UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING I have received a number of comments stating that John Bonham stated that Karen Carpenter “wouldn’t last 5 minutes with a Led Zeppelin song” vs “10 minutes” as stated in the video I also have received a number comments stating that I got the rankings wrong. That Bonham ranked 11 and Carpenter ranked 10 Vs the my reported Bonham at 6 and Carpenter at 5. I went back and researched further and all the quotes on the from Vanity Fair journalist LISA ROBINSON do quote that Bonham stated 10 minutes and not 5 Minutes. Many have argued out that there are no Led Zeppelin songs that run 10 minutes in length so why would Bonham say 10 minutes? This is incorrect as there are a couple of Zeppelin songs that run 10 min or more. As for the rankings: After doing some more research on the matter, It would appear that I was incorrect and Bonham ranked 11 and Karen at 10 I tried to understand where I got 5 and 6 vs 11 and 10 but so far I am unable to explain that error at this time (except to say that I goofed). But my feeling is that this error in numbers does not affect the basic point of my video, which was that comparing great musicians of different genre’s is like comparing apples to oranges. And that you should instead focus on appreciating what both have to offer vs trying to rank them against each other (and Karen did still place one spot above John Bonham, and Bonham did express a great deal of anger over it). Thanks everyone for watching and commenting. I really do appreciate it.

She was a great drummer in her own right. I’m quite tired of those « pissing contests ». Who cares whether X is better than Y? They were both great musicians playing different kinds of music.

This does justice to Karen Carpenter. It is a fitting remembrance to her career.

I’m a drummer and I tell you Karen was right in there with all the great jazz and rock drummers of her day! I loved that she played traditional grip with the left stick on the snare and the hand speed she demonstrated around the kit! Of course most know her for her outstanding alto vocals but don’t be fooled because Karen was also a marvelous drummer! I learned a lot by watching her performances! Hats off to Karen Carpenter: drummer and singer 🎤🥁extraordinaire!

Karen Carpenter's drum chops are undeniable. She commanded precise timing. Her mastery would be the envy of most drummers.

👍 I am a huge fan of Bonzo and LED Zeppelin, but Karen was so gifted musically. She was a talented drummer and one of the greatest female vocalist of all time.

Take into consideration that clip of Karen was when she was 18. She had excellent technical drumming technique well beyond her age.

I saw The Carpenters when I was young, maybe five years old, at Disney. Karen was singing at a small cafe type venue. She had a beautiful voice. As she saw a somewhat tired child sitting with her head resting on her hand she drew closer and rested her own head on her hand, all the while singing and smiling at me. It is an image that I have never forgotten. Her kind spirit simply shone so brightly. I didn’t know about her personal demons until I was much older, but I will never forget her beautiful smile❤

The Carpenters grew up 20 minutes from my hometown here in Southern California, in a small town called Downey. (Connecticut transplants in their pre-adolescent years). They were much older than me (by 12-16 years) but I was able to see them play at Disneyland when I was a small child. I remember watching Karen Carpenter playing drums and singing. And I remember watching my older brothers and dad (who appreciated musicianship) and they were floored on how well she kept her timing and sang while never missing a beat. Very impressive.

I've seen a number of articles that quoted Buddy Rich as being an admirer of Karen's drumming skills, and that he frequently went to listen to her play. I've never have heard anyone better than Rich. And he wasn't known to be free with compliments. So... yeah she must have been something.

She did a solo with 6 drumsets. Getting up and playing all of em. I gotta say she surprised the hell outta me. A true beast!!

Karen Carpenter was a phenomenal vocalist. i had no idea she was a talented drummer who could also sing at the same time. i was moved by how you did her justice, giving her the recognition she deserved as a uniquely talented artist. she was a beautiful soul who i'm sure we all miss dearly.

My brother was a limo driver for Phil Ramone in 1983 and he drove Karen a few weeks before her death. He saw her first name on her luggage but did not realize who she was until she sang in the car. She bought him a slice of pizza and he said that she was one of the nicest people he had ever met. Peter Frampton and Keith Richards were also friendly passengers.

Karen WAS a LOT cuter than Bonham...

Karen Carpenter's voice simultaneously warms my heart and chills me to my bones. I was completely unaware of her talent for the drums, but it doesn't surprise me in the least. Her vocal timing was unimpeachable, so it follows that this skill was grounded in her percussive background. What an absolute talent she was.

Good call on mentioning: “…the demon of alcohol abuse!” Kudos!

As a drummer myself, Karen Carpenter was a fantastic drummer. John Bonham was a legendary ROCK drummer. Both great with different styles.

We’ve all seen a performer/singer learn a few cords on the piano or guitar, learn to play a basic beat on the drums so they can play along on a song or two. Nobody could watch karen Carpenter play the drums and think she knew a few beats so she could play while singing a song. That woman could play, she put the time in and deserves the same respect for being an incredibly talented artist. If there is a Heaven, and I would like to believe there is, no doubt they had a drum off and a good laugh together. R.I.P. they are both sorely missed.

They were both dynamite, i loved both of them as a drummer myself i have mad respect for them both, may they both R.I.P. IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS AMEN. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks for this. I wasn’t even aware the Karen was a drummer… and obviously a helluva a one at that. Zeppelin is my favorite group and Bonzo my favorite drummer but why compare fine wine to a fine scotch… they’re both fine.

"It's a shame we lost both of them". Best phrase on the video

Singing and playing at the same time is indeed a skill set in itself.

one amazing lady, I love everything she has done, Also love Led Zeppelin, and would never try to compare.

Thank you for this enlightening video. Although I was aware that Karen played the drums during the early years of the Carpenters, I was not aware that she was such a talented musician. And how congenial and empathetic her response to Bonham’s words about the drummer ranking. She was a truly beautiful soul!

I was fortunate to see Karen Carpenter perform live, twice, in the early 70s. The first show she was predominantly on drums during their concert and all I can say regarding experiencing that first hand was HOLY S**T!!! Mesmerizing to say the least! The crowd was going wild!! We left that show in awe!! The 2nd time was over a year later and she was rarely behind the drum kit during this show. Still amazing, but nowhere near the surreal experience of seeing a master musician and artist, so thoroughly and and modestly, owning every soul in a packed arena.

Karen Carpenter considered herself a drummer first, a singer second.

I’m 58. Grew up in Chicagoland on classic rock and the GratefulDead. Loved Zeppelin. Still do. When I was a kid we used to drive up to Door County Wisconsin for summer/fall vacations. This was the late 70’s. I still remember the road trips up in the station wagon with my mom playing th carpenters on her portable tape player. Thinking back on it now, that remains as strong a memory as any part of the trip. And let me tell you, Door County is pure magic, especially as a kid. Her music is still very special to me. She is one of a kind. The best musical voice I have ever heard.

Well said, Sir. For me, it also brings to mind Roy Clark since he was mainly Country music his talent was not really recognized by those in other music. he can play any string instrument (I believe) and in any style , country, rock, jazz , Classical, etc. I'm glad to see video out there now, though decades late, give him credit for his skills. / abilities. I, too, always heard her brother say she was a drummer 1st, as did she . God, she was gifted and truly missed. RIP Lovely Lady

I remember seeing a clip of her doing a drumsolo. She basically went all over the stage playing all those different percussion elements and the expression of her face was very telling. I am convinced the only time she was truly happy was when she was playing the drums. And she expressed that sentiment on multiple occassions too: she considered herself a drummer first, singer second.

Buddy Rich called Karen Carpenter his favorite drummer.

Most drummers know how great John Bonham was, but not everyone knows how good Karen Carpenter was on drums. She was a legit talent, and could play and solo in up-tempo jazz style as well as other styles.

Loved and grew up with both, we'll miss them always!

I'm 57. Grew up hearing Karen's voice, and always loved it. But I never knew, til now, she was such a great drummer. Thank you!!

For years I was unaware of her drumming talents. Much respect

I also read an interview where John listed his favorite contemporary drummers and he named her and only a couple others. There is only one Bonzo, but the same can be said of her. That’s why they’re great.

As long as I have had an ear for music I have been in love with Karen Carpenter's voice. Many years later I learned that she was a heckuva good drummer too. Like you, my heart broke when I learned of her passing. The world is a less beautiful place without these two amazing drummers. Thank you for keeping the memories of Karen Carpenter and John Bonham alive. Peace.

She was an awesome drummer. I'm so sorry they both suffered from addictions that took them from us 😢❤🇨🇦

As a drummer, myself, I especially appreciate your take on this. Well done.

I am stunned. I had no idea that Karen Carpenter was a drummer first, and a damn good one too

Wow! I had no idea Karen Carpenter could play like that. She was an incredible talent. Rest in Peace Karen and John.

Very well put, excellent presentation . I'm a woman & used to sing some of Karen's songs in clubs & pubs in the Uk, one thing that struck me was her incredible sense of timing, that was before I knew her instrument of choice like you say was the drums, they were both incredibly talented musicians. Thanks I enjoyed your video. ..

Thank you so much for showing those clips of Karen Carpenter playing drums. I have NEVER seen them before, she was very slick in the way she sticked

Karen could smash the drums. Her talent is unrivaled. Like...shes a multi talented animal. Massive respect for Karen Carpenter R.I.P. chicky ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

The headline had me thinking that the two of them actually played together. Had me choking up, "Click Bait." Sucked in again!

Wow, my heart just dropped hearing her compassionate and humble response to Bonham's reaction. Appreciate the video.

I always felt she was totally forgotten as a drummer. She was a awesome drummer and I think she was better than most people will admit. I was raised in the 70's and I can remember many times when she proved she was a professional drummer. I think she should have been higher than #5 on that list. Also I think it's wrong to say she wasn't a rock drummer, you should have been around when she was getting warmed up for a show or playing with other people when she was not singing. She was a totally different person playing the drums. She really loved to play those drums.

Thank you for the story and the clips of Karen drumming. I never realized how good she was!

She is an underrated drummer that deserves to be up there with many greats.

I was very lucky to see the Carpenters live at the Riviera Hotel. For most of the show she performed while playing the drums. Absolutely amazing, the dual ability was incredible. You're right in stating that playing drums and singing is very difficult set of skills. I can understand why the comparison in that magazine, but it was an apples to oranges kind of thing

I hadn’t paid attention to Karen Carpenter’s drumming (only her singing) until a year or two ago, when I read about how highly other drummers regarded her. And yes, she was great.

Excellent points about Karen. 1. Top notch drummer who could probably sit in with a wide range of styles from jazz to rock and be in demand. 2. An extraordinary unique and recognizable vocalist who would probably be in demand today. 3. Singing while drumming is really hard! It's pleasing to me that Karen is enjoying a bit of a second look by people such as yourself. As a drummer myself I recall how surprised I was seeing her demonstrate her skills on a TV special. I saw an interview with Richard Carpenter recently and learned something else I didn’t know. The group was always Carpenters not The Carpenters. just as we would not say The Led Zeppelin.

Bloody hell! She was amazing. I never knew she was a drummer.

My father is a percussionist and musician. He was a part of the psychedelic rock band Beauregard Ajax. I remember when I was a tween, showing interest in drumming, him telling me about a bunch of skilled drummers and Karen Carpenter was on his list of names mentioned. Thank you for sharing that fact with others. She deserves to remembered for all her talents.

"... But to reach the stature that these musicians do, there is something to appreciate about All Of Them." Agreed. I've always felt the same.

65 years old here --and you just blew my mind! Didn't even know she played drums!!! As a long time musician myself, I'm flabbergasted that I didnt know this. Great video, btw.

I am a new drummer and I remember vaguely that Karen Carpenter played the drums but I never knew she was great at it! So thank you.

I was blessed with seeing both of these artists, The Carpenters at Pine Knob and Led Zeppelin at the Pontiac Silverdome.

I love them both. Great talents that were not with us long enough, but I am grateful for what they left behind.

She tore it up on Dancing in the Street. She was more jazz driven.

Thank you for the Karen Carpenter clip. Really showcases her technical skills on drums

The fact is we lost 2 beautiful souls

wow i never knew she was a drummer, thanks for sharing . beautiful lady, beautiful voice

Outstanding analysis. Balanced and precise regarding two unique artists. Different genres performed at a world class level. Both can be appreciated. New subscriber.

When I heard she died I felt we all lost someone special . Her voice always made me calm and at peace . Forgot thst she played drums , man she rips .

You are SO spot on (and I’m as huge a Zeppelin fan as you’re going to find- I saw Led Zeppelin at the LA Forum in 1975. I never did see The Carpenters, but my wife did- when Karen was playing drums for them!). Great vlog. 100% with you here.

Once you understand the intricacies, watching someone play and sing really becomes incredible.

Thanks for this. They were both unreplaceable. Loved both

I came of age in the 1960s and too only learned recently of KC’s skill as drummer and was blown away. How’d they manage to hide that from us all those years hearing her fabulous voice?

Totally agree, each drummer was influenced by a different genre of music, with both excelling in that genre. An apples to oranges comparison indeed. Like comparing a flat picker to a gypsy jazz picker. The influence of the voter will vote for the one that moves them. I remember when my oldest son played bass for his grandmother (my mom). He started off with "War Pigs" and he nailed it. Mom just nodded and smiled, and then I told him to play some country tune with a root and fifth beat. As he played this country tune in time, My Mom said, "Hey! You're pretty good!"

Thanks for turning me on to KC’s drumming skills. I was unaware. Much appreciated! Props to you for your video and more props to you for doing further research when others came to you quoting different stats. Good communication brother!

Great job! Truly. I love them both very much. Karen's major influence was Buddy Rich and your clip really brought that out. Had she been able to stay on drums and sing she might be with us now, as being in front only added to her disorder. Similarly, if John had been aforded more family time alcohol may not have taken him. He was a gentle giant and family man from what I can tell. I give him the benefit of the doubt: he probably didn't know her skills and alcohol didn't help. Great job again on this post!

Well, I fell in love with the Carpenters in the early 1970s. They were very popular and it was hard not to listen to any of their songs on the radio here in Brasil. My sister had a copy of 'Horizon', a highly successful album. I used to listen to it frequently and I spent so much time doing it that I read all the information contained in its inner sleeve and back cover. For example, I learned that the last song of Side B, 'I Can't Dream, Can I' was originally released in 1940. I also learned that she played the drums in all the songs. I was impressed. Who would not remember the beautiful introduction to 'Only Yesterday' where Karen plays her drums so simple and yet remarkably. As a non-native speaker of English, she helped me a lot. Her pronunciation is perfect, and by emulating it, even without knowing exactly what the lyrics meant, I perfected my own pronunciation to the point that I already had good and clear pronunciation long before mastering the language. As for John Bonham, he was not fair to Karen at all. I love both of them equally.

It's always a curiosity, that so many people get their knickers in knot, insisting that their favorite artist is better than another. They are/were all great, and they were all different. We are all just so lucky, that we live in a time when we have recordings of them all, to enjoy whenever we want. A salute to all the musicians that perform so well, for all of us. Thank you, everyone. Thank you for all your hard work, and know that your songs will live forever.

It is nice for you to recognize that Karen Carpenter was a great talent. I also believe that they forced her out from behind the drums. That made a thing about her figure & that loss of control over her life That caused great turmoil which caused the ED to escalate out of control. She was such an inspiration, to everyone. Her early death was a tragic loss to the entire world. IMHO

Thanks for posting a video that discusses Karen as a drummer, "the drummer that sang". I've long been talking about this very thing. Most people don't believe me. Her skills as a drummer were remarkable, and of course she had an angelic voice. My heart was broken the day she died.

They both passed in less than 5 years and both were amazing musicians. It's sad they never played together... RIP Karen and John...

I always thought that Karen's well developed drumming skills helped her even when she was just singing. Feeling the rhythm so deeply and precisely made her angelic voice even better.

This is such a well thought out piece, thank you!

Great analysis. Well done, I agree.

You’re right, apples to oranges. Both are great drummers in their own right.

I am a hard rock guitarist. My favorite vocalists are Neil Diamond & Karen Carpenter. I was born at a great moment in music.

I fell in love with Karen Carpenter for her voice, both that rich, mellifluous alto/contralto and her vocal interpretation that could rip my heart out. I knew she'd started out as the drummer, so I assumed she had at least a basic proficiency on drums, but I had no idea that her skills were at a level where anyone would compare her to someone like John Bonham -- let alone consider her to be his superior behind a drum set! Your posting was quite balanced, and very thoughtfully presented. Thank you so much!

I never heard Karen Carpenter play drums in a Rock song. So I can't know what her skills would be at that. But I've found anyone with Classical & Jazz experience are pretty darn good. There's a lot of skills most people cannot recognize from Classical & Jazz. Personally, I prefer to spend my time enjoying the music instead of ranking. Thanks for the video! Austin TX USA

My grandparents had built a bar in their basement complete with a jukebox that held 45s which was the traditional medium for singles in the seventies. On that jukebox was a Capenters song On Top of the World, which O played to death. I thought Karen Carpenter was an angel sent from heaven to make my childhood happy...

Karen was a fantastic drummer!

One thing to remember is that with Playboy, is the drummer that was associated with Playboy, Buddy Rich, and Buddy Rich admired Karen Carpenter as a drummer.

This is a great commentary about two very gifted performing artists.

Great video! I agree it's "apples & oranges." Both were great drummers but playing different styles.

Viewers here must check out Paulina Villarreal of the power trio, the Warning. She is current and is considered one of the finest rock drummers today. She has recently won two awards for best drummer from Drumeo and Drummer Magazine. Another artist of interest who is in essence the legendary Karen Carpenter reincarnated is Tori Holub. She doesn't play drums, but her voice and style are uncannily just like Karen. To say the least, I was shocked because I am a Karen Carpenter fan.

Great video. Respect to both, as both of them were great

I really like TJR's measured discussion of this subject. Both musician's deserve high praise. One interesting and hugely sad fact about these two fine drummers, is that they both died at age 32. We need to treasure both of their contributions to our musical world.

Drumming and singing together is an amazing gift. She really has it. They’re both phenomenal drummers, but I think they are definitely different genres. She looks so heartfelt✨and happy when she’s playing🙌 Thank you for sharing your thoughts👌

I'm a drummer who grew up on both of them. Love them both.

Perhaps we can all agree that Karen Carpenter was an amazing musician. Her skill and efficiency in studio or live is legendary.

This was the first video I’ve watched on your channel. I really appreciate your knowledge and level assessment of this kind of comparison. But I really want to comment that I enjoyed your story telling aspect of your delivery. It caused me to reminisce of that period and appreciate these great talents. I even loved your throwback comparison of superhero battles. Very nice and I smiled.

Also, because Bonzo pissed on Hefner’s shoe at The Rainbow 😉

Karen's skill as a drummer were sadly overlshadowed by her amazing voice. She was such a class act as well. I have no doubt she would have handled any LZ song with ease.

Wow…I had no idea she was a drummer. This is amazing! I’m so glad this came up in my feed. I am a huge Zeppelin fan, it is likely, gun to my head must choose, my #1 group. I genuinely believe they will be known through all time going forward. I also loved The Carpenters but only enjoyed the music and never dug deeper. This gives me even more appreciation for such a great band of the true, undisputed golden age of music.

I love this - thank you and very well expressed! Balanced, gracious, etc.

The fact that she sang while playing jazz drums, makes her on top as far as I am concerned.