interesting trivia about that tragic day? Karen Carpenter was actually going to sign the papers to finalize the divorce on the very day that she passed away. Obviously, she did not get to sign them.
Ending In Divorce
The Autopsy
An autopsy was conducted after Karen’s death in order to rule out the other rumored causes of her death. The results revealed that the young woman had taken excessive doses of ipecac syrup. This drug is usually consumed to make a person vomit.
The Autopsy
Nation Mourns
Karen Carpenter was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park on February 8, 1983. Around one thousand mourners came to her funeral. Some of her close friends such as Dorothy Hamill and Olivia Newton-John were in attendance. Thomas Burris was there as well and he threw his wedding band into the casket. Let us not fail to mention the millions of fans who all grieved the death of their idol.
Nation Mourns
The Final Performance
Karen’s final singing engagement took place at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California. She performed multiple Christmas carols for her godchildren and their friends on December 17, 1982. No one, not even Karen, expected that it would be the last time anyone heard her beautiful singing voice.
The Final Performance
A Movie
The CBS biopic “The Karen Carpenter Story” told the life and times of Karen Carpenter. The movie depicted the difficulties the musician faced in life. They explored her struggles with her family, disease, husband, and fame. The movie was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
A Movie
Flawed Facts
Many viewers could not hold back their tears while watching the movie, but it was not 100% accurate. In one scene, Agnes tells her daughter that she loves her. It might have been effective for the movie, but no one remembers this happening in real life.
Flawed Facts
A Star
A Hollywood Walk of Fame star was dedicated to the Carpenters on October 12, 1983. Her solo album was released 13 years after her death as well. Karen might no longer be around, but no one will ever deny the influence she had on the music industry. To this day, she continues to inspire fans from all over the world.
A Star
His Own Solo
After the death of Karen, Richard Carpenter dedicated both his time and effort to compiling the band’s songs throughout the years. In 1987, he came out with “Time”, his first solo album and it featured works by musicians like Dusty Springfield and Dianne Warwick. He dedicated it to his sister.
His Own Solo
Too Much Breath
Richard talked to Liberty Devitto in a private interview and he talked about something that clearly reflected Karen’s love for music. His anecdote dates back to the time they were recording the track “Remember When Lovin’ Took All Night”. The song required heavy breathing noises in the background and Karen did this all by herself. However, she became so involved that she went into hyperventilation and ended up collapsing!
Too Much Breath
Them Peaches
It’s true that Karen had been diagnosed with anorexia but she did not necessarily eschew all food. There was a specific treat that she could not resist. Do you know what it is? It’s peach melba! It’s certainly unique like the late musician herself.
Them Peaches
High Numbers
Is it really a big surprise to hear that the duo had been able to make a huge fortune during their active years? Probably not. However, it might surprise you to hear about their sales record. They have reportedly sold more than a hundred million albums!
High Numbers
Money Mystery
The Carpenters did not divulge their exact net worth. However, we already know for sure that they had enough money to be considered millionaires.
Money Mystery
Sing
Here’s something that you might not know about the Carpenters. They enjoyed traveling and performing “Sing” with a local children’s choir wherever they went! The fact that they were always with a new set of people made the shows enjoyable and special.
Sing
Still Alive
Here is something that will surely throw you off your loop: The Carpenters’ music continues to live on. Literally! Even until now, their music sales are still able to compete with the music sales of artists who are still active in the industry.
Still Alive
Music For Charity
It would be accurate to say that the duo was a band for the people. Did you know that they owned a softball team? Not only that, the sports team raised funds for the Cancer Society of Middlesex County. Karen was the team’s pitcher and she was great at it!
Music For Charity
The Carpenters Graceland
The Carpenters’ house was meant to be demolished in the year 2008. However, fans got to work and protested the tearing down of the building. They compared it to “Graceland”, Elvis Presley’s legendary mansion. Surprisingly, it worked and fans occasionally take a pilgrimage to the property.
The Carpenters Graceland
Karen’s Ghost
Oddly enough, some believe that Karen is roaming around as a ghost. Maybe not in her childhood home, but people who work at the Jim Henson Company believe that her ghost is still hanging around the building. Rumor has it that the young woman haunts the dressing room she once owned.
Karens Ghost
Continuing The Legacy
We all know by name that Richard and Karen had their fair share of issues with one another. Since she passed away, Richard has dedicated many works in her name. He released several pieces that they worked on together and some of Karen’s raw tracks.
Continuing The Legacy
Karen’s Influence
We all know how big the Carpenters ended up becoming. It is highly possible that your favorite contemporary artist has been influenced by Karen’s music. Some people who have admitted this are Shania Twain, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Kim Gordon, and K.D. Lang!
Karens Influence
Notable Partners
There was more to Karen than just her musical prowess, however. A lot of people were also enchanted by her personality! Karen went out with Steve Martin, Tony Danza, Alan Osmond, and Mike Curb! The King of Rock and Roll was reportedly not immune to her charms as well.
Notable Partners
Elvis’ Proposal
Karen had a lot of suitors and even Elvis Presley expressed his interest at some point. What exactly happened? Well, the story goes that the King of Rock and Roll invited Karen and Petula Clark to his hotel suite for a ménage a trois! It was rather awkward, according to Clark. She said, “He was very amused by that. It was probably the first time anyone had ever turned him down.”
Elvis Proposal
Late Compliments
When she passed away, a lot of famous artists expressed their admiration for the band and the young woman in particular. Did you know what the Beatles’ Paul McCartney had to say about her? He declared that she was one of the best singers of all time!
Late Compliments
Not Enough Information
These days, force feeding someone suffering from anorexia nervosa is a big no-no. However, no one knew it back then so Karen had to undergo it. Simply put, no one understood that anorexia and bulimia were both mental disorders. After all, it was fairly new diagnoses. Sadly, no one knew that force feeding someone with an eating disorder can only exacerbate the situation.
Not Enough Information
The Funeral
Karen Carpenter’s funeral saw over a thousand mourners. Many of them must have seen her transformation from a healthy weight to a malnourished state over the years. However, Karen never actually revealed that she was ill. Her passing was a huge eye-opener and allowed anorexia to be taken seriously.
The Funeral
Her First Diet
Of course, many people are wondering where exactly it all began. When we take a look at her life, her first experience with dieting took not long after she finished high school. She decided to go on the Stillman water diet and she was able to shed about 25 pounds! She must have been motivated when people complimented her for losing so much weight.
Her First Diet
A New Diet
Contrary to what you may think, the Stillman diet is not actually one of those extreme diets. It basically restricted one’s intake of food considered to be fatty and heavily processed. Regular eating is part of the plan and six meals were recommended for each day. Of course, they had to be smaller portions than usual but it did not call for extreme measures. When Karen’s weight dropped to 90 pounds, it was clear that there was a problem.
A New Diet
Carving The Path
On the road, it was not difficult to see that Karen had some odd eating habits. When asked about this, she said, “When you’re on the road it’s hard to eat. Period. On top of that, it’s rough to eat well. We don’t like to eat before a show because I can’t stand singing with a full stomach… You never get to dinner until, like, midnight, and if you eat heavy you’re not going to sleep, and you’re going to be a balloon.”
Carving The Path
The Obsession
In August 1973, Karen saw herself in photos and was horrified by what she saw. Why? Well, Karen believed that her stomach was too prominent in the images. She quickly asked around for a personal trainer so that she can return to her former body frame. However, she was not pleased with the training that she was made to undergo.
The Obsession
Bulking Up
Under the guidance of her new personal trainer, Karen abided by an intensive workout regimen paired with a strict diet that was low calorie, high protein, and high carb. It did not take long for her to lose the paunch that she had, but it brought a new set of “problems”. She was gaining muscle that she did not ask for! Karen quickly fired her personal trainer when these developments became more noticeable.
Bulking Up
Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands
It was not just the photographs that she disliked. Karen was also flabbergasted at the way she looked when they appeared on the Bob Hope Special. When she expressed that she packed on some weight, Richard did not argue with her. That motivated her to buy a hip cycle and started going at it regularly.
Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands
Eating Disorder
Karen did not limit herself to extreme exercise— she was barely eating as well. Whenever she ate with her close friends and family members, she only ever pushed her food around to make it seem like she was eating. She would also offer her food to the other people in the table, claiming that it tasted really good. However, Agnes was no fool, so she did the same thing to her daughter!
Eating Disorder
Trying To Conceal
At some point, her weight dropped to less than 90 pounds. Karen had to put some effort into hiding the fact that something was very wrong. Her solution involved layering clothes. “She would start with a long-sleeved shirt and then put a blouse over that,” her agent Sherwin Bash said, “and a sweater over that and a jacket over that… With all of it you had no idea of what she had become.”
Trying To Conceal
The Secret Starts To Come Out
One of the Carpenters’ close friend, Evelyn Wallace, narrated the time she noticed Karen hanging out in the garden. At that moment, she realized that Karen needed help. “She loved to go lay out in the sunshine. I don’t know whether it was to get a tan or get away from her mother. Anyhow, I happened to go out to the kitchen for something and I saw her out there. She just had on her little bathing suit shorts. You couldn’t tell whether it was a girl or a boy. She had absolutely no breasts,” she said.
The Secret Starts To Come Out
The Public Notices
Fans did not fail to notice that something was wrong. Her dwindling weight had an impact on the way she looked and their idol definitely did not appear healthy. They expressed alarm, but they speculated that the singer had cancer or something similar.
The Public Notices
Richard Moves On
We are sure that it was very difficult for Richard to lose his sister and his bandmate. However, he had no choice but to move on. He married his adopted first cousin and together they welcomed five children into the world. They paid tribute to Karen by naming a child after her and giving her favorite name, Kristi Lynn, to another daughter.
Richard Moves On
A Living Legacy
The Carpenter family also honored Karen by setting up the “Carpenter Memorial Foundation”. The organization raises funds to support research on anorexia nervosa and eating disorders in general. There have been many changes made ever since its inception and it is now called the “Carpenter Family Foundation”. Not to mention the fact that they also fund education, entertainment, and arts projects these days as well.
A Living Legacy