Without A Song
Well-Known Member
To paraphrase the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album, it was 40 years ago today ... Yes, 40 years since the Carpenters' last special aired on ABC, May 15, 1980.
While it's truly sad that there were no more specials to follow because of Karen's tragic and untimely passing in 1983, "Music, Music, Music" showed that even with all the ups and downs in their career and personal lives up to 1980, Karen and Richard both still had what it took vocally and instrumentally to make music that was transcendent.
True, John Davidson and the legendary Ella Fitzgerald added their voices to the program, and Ella is fantastic, especially when singing with Karen! But it's the talents of Karen and Richard, alone and together, that stand out the most for me when I watch this show.
What is your favorite part of this special? For me, it's the closing medley. If this was fated to be the Carpenters' last special, at least it ended on a wonderfully high note!
While it's truly sad that there were no more specials to follow because of Karen's tragic and untimely passing in 1983, "Music, Music, Music" showed that even with all the ups and downs in their career and personal lives up to 1980, Karen and Richard both still had what it took vocally and instrumentally to make music that was transcendent.
True, John Davidson and the legendary Ella Fitzgerald added their voices to the program, and Ella is fantastic, especially when singing with Karen! But it's the talents of Karen and Richard, alone and together, that stand out the most for me when I watch this show.
What is your favorite part of this special? For me, it's the closing medley. If this was fated to be the Carpenters' last special, at least it ended on a wonderfully high note!