It Was Only Yesterday

It was in fact early 1975 when this brand new icon was designed for Karen and Richard Carpenter, one of the most successful recording acts of the 1970s- and one whose legacy continues today. 

Just before the release of their landmark album, Horizon, A&M Records took out an add in Billboard magazine, revealing the new look while still using the duo's classic and iconic logo.

The new logo was clearly inspired by the photo above while the duo were on tour in Japan. 

Only Yesterday was the new single being promoted. Certainly one of the most successful of the Carpenters latter half of the decades singles. Richard and lyricist John Bettis turned out a well respected body of work, giving Karen a rich tapestry of stories to share. On this one, those basement level opening notes remain some of my favorite. No one could do what Karen did, and she was instantly recognizable. A superstar without the ego, making her all the most lovable. 

What Divine gifts from above were given to them! With her breathtaking contralto and her brother's musical genius, Karen Carpenter is as beloved today as she was in her prime. 

Author Randy L. Schmidt's beautiful book Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography follows up his bestseller, Little Girl Blue the Life of Karen Carpenter. Just released, Randy has assembled an all star cast of music industry insiders to discuss each of their albums. For some incredible reason, he asked me to be involved. I was given the honor of discussing A Kind of Hush. What an honor! It seems as if it were only yesterday that collection was burning up my turntable and the 8-track player in my car!

(Thanks to Billy Rees on the A&M Corner boards for the scan.)

The Arrival of Randy L. Schmidt's Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was given an amazing privilege. I was asked to be part of author Randy L. Schmidt's new book on the career of Richard and Karen Carpenter- Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography. His last one on the duo, Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter was a best seller and a much respected work.

Here's a first look at inside the new illustrated book which looks at each album in detail. 

My part was participating in a round table discussion with some very distinguished men to talk about the duo's 7th new studio album, A Kind of Hush. It was great fun- and I won't spoil any surprises by naming who participated. You'll have to read it yourself. 

I'm about midway in my newest review series on their albums. Obviously my comments on Hush were much longer than what can be printed. But when I reach that disc, I will include all of them. For now, you can catch my initial take on the album by clicking on it (below) or look at any of my reviews. Or you can read my Revisited/Fresh Look series on their musical output. 

There are hundreds of articles on this blog regarding the music, career, and lives of my favorite duo. Enjoy- and please go buy Randy's book!

My Initial Reviews of the albums:

Offering/Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters
A Song for You
Now & Then
The Singles 1969-1973
Live In Japan
Horizon
A Kind of Hush
Live at the Palladium
Passage
The Singles 1974-1978
Christmas Portrait
Made in America
Voice of the Heart
An Old Fashioned Christmas
Time (Richard Solo)
Lovelines
Karen Carpenter (Solo)
As Time Goes By

My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:

Offering / Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters 
A Song for You 

(Photograph copyright Randy L. Schmidt.)

The Girl Drummer

Just a small trio of shots of Karen Carpenter, the drummer. Yes, she certainly was a beloved singer- even to this day- but this A&M Records superstar was also an excellent drummer. And she loved to sit behind the kit!

For those of us blessed to be able to see Carpenters in concert, we'll be so ever thankful to brother Richard Carpenter for convincing Karen to come out front from her drums and sing from center stage.

Of course, Karen always played at least a bit of the instrument, be it in concert or when she appeared on several of their television shows. Fans loved the joy on her face as she pounded away!

However, as expected, Karen Carpenter will always been known as the consummate singer. Even to this day three decades after her unfortunate passing, her warm buttery vocals remain dear to music fans all over the world.

Author Randy L. Schmidt of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter has a new book coming out next month. The focus is on each of their studio albums including interviews with music illuminaries as well as this blessed unknown blog writer. It'll be a great read and a great volume to see as it's filled with never before photographs including those of her famous solo album.

#carpentersbook - My Incredible Honor to Be Part of It!

What an honor! Randy L. Schmidt, author of Little Girl Blue the Life of Karen Carpenter, contacted me several months ago. Randy asked if I had any interest in being a guest commentator for his new book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography. His plan was to gather folks to discuss the music and career of my favorite duo.

Of course, as a life-long fan, I was happy to be involved with this great project!  

Randy has gathered a very elite group of music industry folks and fans! (I still cannot believe I was included!) They have combined forces to discuss the following albums:

OFFERING

CLOSE TO YOU

CARPENTERS

A SONG FOR YOU

NOW & THEN

THE SINGLES 1969-1973

HORIZON

A KIND OF HUSH

PASSAGE

CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT

MADE IN AMERICA

VOICE OF THE HEART

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

Richard Carpenter: TIME

LOVELINES

Karen Carpenter: KAREN CARPENTER

Richard Carpenter: PIANIST ARRANGER COMPOSER CONDUCTOR

AS TIME GOES BY

My piece was to contribute in a larger group discussion regarding the duo's 1976 release A Kind of Hush. All about the music, the stage of their career, our memories, etc. Really a special time for me as I first saw them during the tour for Hush and met them backstage afterwards.

I won't really say any more. You'll have to read it for yourself. (And see all the never before seen photos Randy has gathered for each album.)

Let me just say this: Randy's other contributors to our group discussion were very fun for me to interact with! Such insights!

Thank again, Randy, for the once in a lifetime opportunity!

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I have many, many, articles and even rare photos regarding the career of Karen and Richard Carpenter on this blog. There are also my album reviews including those of a "Fresh Look" at the original albums after many years of listening. If you're a fan of Carpenters, I think you'll find much to enjoy here.