Karen Carpeneter died 42 years ago.

Her voice was iconic and was an indelible part of my childhood, and many may not realize that she was a very competent drummer as well.  I’ll definitely be giving her a listen today. 

She had a fantastic voice. Her brother was a wizard at production and the recording quality was always exceptional.

She was also a very accomplished drummer. 

The Carpenters were that kind of group that many of my friends wanted to shun because they were a bit kitschy, but many of them finally caved pleading, in effect, that even tough guys need a puppy; and it didn't hurt that the puppy could croon like an angel. The best of the songs were classic but classics from an earlier time.

Karen  was the glue That  kept things together,her brother had a drug problem 

that was a big problem.