My grandmother is buried in the same cemetary as Karen Carpenter. I often walk to Karen's tomb to pay my respects to her and remember her for beautiful music.

Well, she couldn't control where she lived, whom she lived with, and probably much more--but she could control her weight. Lovely woman and heavenly voice.....

Karen’s voice is so beautiful. Just angelic.

It's hard to believe Karen has been gone for 40 years now. I grew up in the 60s and 70s and clearly remember how much my parents, especially my father, loved Karen and thought she had one of the most beautiful voices he'd ever heard. I can only imagine how many more songs we'd have if she was still with us. 💔

The night that Karen Carpenter died I was attending a rehearsal of the Utah Symphony Chorus. The Chorus Master at that time was Ed Thompson. We were rehearsing and he was called out of the rehearsal. We all sat there wondering what was going on. After a few minutes he returned and tearfully announced that Karen had died. He said he had been Minister of Music for the Methodist (I believe) Church that the Carpenter family attended and that he knew them very well even before Karen & Richard became THE Carpenters. He was literally overwhelmed with grief. He tried to carry on but I think our rehearsal ended early because he was so shaken.

Thank you for this history! I've been told that I sound like Karen when I sing. And as I volunteer, singing for senior citizens, they love it when I do a few of her songs for them. I wanted to learn some history to better represent her and the Carpenter sound when I sing. Thanx for all of these wonderful memories. Another skinny girl.

Karen Carpenter had one of the very best voices ever, in my opinion,. Karen and Cass Elliot are my top favorites.

Yesterday morning, I drove down to Westlake Village to pay my respects and place a dozen white roses next to her family crypt. It was a day where there was literally not a cloud in the sky and the weather was just as beautiful as the family plot surrounding.

Like yesterday I can remember when Karen Carpenter died. It was one of the biggest celebrity death shocks I ever received. From the age of 9 when "Close To You" was released, I never missed a TV appearance if possible, and bought many of their singles (keep in mind, we were too poor to go to any concert so I never saw them perform live). But at about the time her disorder kicked in (all evidence points to 1976), I already had grown out of them and was listening to other stuff - but never stopped listening to them. But I never realized she was waging any battle with a basically unknown eating disorder. Yes, I saw her when she slimmed down, but in the photos I saw, she never looked shockingly thin (that only happened in the last 3 years of her life). So when I was given the news, it was one hell of a punch in the gut. I mean like this news would not process. This couldn't be right. Dead? At 32? Now here is where I remember things differently than was said in the video. At the time of her death, I was working from noon till 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. I was watching the 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast, and I remember clearly one of the lead stories was that family and fans paid their final respects to singer Karen Carpenter - at the Chapel in Forest Lawn Cypress. Because the next thing said was that visitation would also be the next day - MONDAY - from 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. at night. I said to my mom "I can go to that before going to work. I will do that." And I did. I arrived at Forest Lawn Cypress around 10:50 or so expecting a big crowd of people - but saw none. I drove to the booth. "Karen Carpenter?" She said, "Yes, that chapel right over there." I only saw ONE news van, and absolutely no one waiting. I drove right up to the front of the chapel. When I walked in, there were only two other people in the room. The other surprise was that the casket was open. I thought it would be closed with her picture next to it. Everything else described in the video is pretty much how I remembered it. The pink and white casket, the netting, the flowers, and how she was dressed is pretty much the way I remember it. I was able to stand as long as I wanted. Despite all the descriptions, honestly, I don't remember her looking bad at all. I remember whispering "Can you do me a little favor? Can you sing a song for my dad? He was a big fan of yours." (My dad died in 1974 of lung cancer at age 45). I glanced to the left and saw the book to sign your name - so that is what I did. I looked at her one last time and whispered "Goodbye Karen. I'll miss you." To make clear just how big a shock her death was, it would take me over twenty years before the irony finally dawned on me. You see, it was MONDAY morning, and it was RAINING at the time I went in - and just guess what my favorite Carpenter song is. And if anything, the rain explained why nobody was there at that time. I would read in the paper that on both days they estimated at least 100 people an hour walked by her casket. Can't believe this has been 40 year. And as you can tell, I STILL remember it like yesterday.

I believe it was Neal Peart (sp) of the band Rush who was once asked what it was like to be the world's greatest drummer. He answered with, "I don't know, you'd have to ask Karen Carpenter". Fun fact: Karen and I share the same birthday, but 20 years apart!

As a young black boy growing up in South America, I was smitten by Karen Carpenter’s voice. I know most of her songs by memory and sometimes when I am feeling really reflective about life, her songs naturally come to mind. I cried when she died. Oh how I wish she was still here with us.

I'll never forget the day she died. I was in 5th grade. It was shocking. I love Randy's book, Little Girl Blue. Her story is heartbreaking!

Karen is still my favorite female vocalist. Her voice is so beautiful and unique. She is missed.

My high school named their 70-71 year book We've only Just Begun. The Carpenters were HUGE at my Southern Ohio high school. Everyone loved them even the guys. Loved her voice.

She had such a unique singing voice. There will never be another like her.

Truly one of the most talented singers of all time. Thank you for the lovely tour down memory lane and your respectful, admiring discussion of Karen and Richard. And I can not believe it's been 40 years! We're not really that old, are we?!? The biggest advantage of being this old is we were blessed to have experienced so many amazing talents in their prime. Thanks for all you do.

Scott Michaels = The best documentarian ever! Solid!

I was 23 when Karen passed. I get so happy, yet sad when I hear her voice. Her version of The Rainbow Connection can break my heart.

My mother took me to see them in Sydney Australia, about 1969. I was about 13, mesmerising! Karen's voice is like pure honey. Imagine what they would have done had Karen lived.

Ahhh...The Carpenters, the musical backdrop of any kid growing up in the mid-70s. Michael, I can't add another thing to your warm and gracious tribute. Thanks for the memories.

I’ve mentioned this several times but I was the Associate Director on a TV Special called “ Christmas Portrait”, as you might expect they were really nice people. After the show they had plaques made thanking everyone who worked on the show. Richard brought them to ABC TV and walked around giving them out to the each of the crew..

Nothing better than a quiet place, a good headset, and Karen singing any of her songs ... magical!

It would have been amazing to see what music she’d have created if she lived. RIP Karen, amazing talent.

I was driving, heading home in the morning of her death. I heard the news on the radio. I was about to give birth to my daughter. My daughter loves "The Carpenters" and she plays drums. Hmm! Scott this is greatly done. You showed such respect. God Bless🙏🌷🌹🌹

Wow. 40 years. And what gets to me is I'm older than her now. I truly love her.

I remember hearing of Karen's passing. I was deeply saddened. She left the world with her beautiful voice. She is still deeply missed. Thank you.

Than you Scott. Wish I could do the tour. I have my memorabilia and all the records. Is 40 years now she passed away, but now in 2023 many people still listen to Carpenters' music and enjoy Karen's unique voice. Greetings from Mexico.

I was working on the Paramount lot back then. The sad news was all over the studio by 10.30, and that was before social media. Bad news travels fast.

Thank you for the tribute. I remember as it was yesterday; hearing the announcement of her death on the radio. I've always been a Carpenters fan and still listen to their music often.🙏❤

They were before my time but I loved Karen's voice. Distinct, superb breath control.....simply timeless. May she and her parents be at peace.

Karen first played drums at my friend's house in East Haven, CT. She told him that she wanted to be a drummer but her mother would not allow it. So she would come over to my friend's house whenever she wanted to play. The Carpenters lived about a mile from my friend. Karen and my friend went to the same elementary school. Eventually the family moved away to California and my friend never saw her again.

Wow, can't believe it has been 40 years since she died. Remembered when it was broadcasted over the radio that she had past. Such a wonderful talented artist. Thank you for you videos. Enjoy watching them.

I remember that I was in a medical termimology class that friday when the subject came up about the illness she went through. The teacher informed us a major singer may have died of it today and said it was Karen Carpenter. I was shocked. She meant so much to me . This week I started playing once again Rainy Days and Mondays. Just a brilliant song. Keep up the tour in her memory.

Miss her so much. What a heavenly voice she had. ❤❤❤

Karen died a few months before my 8th birthday. She, along with her brother, are true talented icons. RIP Karen

Wow can’t believe it’s been 40 yrs. Karen had such a beautiful voice. Her and Richard very talented. I love their music. Great tribute

I was 20 years old in 1972. I was just getting started in love and life. Their songs were the soundtrack to my life at that time. Their songs will always be an indelible part of my youth.

When I was a very young child, my mother would sing "Close to You" to me as a lullaby. My mom has been gone 20 years this year. This is something we shared that I'll always remember.

Scott, thank you so much for this tributes to Karen Carpenter. This may sound strange to some, but I’m an empath. Karen has always been someone I have felt deep pain and sorrow for. It doesn’t go away. Instead remains unresolved. Though these feelings of her earthly life remain, the love she deeply needed is finally hers in heaven. May she rest in peace. As a side note, the last song Karen recorded is called “Now”. It’s hauntingly beautiful. There’s a small donut shop near me where people stand in line early in the morning to buy donuts. I was standing in that line one morning and was looking at the photos and such on the walls. Right next to me was a signed photo of Karen and Richard Carpenter in a frame. It was a sweet sight. Thanks again.

I always enjoyed the song, "Top Of The World". Growing up in the 70s. Thank you Karen & Richard for the amazing songs. Rest In Heavenly Peace Karen and her parents. Thank you Scott for this awesome video.

Thanks! This meant so much to me because it was 40 years ago in February, on the 9th, that I officially moved to California from Pennsylvania. I had a degree in dietetics and eventually went to work at UCLA medical center. Karen Carpenter was part of the reason I chose that field. Then my first apartment by myself was in Hollywood on Lanewood off La Brea just north of Sunset. I met my husband while I was living there, he lived in the same building. We’ve been together 37 years now. This has been like a walk down memory lane for me. Thank you, Scott. 🥰🙏🏻💞

Glad I found this channel, and I appreciate you being very vigil in pursuing to keep honoring Karen. She has always been near and dear to my heart. Her music was a real part of my romantic life and I always remember her songs and her voice over the last four decades. When she passed it was like something was torn out of my chest and a big hole was left in its place. Then five years later in February my wife died too and so I carry those sad memories of both Karens in my heart to this day.

Thank you for keeping the memory of Karen Carpenter alive! Blessings & love to you! 👍🙏❤️💕

Appreciate all of your videos! Particularly loved this comprehensive Karen Carpenter video/stories. Very well done ❤

I had a beauty shop at the intersection that was the major entrance to the area of North Downey where the Carpenters lived. Downey police put up blockades preventing anyone who couldn't prove they lived in the area from entering. A constant stream of limos came and went but this was always the case, Mom and dad had a heavy hand and control of where Karen and Richard went and who they saw so most agents and recording personnel came to them, the second home was more of a recording studio just to keep the kids safe. The story went that Karen started using Syrup of Ipecac which is an over-the-counter medication that causes vomiting in case of poisoning but is also popular with bulimia victims to control their weight It's a cardiotoxin and used in excess can cause a heart attack. Syrup of Ipecac was found in Karen's bathroom cabinet.

Her poor frail body must have been so broken after paramedics doing chest compressions , I was 17 and I remember hearing it on the news that day. I was sad because I thought she was going to make it. Going to listen to some Carpenters . Love all your videos xo

The mother was a piece of work, Dad just stood by, did nothing. Come from that family dynamic. The only control you have is your body & either not eating or binge/bullemic. Beyond heartbreaking.

Our class song when I graduated in 1971 was, "We've Only Just Begun" Good video, Scott!

Probably like many others of the time, we used “We’ve Only Just Begun” as our First Dance at our wedding. They’ve touched so many lives with their music. RIP Karen.

As a kid I heard on my grandparents old fashioned radio, "On Top of the World" while heading for a Oreo cookie. I stopped, looked at the radio and intently listened. This was the first time I listened to "Carpenters" in the 70's as a child. In addition, in all due respect I adore that white shirt the gentleman was wearing with their logo stitched in baby blue and would love to have one.

How did you get Karen’s memory tube? Just curious. I know there wasn’t a lot of understanding about eating disorders and mental health issues. Karen needed more help than she got during her lifetime. She was a true talent. Rest in peace Karen

Beautiful tribute ... to a beautiful person.

That was a beautiful tribute to a talented and wonderful woman. She had such a golden and sweet voice. It's still so hard to believe she left this world at 32... she was much too young. Gone too soon. I continue to listen and love her music.

One death I never got over, still makes me cry. Beautiful tribute!

My friend and accompanist Debbie is a blind pianist, her favorite band is the carpenters. Deb is incredibly talented! Richard met Debbie a few times and When they were moving Karen to westlake Deb was asked by Richard to play for the service. It meant so much to her. My grandparents are buried in the same cemetery as Karen and i need to go by Karen’s grave next time I’m there. Thank you for the video! I’m a huge carpenters fan and this was super informative

How can it be 40 years? The Carpenters were always one of my favorite groups to listen to. Karen had the voice of an angel and she is still greatly missed by so many. But, their music lives on and that is a beautiful thing!

Simply a tragic loss for this family. I can’t even begin to imagine what they went through to try and save her. It is an insidious disease. Almost impossible to cure, and more impossible to understand. My deepest sympathies all these years later. A loss of an amazing talent. Still heartbreaking.

Damn, Karen had an unforgettably unique voice. Hearing her sing always made me feel calm, like I was home and safe ♥️ “Superstar” was my favorite - kind of sad, kind of stalker-ish, TBH 🤣 Karen was so incredibly talented and I wished she had the long, lovely life that she deserved.

Karen’s voice will always be my favorite. R.I.P., Karen. It’s my personal opinion Richard has never gotten over his beloved sisters passing, nor will he ever. As he has stated, “We were just getting warmed up.” Peace and love to Richard. You are amazing in your own right. Trivia: The Magnum P.I. Episode Karen watched 3 February 1983 was season 3, episode 14, titled, “Basket Case.” Featured in the episode was the song, “Sweet Georgia Brown,” the theme song of the Harlem Globetrotters.

She was so talented. Still listen to them today. What a magnificent piece on her! Everytime Scott puts a video out. I learn something new!🥰 Thank you Scott! ❤️

I love that you are bringing your past tours to us through your UKposts channel! You’re so skilled at doing so, and I love the content and memorabilia. Please keep it up.

My wife of 44 years has died of cancer.....She loved Karen Carpenters songs....I feel guilty that I wasn't interested in the Carpenters, when I heard of her death, I really didn't pay much attention to the loss of Americas greatest singing voice...We don't realize until they are gone, just how very much she enriched all of our lives......

They were the best and I still have all their music in my playlist. She had an amazing voice. If only she hadn’t been so hard on herself, we missed out on so much beautiful music I’m sure.

55 Hall St. New Haven. My Aunt & Uncle lived about 5 blocks away, both near Tweed NH Airport. Thanks for the clip, forever a legend❤️.

Great tribute for Karen. Very informative and perfectly presented. Such a shame she died way too young.

Beautiful flawless voice 😍

Thank you for this endearing memorial to a female vocalist like none other, Karen Carpenter. I’m glad you pointed out Olivia Newton-John, who was a stalwart friend even when she was hospitalized inpatient for her eating disorder, Olivia would go to visit her. Clearly, she had a lot of friends in the music industry, some of the healthier ones. although I think having her sink is a little weird, as well as the document that should be in her casket, I do sense your great affection for her. I got teary-eyed. She is missed. The carpenter center at Cal State Long Beach is a great place to see a show or concert and the exhibition is worthwhile for any carpenter fan

I have two musical favorites... Carpenters James Taylor 💖💖💖 Rest in Peace, beautiful Karen🌹

It’s sad how she died. No one really knew about eating disorders at that time and her death brought awareness to it

THANK YOU for this, Scott ! For some reason, I've been really feeling the loss of Karen this year...can't believe it's been 40 years. 💔

I wasn’t a Carpenters fan, I was around 10 years old when they were popular. Years later, I love their music, and her voice.

Wonderful tribute! I was obsessed with "Now & Then" when it came out. Still one of my all-time favourite albums. Thanks Scott.

Thank you for the story. I grew up during that time. Such an angelic voice always & forever. Thank you for all you do. Those two rainbows are a sign. Beautiful!

Whoa, this brings back so many memories for me Scott. I was 14 in 1974 and my Maw Maw's tiled bathroom had great acoustics (to me) and I would stand in front of her huge wall mirror and belt out the Carpenter's songs. Knew them all by heart and thought I sounded fantastic! You always manage to bring me down memory lane Scott and I thank you for that. Stay safe, stay yourself, and I eagerly await your next video.

Thanks for this. I remember vividly the moment I learned of her passing. I thought my sister was joking until I looked at her face and how serious she was. You are doing a great service to long time fans like us and a new generation of young folks who organically discovered the beauty and genius of the Carpenters.

Such a wonderful tribute Scott. I'm sure Karen would be proud. She died the day my brother turned 6. I was 1 month from turning 7 when she died. I didn't know who she was at the time but grew to love the Carpenters' music growing up. Karen had such a beautiful voice. Love, thoughts & prayers🙏go out to Richard & the rest of the Carpenter family. Can't believe it's been 40 years since Karen passed away. Keep up the great work Scott.

God's enjoying that ANGELIC voice now. May Karen and her parents rest in peace and may Richards heart be soothed. I'm sure he dearly loved his kid sister and it must have been extremely hard on him to go thru this tragedy. Thank you to Richard and Karen for supplying the world with some wonderful and timeless music. Including their Christmas collection which I enjoy so much during the holidays. Really puts you in the spirit.

Ive always love (The) *Carpenters* .. The only music I listen to these days are just 60's and 70's music.. Thats it! Carpenters every day!!! I too am from New Haven, Ct. as well. I still live here. ❤ I got to see them perform back in 1972 at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum. I remember, " _Goodbye to Love_ " was there hit record at the time. And i was right in front when their guitar player wailed that fuzz guitar! After the Show, Karen and Richard signed autogrtaphs. I had nothing for Karen to write on . 😢My Buddy Mark Had a Napkin! Karen signed it. he still has it🥰.. Without a doubt, Karen went straight to Heaven February 4th, 1983. This is the truth! And one day, all her fans will get to see her again, as beautiful as she once was. 🎶✝❣☮🥁 Mr. Michaels, Thank you for sharing this fantastic video. I enjoyed it very much, although it's so sad and tragic what became of Karen. One of the most Beautiful women on the planet who probabaly had the most Beautiful voice on the planet! 🌏 🎸

"Close to You" was my favorite Carpenters album... with the song "Crescent Noon" being my most favorite on that album. It always gave me goosebumps the way she harmonized on that song.

She is far from being forgotten, she was celebrated on her birthday in my favorite radio station in my small city in Mexico, and she was mentioned in many other stations, I will love her for ever, she is still the best.

So heart breaking that she suffered from Anorexia Nervosa that eventually killed her. No one was curious or asked about her mental health. Rest in Peace angel.

Spectacular coverage, Scott! Many thanks. Karen's legacy remains so haunting & poignant...a beautiful, gifted lady who couldn't/wouldn't get the help she so desperately needed & deserved. Their music will remain forever.

Grew up with the Carpenters and loved them and their music! Loved your video, great info. about them.

So much medically has changed since 40 years ago. I can’t help but think of the help and understand Karen could have received today. I suffer from being gluten sensitive maybe in another 40 years they’ll know more to help me and others like me. But then all we know is that we have today and tomorrow may never come. Miss you Miss Karen Carpenter. Hello Richard Carpenter.

She had a voice like no other ❣️🕊️🙏❤️ May I ask when your museum will open again? I don't mean to pry. Thank you Scott ❣️😊

Beautifullty done - thank you for your hard work.

My eyes filled up toward the end when I saw her drum set, likely the very ones she played when I saw them perform at Abilene Christian College in the Fall of 1973. That will always be one of my proudest life moments. Thank you so much for this video!

Thank you you do the best videos! My grandmother got me into the Carpenters we used to listen to them when I was little so they really mean alot .Her favorite song was superstar mine as well and but just can't listen to it without crying !! oh well enough about me just want to say thank you for this video means a whole lot!!

i met kren and richard after a concert in 1973. backstage , i told her the show was great , but i particularely loved her drum solo . this affected her so much , she grabed me around the waist , and gave me a big kiss , saying "thank you , thank you , thank you " i , being an x-drummer , i wanted to see her in action on the skins more than her singing . richard came up to me a few moments later after she went to do a quick interview , and seeing her expression of joy hen i told her how great her druming was , ...said "well , you sure made her night " then karen came back to where richard and i were talking , and joined in , aall the time smiling and asking me questions isaid i was a songwriter now , but never lost my love for the dums . was then , they were told it was time to go out another back exit to leave . she said , you can come with us if you like , laughing , and then said .....get ready to run . [lol] out we went , .....fans had found the limo and security kept them at bay . karen and richard waved as they rushed to get in . i , of course said goodby , good luck on your next show . as she got in the back of the limo , she blew a kiss and waved and said "write me a song " i still might do that , lead sister ,....i still moght do that . iss back at ya. james

Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice. She died way too soon. So sad! 😪😔

I was 16 when she passed. I remember being so sad and what a loss. I hope she's at Peace.

I lived in the Los Angeles area at the time of both Karen Carpenter's and Marvin Gaye's death, which were just 14 months apart, both being quite tragic. I literally recall my heart dropping into my stomach the day when I heard the news that Karen had passed away. I had no clue that she was that ill. I was literally shaken to my core in realizing that 'The Carpenters' were no more. It still haunts me.

Most beautiful voice. Sadly missed. Thanks for this memory of Karen, Scott. 🙏❤️☮️

No one has ever come close to KC’s AMAZING VOICE ❤️ love & miss her🎤🎼🥁

i can remember 2/4/83 , like it was a minute ago . i'm not gonna write a book ,but an a blinding snow storm going up two mountains to get home , it came over the radio ------- i pulled over in a drift and sobbed for an hour .

I loved the Carpenter s I have her original albums. I was shocked and saddened when she died.Thank u for showing us this video on her anniversary of her death.

Great informative video Scott! I remember when Karen passed and can't believe it was 40 years ago.

I love the Carpenter's! Karen and I both have the same birth date, March 2. I love her amazing, beautiful voice. I was 3 going on 4 when she passed. I listen to them every day. Great work, Scott!!!

I look forward to your podcast about the Carpenters.

To this day I can’t listen to a Carpenters song without crying. She had such a great voice. May she RIP.