Karen Carpenter died of heart irregularities caused by anorexia nervosa, just short of her 33rd birthday. She had reportedly began to make progress in fighting her condition when she collapsed at her parents’ home in Downey, California. A made-for-TV Carpenters biography aired in 1989 and Karen’s only solo album was released in 1996. It consisted of songs she had recorded without brother Richard in 1979 and 1980.
I remember when that album was released, because my parents said some very unkind things about her. I’ve never actually listened to her music, but she ends up in my thoughts on occasion
She had an incredible voice. Powerful, yet warm. Kind, like a loving older sister’s, and with huge range.
Now, the Carpenters’ song selections were admittedly pretty tame even for the day, but if you can get over the level of cheesiness, there’s a lot to appreciate about the excellence of their craft, as well as her impressive voice and phrasing.
Here’s one, for example (Yesterday Once More):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wawbhXQX2TQ
