I think if Karen had lived, the Carpenters wouldn't have been as successful as they did in the 70s. Before you strongly disagree, read this next part. Here's why: In 1975, the album "Horizon" was released to the public, and their biggest single from the album, "Only Yesterday" reached #2. The next year, disco exploded, and people were getting less interested in the Carpenters' music. In 1976, their big single, "There's a Kind of Hush...", reached #12. The year after that, their single "Calling Occupants..." reached a mere #32. Then, Richard went into a chemical dependency unit, and Karen went to the east coast for her anorexia, and didn't release an album until 1981. Their singles did very poorly. Although "Touch Me..." went to #16, the other singles, "Those Good Old Dreams" and "Beechwood..." only went to #63 and #72, respectively. If Karen had not passed away, their singles would not have made the Billboard Hot 100. What do you think?
2007-03-31 12:43:48 · 22 answers · asked by randkcarpenterfan 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
They were very successful in their time, but like all groups, there is a certain lifespan of popularity that eventually wanes.
What is important to recognize is that when there is true talent, that can stand the test of time.
Definition of success may not equal being at the top of the charts, however I do believe had Karen Carpenter of lived, she would still be singing and making music today. That to me defines success in a business where you are only as good as your last hit record these days.
Karen Carpenter, like for example Barbara Streisand, had a gift, a talent that is timeless, and a fan base that would still show up to hear her sing, or buy her music today.
I really loved her, and can honestly say her voice, her music, touched my heart and became a part of my life.
Granny
2007-03-31 13:39:48 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Granny♥ 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, they were big back then, I loved them a lot, but - think of the music that is big today - hip hop, for example -- where do the Carpenters fit in? They are in the category of Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand - still great, but "has beens".
Young people don't care about soft rock or pop sounds any more, most of the music of today is very angry, with lyrics that are impossible to decifer. I think they want to drown out their thoughts, and by listening to the (mainly) junk of today, they can space out easily. Music today is not about love and thoughts, it's just about anger and what gang is about to kill what other gang. Most of it is pretty nasty stuff, in my opinion. Just hearing the "BOOM BOOM BOOM - BA BOOM BOOM BOOM" coming roaring down the streets around here is enough to make a person angry. These kids think they are cool, we think they are quite annoying - why do they need the speakers so loud that it makes everyone's windows vibrate? In other words, Karen and her brother would not fit into what society listens to now.
2007-03-31 12:50:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They were already successful and kind of "on the way down" before she died. I think that they might have gone through a slump, as other music came into fashion; however, as we baby boomers got older, and had more money at our disposal, I think they would have experienced a resurgence in popularity as many other artists of the same era have done.
2007-03-31 12:48:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think there would have been a few more lean years and then they would have had a comeback with all of the albums being made today of classic songs....i.e. Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart. She would have sounded wonderful singing the standards (as she did on "Horizon" with "I Can Dream Can't I?"
2007-03-31 12:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems you've done some homework...I'm impressed. I believe they continued to make the music they were meant to do and wanted to do....If they had switched to disco, for example...they may not have been well accepted for this...However, if Karen Carpenter had lived...It's almost certain her beautiful, melodic and sultry voice would have continued to be admired by many...I, for one, would have been one of them.
2007-03-31 12:53:08 · answer #5 · answered by EvelynMine 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. They were already past their most successful when she became ill and died. The whole soft, folky music scene was disappearing. Often when a performer dies, their popularity increases for a while, and she was also one of the first anorexic people in the public eye. I think that illness was unknown to most people until her death, adding to her fame.
2007-03-31 12:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by Nanneke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She had a talent that was truly wonderfully raw. I don't think there is any doubt that she would be a factor now, she had just a plain great voice that I don't think will ever be heard again.....smooth and soothing and not over done.....too bad she was so messed up, very sad.
2007-03-31 12:48:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I disagree, they would of made a come back after they resolved their problems. Karen could of made it on her own she really didn't need her brother. there are so many that have come backs and survived well....
2007-03-31 12:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hell Yes!!! Even better I think. I lived 2 miles from them in Downey, CA.
2007-03-31 12:48:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It matters not that their success may have been less than perfect, but, she would have been here to try. And we have all those rainy days to remember them.
2007-03-31 12:49:52 · answer #10 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋