Karen and Richard Carpenter Celebrate Mouseketeer and Drummer Cubby O'Brien

July 14, 1977. A rather special day for a variety of reasons. Here's Richard and Karen Carpenter in Las Vegas celebrating the birthday of drummer Cubby O'Brien. A rare group photo taken a few months before the debut of their 1977 release Passage. 

It's a special photo for me as well! I saw them play Vegas during this series, and in a funny coincidence, I share a birthday- today- with the beloved Mouseketeer. 

I was blessed to see the Carpenters several times during their all too short career. Their music had an enormous impact on my life! If you're curious to read an in depth look at each of their recordings, including rare photos, and get a look at life during the time of Karen and Richard's massive impact on radio, look no further. Below is a list of each album review as well as ones written a decade earlier. In addition, there are many, many articles and rare photos as stand alone posts on the blog. Enjoy!

My "Revisited / Fresh Look" Reviews:

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

 

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

Goodbye, Annette!

Another beloved icon from the Walt Disney era passed away today. Annette Funicello, beloved by Walt and millions of fans, died of complications from Multiple Sclerosis. From all accounts, she was a lovely woman. May she rest in peace.

Timberlake Shows His Patriotism

One time Disney Mousketeer Justin Timberlake showed a heart of patriotism and a large dose of class by showing up to the 236 Marine Corps Birthday Ball over the weekend. While some in Hollywood find it easy to bash those in the military who are defending the liberties they enjoy, Timberlake expressed heartfelt appreciation for the men and women who serve the country. USA Today captures it all in this article. Class act, Mr. Timberlake. Great use of those 4 Minutes...