Hi Fans!
In reply to your inquiries concerning Karen & Richard's romance rumors, let me assure you they are completely unfounded. The more famous people become, the more vulnerable they are to rumors, criticism etc. They have numerous friends and date frequently, but neither are involved in a serious romance. If ever positive romance entered their lives you would be advised via the newsletters.
We have the 1974 schedule, but please keep in mind it is only TENTATIVE.
I will do my best to keep you posted regarding alterations etc.
Feb. 1st - Phoenix, Arizona
Feb. 2nd- Tucson, Arizona
Feb. 3rd - El Paso, Texas
Feb. 7-26th - European tour
March 2nd - Grammy Awards. LA
April 4th - Bowling Green, KY
April 5th - Pittsburgh. PA
April 6th - Philadelphia. PA
April 7th - Utica, NY
April 8-14th - Westbury Music Fair, NY
April 15th - Danville, VA
April 16th - Richmond, VA
April 17th - Beckley, West VA
April 18th - Wheeling, West VA
April 19th - Hershey, PA
April 20th - Syracuse. NY
April 21st - Niagara Falls, NY.
May 8-21st Riviera, Las Vegas
May 27-June 12th - Japanese tour
June 14-15th - Honolulu, Hawaii
July 12th - Portland. OR
July 13th - Seattle, WA
July 14th - Spokane. WA
July 16-24th - Sahara, Tahoe
July 26th - Red Rocks, CO
July 27th - Tulsa, OK
July 28th - St. Louis, MO
July 29-Aug.4th - Indianapolis. IN
Aug. 5-11th - Warwick, RI
Aug. 12-13th - Columbia, MD
Aug. 14th - Cuyahoga Falls,
Aug. 15th - Pine Knob, MI
Oct. 8-21st - Riviera. Las Vegas
Oct. 25th - Minneapolis, EN
Oct. 26th - Champagne, IL
Oct. 30-31st - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 1-3rd - Chicago, IL
Nov. 14th - Boise, ID
Nov. 27th - Dec.1 Circle Star, San Carlos, CA
Backtracking in time to June 1973, we return to Columbia, Maryland where the weather was ideal. Mom & Dad had arrived from California & joined Bear & family for breakfast at their home. This was the first day of baseball practice, and Karen (wouldn't you know) got hit in the face by a flying ball. She wasn't seriously hurt however. On Sunday, the whole group enjoyed a rare treat - the movies! Returning to Bear's home, a magnificent crab feast greeted them. Tables were spread with layers of newspapers to receive the dozen hard-shell crabs which were 'laughed down' by the antics of Bill Skiles. Bill, speaking for the crab, would say "No, no Not the Legs". And then replying for himself would say "Yes, the legs, CRUNCH!" According to Richard, the fun way to eat crab is barbaric style. Just rip them apart. and use fingernails to scoop out the spicy meat which leaves your lips burning for 2 days. The group were looking forward to their first baseball game with WCAY personnel and though they knew they in fact were outnumbered & out practiced they were determined to 'cream' them. Alas, in spite of their determination and colorful new uniforms, they lost 12-2. In Richard's words they were 'murderlized'. Due to his recently broken arm he could only offer his moral support. Danny managed to sprain his hand, and Doug sprained both legs when he tripped in a gopher hole.
On Tuesday, Bear, Burkie and a new roadie left to set up the equipment for the next gig in Philadelphia. They absent mindedly left every bit of luggage behind so the trunks of 3 Plymouth's and the Ferrari were jam packed with the abandoned luggage, and the guys rode '3 up front' as they journeyed in the pouring rain.. The Valley Forge first night gig - was very well received in spite of the creaks and groans that erupted from the small overloaded revolving stage.
We have a Patch & Poster offer for a limited time. For just $XX.XX you will receive a sew-on-patch and a Song For You poster.
Rap next month. EV.
Hi Fans:
By the time you read this, Richard and Karen will have completed their European tour, and will be back home in sunny California. March will be devoted to recording a new single but no information pertaining to same is available to-date.
You were previously warned that the schedule published in the last newsletter was tentative.
Please note these changes:
April 15 scratch Danville, Virginia and substitute Raleigh, North Carolina.
July 13 & 14 gigs in Portland, Organ and Seattle Washington have been reversed.
The Sahara. Tahoe appearances for July 18-24 have been canceled. and so have the Following:
Redrocks, Colorado July 28.
Tulsa, Oklahoma - July 27.
St. Louis, Missouri - July 28.
The revised dates now confirmed are:
July 18-21 Pine Knob, Michigan,
July 23-28 Cleveland, Ohio
July 29 through Aug. 4 Warwick, Rhode Island instead of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Aug. s/a Merriweather Post Pavilion, Maryland.
Aug. 15 at Pine Knob, Michigan-canceled
Last month we left Richard and Karen in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where they'd just played their first baseball game. Next day Karen's throat was inflamed, so Sherwin (their manager) drove her to Philadelphia for treatment. The rest of the group enjoyed a game or volley ball beside the pool, and Richard managed to join in the run playing one handed. The trip to Now Haven, Connecticut was very hot, with temperature 100 degrees. Their day off was spent with cousin Joan who served them a much appreciated home cooked meal. Note too, Danny rang, this was the day he shaved off his beard. The theater was not air conditioned, so the temperature on stage was higher, but cold towels enabled them to cool off periodically. In spite or the heat, they got in some baseball practice, and later enjoyed huge delicious lobsters and prime rib at the Yankee Silversmith restaurant. Richard's song-writing partner John Bettis joined them later in Wallingford for a brief visit.
Thursday's ball game was a super production, the beautiful ball park with immaculately mown lawn, P.A. system, dug-out, and a police escort to the game. Fortunately the weather changed from hot to cold. They won the game 14-3, and the opposing team's 3 runs were scored when Curt tripped as he chased the ball and had to be taken to hospital with an injured arm. Danny scored a home run, and Dave (a roadie) scored 2. Mom and Dad left to return home on Friday. The gang were invited to a friend's pizza parlor to celebrate Cubby's birthday on Saturday. A huge pizza in the shape of Mickey Mouse (complete with candles) was specially made for Cubby, and a fun time was enjoyed by all.
Richard and Maria took a 'Grand Tour' of New Haven in his Ferrari, which included a cruise past the original family homestead in Hall St. Richard used to day dream about this very thing when he was in elementary school there! His collection of old 78's which had been left behind with friends when they moved to California was boxed and packed into the trunk or the Ferrari, along with a 1937 Zenith radio (which still works).
Concert business in Holmdel, New Jersey was incredible. They played to over 47,000 spectators, breaking the attendance record there, in spite of all the rain. The theater was a setting with plush red carpets and seats. Richard said the theater dome resembled a flying saucer. Karen enjoyed a little shopping spree in the area.
The last ball game was played in Roosevelt Park against the DJs from New York stations. A brass band played before 6,000 spectators who donated $5,000.00 to the cancer society to which Richard & Karen added $5,000.00. Danny injured his leg in the baseball practice game, and a staph infection caused him so much pain, he was forced to play the last two numbers of the concert seated. The doctor ordered him off his feet for the next two weeks.
Everyone was happy to see Tony (the bone) back with the group Sunday night, after a long absence due to his illness since last June.
More next month. EV.
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #36 - April, 1974
Hi Fans!
Many thanks from Karen & Mom for the wonderful cards & letters that poured in for their birthdays. Your thoughtfulness was much appreciated.
We regret some summer cancellations due to a new recording schedule.
SCRATCH ALL CONCERTS FROM JULY 15th through AUGUST 13th.
They will appear at Sahara/Tahoe Aug. 14 through 27.
The Riviera, Las Vegas has bean changed to Oct. 9 through 22.
ADD: Davenport/Iowa - Oct.24.
Carbondale/Illinois - Oct. 27.
Indianapolis/Indiana - Oct. 28.
Muskegon/Michigan - Oct. 29.
Naperville/Illinois - Oct. 31.
The Carpenters recent European tour was a great success. The 10 hour flight took them from 80 degree Downey to a snowy 30 degree London, but Richard & Karen admit the welcome they received from the tremendous crowds and dignitaries was very warm. The famous Inn On The Park was reserved for them and Karen was assigned Howard Hughes' elegant suite which was a blaze of color with flowers, telegrams and baskets of fruit.
After ten interviews, they were the guests of friend & English record producer Nicky Chinn for dinner at Burke's restaurant (the place to go in London). Five more interviews, plus taping a radio show filled most of the 2nd day. Although a press luncheon was given in their honor, not a bite was eaten, as they were too busy answering questions.
More interviews and a t.v. talk show followed the luncheon, winding up the evening at a party given for them by Neil Sedaka. There they met many English music celebrities including The New Seekers & Gary Glitter. Next day more interviews & a photo session, plus a 2 hour radio interview show with Tony Blackburn - on BBC! At day's end, Nicky took them to the Tramp, another famous restaurant.
The following day they were guests of Del Artusa for lunch, after which they strolled along King's Rd, browsing through shops where they found the prices very high, example; Levis selling for $9.00 here were selling at $17.00 there.
Dinner that evening was reserved at Annabelle's, which Paul Bloch (their PR man) described as a very elegant, extremely conservative, charming discotheque with superb food and service. Karen & Richard met Olivia Newton-John there & thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Sunday they left for Frankfurt, Germany in their chartered DC9 named The Martinaire, and Karen enjoyed riding in the cockpit. They were very surprised to find no customs officials at the airport, and later learned of a pending strike. This proved very costly to them next day when they were preparing to leave for Stockholm. The strike was then in progress, so their equipment had to be transported by van to another airport 150 miles away. The loaded plane then flew back to Frankfurt to pick up the group, only to discover it could not land, due to another plane being in the way on the ground, and no one could move it. The Martinaire circled the airport for hours while long distance calls were made, red tape cut and finally permission to land was granted.
Arriving in Stockholm, the concert had been canceled due to the group's late arrival. No show is allowed to start there after 7:30p.m. and it was impossible to set up all the equipment in less than two hours. Tony Peluso was a victim of food poisoning which left him feeling so weak he could hardly stand, so he performed his part of the show seated.
Karen & Richard enjoyed the audiences in Copenhagen, Denmark, where their unusual way of applauding was reminiscent of a high school or college yell. A limo met the group in Brussels next day for a 2 hour ride to Hessalt, and joined in the celebrations of Radio Belgium's 50th anniversary. As they drove around the countryside, cars with TV cameras escorted them, taping their arrival. The group left by car for Amsterdam, Holland immediately after the Hessalt gig, and we'll pick them up there next month.
So long til then. Ev.
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #37 - June, 1974
Hi Fans!
Back again. PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased postal charges, we regret newsletters (two sides) will, in future be mailed at two month intervals. Some keepsake items will also be affected by these increases.
Leaving beautiful California weather behind, the group were greeted with violent thunderstorms and tornadoes in Detroit, Michigan. This did not deter the concert-goers who loyally braved the bad weather.
In Bowling Green, Ohio, misfortune struck Rick, the equipment manager who sustained a broken wrist while trying to save Curt's luggage from falling off the stage. Friend Dave Connelly, a roadie who has helped them on past tours, was flown in to help out. Rick's cast is a duplicate of the one Richard had to wear so many months last year.
In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh audiences had the first chance to see the group's new act, which turned out well in spite of a sick piano. The next day in Philadelphia, a Wurlitzer man was called in to 'doctor' the ailing ivories, but it gave out completely, ironically in the middle of Help! This was the first time Richard had to change the piano in the middle of the act.
Dinner in Philadelphia was a return visit to the BOOKBINDERS, where they had met Jim Croce a couple of years earlier.
In Utica, New York, the new act had shaped up nicely, but a slight mistake put Tony's guitar out of commission momentarily. When they left Utica, the equipment truck broke down, and it was doubtful if they would reach the opening concert in Westbury on time. Pete and Bill extended their opening a 15 minutes, by which time the truck had arrived. The stage was set up during a prolonged intermission, and the concert proceeded without a soundcheck.
The changeable weather produced sore throats and fevers among the group but no show was canceled.
A new grand piano was placed in Richard's room at the Holiday Inn to enable him to practice for his upcoming Boston concert. Richard and Karen treated the group to Easter dinner at Burt Bacharach's restaurant, located next to the Holiday Inn. They were joined by cousin Joan and husband Hank.
It was very hot in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the American Cancer Society promoted the concert and arranged dining facilities for the group.
Sherwin (their manager) had to leave them in Richmond, Virginia to fly back to Tahoe to help Herb Alpert who was opening there.
In Beckley they were hassled by a union representative who wanted proof of their membership, and demanded to see their union cards. Beckley is a small mining town in the hills of West Virginia. The town slogan "Beckley-the town with a mine of it's own". They had hoped to stay in Hershey Inn during their stay in the area, but conventioneers had filled the place to overflowing, so they guested the Host Inn instead. Richard referred to Hershey as a dream town with street lights that resemble Hershey kisses, and a main street named CHOCOLATE AVENUE. For Sherwin's birthday, they presented him with a 10 pound Hershey bar with HAPPY BIRTHDAY stamped on it.
In Boston, Richard played his first professional classical concert under the baton of Arthur Feidler with the Boston Pops. His flawless rendition of the Warsaw Concerto delighted the audience, as did Karen's unique vocals. Mom and Dad were very proud to be in the audience who responded with a standing ovation.
Homeward bound, they flew over Niagara Falls to view the dazzling spectacle of one of nature's wonders. They headed for a few days rest in sunny California, before leaving for a three week engagement in Las Vegas.
We extend congratulations to all students graduating this semester, and hope you all enjoy happy and safe vacations.
Rap again in 2 months. Ev.
Dear Fans,
Regretfully we announce the passing of Lola Saunders, the Carpenters Personal secretary. Lois drowned in the Yosemite river on 23rd June. The Carpenter family, colleagues at the fan club, and many prominent people connected with the music world packed the chapel for the funeral service of our dear friend Lois, who was a great lady we will miss very much. I'm sure those of you who corresponded with her will miss her cheerful letters. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her husband Joe And their family.
Karen and Richard wish to express their sincere gratitude for all the kimonos, dolls, rang, stuffed animals, flowers etc, they received from their rang whilst on tour in Japan. Tickets for all Japanese concerts sold out in less than an hour. In fact Richard & Karen broke two music industry records: (1) their tour sold out for 18 consecutive concerts as they performed for 85,000 fans. (2) The Singles album in England toppled Bridge Over Troubled Waters from the No.1 spot it had held for 18 consecutive weeks. More gold records also arrived from Japan for record-breaking sales of both singles and albums.
They left Los Angeles for Japan on Monday at 10:30 a.m. and because of the time difference, the 14 hour night landed them in Tokyo at 5:50 p.m. There were 25 photographers and over 5,000 fans to greet them at the airport. This was their first true mob scene they had ever experienced where they had to "fight" their way to the waiting limos which finally took them to the Tokyo Hilton. On their first day, a luncheon in their honor was given by King Records at the Chin San So, where they were each presented with a pure silk kimono valued at $5000.00 each. The lovely Japanese gardens surrounding the restaurant was the setting for picture taking and interviews which took place after the luncheon.
The second day press conference which proceeded another photo session, was also an elaborate affair. Refreshments were served, and Richard & Karen were delighted to see their Carpenter logo carved in ice. There they received five gold Japanese records: Top Of The World, Yesterday Once More, I Won't Last A Day Without You and Jambalaya, plus one gold album for Carpenters Golden Prize Vol. II.
They also won the Japanese Grand Prix award. This is a broadcasters award, and winners are selected by listeners who write in to vote for their favorite group. Another Award was the single of the year Yesterday Once More and album of the year Now And Then, and favorite group of the year.
The third day they managed to do a little shopping before doing a sound check at the concert hall, where they were to perform before 12,000 people that evening, which was also taped for tv. A Japanese bullet train zipped them to Shizuoka, where they had rooms reserved at the Grand Hotel.
After the concert, they re-boarded the train which sped them to Kyota where some of the group became ill. Danny's staph infection reoccurred and caused an illness similar to pneumonia. Richard made a hurried trip to an eye doctor where a bothersome lash was removed. Karen had mild stomach ailment due possibly to the change of food. However, they put on a terrific show in the beautiful Kyota concert hall. At Osaka airport they were joined by Pete Henderson who remained with them for the remainder of the tour.
All six shows performed in Osaka were recorded on a 16 track machine by King Record Co. for the release of a double album "live" Japanese record. Copies of the tapes are to be sent to Richard who will listen to them all, and pick the best of each show for a possible U.S.A. release.
The shows took up most of Richard & Karen's time, but Mom & Dad, who traveled with them, spent some time shopping in the beautiful arcades and visited Osaka Castle. They all agreed the smog here was worse than any they had ever experienced in Los Angeles! The group found time for shopping in Nagoya where they discovered some of the same type 'snooty' shops that they patronize in Beverly Hills. They rode through downpour of rain en route to Yokohama, and noted the heavy industrial area and large factories all along their route. They stayed at the New Grand Hotel until show time, and later returned to Tokyo to enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Shabu Shabu restaurant. It happens in Japan too... someone did a rip off on Robert Wellborn, equipment maintenance man, and walked off with his cameras, walkie-talkie and attache case.
Their last evening in Tokyo was spent at the Cocacabana where the entire group was treated to a delicious meal. So ended another successful tour.
Richard & Karen were especially pleased with the little Japanese children who accompanied them in the Sing spots. They agreed each group sang it better than their single Sing.
Those of you residing in the Los Angeles area will be delighted to learn the Carpenters have been signed to a stage concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
The tentative date is scheduled for September 6. Watch your local newspapers and Los Angeles Times for ads.
The move to the new house has been made; and Richard & Karen are quite enjoying their new surroundings. They are presently working on a new album, but no release date is available at this time.
A limited number of brass belt buckles, so very 'in' these days, are in the making for Carpenter fans. They will be 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" and will sport the famous Carpenter logo. Rather than flat, they will be convex to fit the contour of the body. We anticipate delivery in the near future.
We now have a new supply of T-shirts- information available from the fan club. Please enclose stamped, self addressed envelopes.
We have room for a short question and answer session, so here goes:
- Q: Have either Richard or Karen had their tonsils removed?
- A. No.
- Q. Have either or them had any broken bones?
- A. Karen, no. Richard, yes. See newsletter #23.
- Q. Has Karen written any songs?
- A. No, Richard is the songwriter of this team.
- Q. Have either had any cavities?
- A. Karen, 3 or 4. Richard, none.
- Q. Did Richard ever teach piano?
- A. Yes. During his college years. He taught two youngsters as favor for two friends, and the number soon mushroomed to 22!
- Q. Was Richard ever a church organist?
- A. Yes. He played for the Methodist Church in Downey while still in school.
- Q. Are they going to make that Swedish movie this year?
- A. No. Time does not permit. For the remainder or 1974 they are scheduled for concerts and record cutting.
- Q. Can either Richard or Karen speak any foreign languages?
- A. Not enough to complete conversation. Karen learned to sing Sing in Japanese and Spanish.
- Q. Of the songs Richard has written, which is their favorite?
- A. Goodbye To Love.
- Q. Did I Won't Last A Day Without You sell million?
- A. No.
- Q. Is their upcoming album going to be new material?
- A. None or the material will have been on previous Carpenter records.
- Q. Will they be doing any more t.v. specials?
- A. No more are scheduled for this year.
- Q. Is Richard going to marry Randy Bash?
- A. No. He is also dating other girls.
- Q. Do Richard & Karen like to travel?
- A. Yes.
- Q. Did Karen ever take dancing lessons?
- A. Yes, when she was four years old. She took tap, ballet and acrobatic dancing.
Will bring you some of the happenings at Lake Tahoe next letter. They will be playing the Sahara Hotel there August 12 through the 27th.
Rap later. EV.
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #39 - October, 1974
Hi Fans!
Mr. Joe Saunders and the Carpenters and staff wish to convey heartfelt thanks for the many beautiful tributes, and messages of sympathy on the tragic passing of his wife, and our dear friend, Lois.
Richard & Karen have received numerous letters of congratulations for their unforgettable performance with the Boston Pops which was televised recently. Richard's rendition of the Warsaw Concerto was indeed a masterpiece.
Their stay at Lake Tahoe was rather uneventful. They enjoyed the smog free air, the lush green surroundings, and boating on the beautiful lake.
Will devote the remainder of the newsletter to a question & answer list.
- Q. Does Karen use certain patterns when playing drums, or does she just do her own thing?
- A. Mostly just does her own thing.
- Q. What was the first song Richard ever wrote, and when?
- A. I Don't Know What To Do in 1961.
- Q. What are some of the points Richard looks for when selecting material to record?
- A. Strong melody and lyric line, and the ability to attract public appeal.
- Q. Does the size of the guitar influence the tone of the music?
- A. Electric guitar will produce a rounder sound than a hollow body. Both can produce a variety of sounds.
- Q. How do you choose the size guitar you want?
- A. We leave that up to the guitarist you choose.
- Q. What size guitar produces the best sound?
- A. Standard size, hollow body.
- Q. What year did Richard write Flat Baroque?
- A. 1966.
- Q. Who are their favorite singers?
- A. Neil Diamond, Mel Torme, Anthony Newley, Glen Campbell, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand are among their favorites.
- Q. What is the instrument on top of Richard's electric piano?
- A. A synthesizer. It is totally electric and all sounds are electronically made.
- Q. What brand instruments and equipment do you prefer?
- A. Ludwig Drums, Fender Bass, Kustom Amps, Hammond Organ, Baldwin Grand Piano Wurlitzer Electric Piano and Shure Microphones.
- Q. Is Karen still playing guitar?
- A. Not professionally, just for her own amusement.
- Q. Which songs did they play in the 1965 "Battle Of The Bands?
- A. Two jazz numbers, Iced Tea (composed by Richard) and The Girl From Ipanema.
- Q. How does Doug amplify his clarinet?
- A. It is plugged into a Maestrn Unit which can make a clarinet or saxophone sound very similar.
- Q. Do Richard & Karen produce any other records than their own?
- A. They have not done so to-date.
- Q. Do either of them have hobbies?
- A. Karen does beautiful needlepoint, enjoys shopping, cooking, playing pool. Richard likes to listen to records, watch science fiction films, drive sports cars, and read about old classic cars.
- Q. When will they appear on TV again?
- A. If all goes according to plan, they will be guests on Perry Como's Special. Plans are tentative, and could be changed.
- Q. Is it true that Karen uses a machine to make her voice sound better and louder?
- A. No, all she has ever used is a microphone.
- Q. Do most of Richard & Karen's relatives live on the east coast of the U.S.A.?
- A. Most of their Mom's relatives live there. Dad's relatives reside in Canada, England and Australia.
- Q. Has their album CARPENTERS GOLDEN PRIZE ever been released in the U.S.A?
- A. No, both Volume 1 and 2 are put out by King Records of Japan, and will not be released in the U.S.A. If you send a self addressed, stamped envelope, the Fan Club can send you a list of all Carpenters albums released in Japan, as well as the address of King Records.
- Q. Will Richard & Karen produce a Christmas Album this year?
- A. Regretfully no, time does not permit.
- Q. Are they superstitious?
- A No.
- Q. What is the best way to get good seats for a concert?
- A. Mail order. Send check or money order to the box office of the theater where they are scheduled to appear.
- Q. Did Richard play accordian before he started piano lessons?
- A. Yes, briefly, but he didn't care for accordion.
- Q. On the inner sleeve of the album A Song For You, the bluebird on the calendar is in front of June 11. Is there any significance to that date?
- A. No.
- Q. How long has Karen been playing drums?
- A. Since her high school days. She started by playing snare in the high school band.
- Q. Has Karen ever been criticized for playing an instrument that men usually play?
- A. No. She has received numerous compliments from male drummers, and has been an incentive for other girls to take up drumming.
- Q. Have Richard & Karen been in any movies?
- A. They have made no appearances in movies, but they did sing the theme song of Bless The Beasts And The Children throughout the movie of the same name.
- Q. When did John Bettis start writing songs with Richard?
- A. When they worked in Disneyland together in 1966.
- Q. If I move out of the country, will I still be a fan club member, and will I still be able to purchase keepsakes?
- A. Yes, but be sure to send us your new address as well as your old. The keepsakes will be slightly higher, due to increased postal charges.
- Q. Does Karen have pierced ears?
- A. No.
- Q. Do Richard & Karen have nicknames for each other?
- A. No.
- Q. How many of their records have hit gold, and how many gold records now hang on their walls?
- A. Nine singles, and five albums hit gold. They each received a gold record from A & M and also from RIAA. They have also received gold records from Japan, Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, plus two platinum records each from the Netherlands. They now have a total of eighty four gold records, and four platinum. In addition they received a gold cassette and silver cartridge from the United Kingdom.
Keep your questions pouring in. Sooner or later we'll answer them in a future newsletter.
Thank you for your continued interest in our famous duo.
We checked with the company that's handling the Carpenters belt buckles, and they have promised delivery in the very near future.
We have good news for needlepoint lovers. In time for Christmas, we are offering Needlepoint Kits which will include canvas, yarn, needle and instructions. The design of course will feature the famous Carpenter logo. There will be a choice of three sets of yarn colors, yellow/orange, navy blue/red, and two contrasting shades of green. The kits will come in two sizes- a belt size 36" x 2 1/2" which can also be used as a guitar strap, and a framing size 10" x 10". The price of each kit will be $XX.
More news in December. EV.
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #40 - December, 1974
Hi Fans!
By now you have no doubt heard the new Carpenter single Please Mr Postman and agree it is another hit. Their new Christmas single Santa Claus Is Coming To Town should be in the stores very soon. It's quite different from the original version, and beautifully arranged of course by Richard. The flip side features Merry Christmas Darling.
Richard and Dad wish to convey their gratitude for the lovely cards and gifts they received from you all for their birthdays.
Richard & Karen sincerely regret the postponement of several concerts scheduled for November. During their TV taping, Karen developed laryngitis and was unable to talk or sing. Her doctor ordered her to rest and forbid her to sing until she was completely recovered. The concerts were rescheduled for the end of December.
During their stay in Las Vegas, they were given one of the club's 74 Alvarados to drive. They left for Vegas 2 days early to take in a couple of the nightclub shows. They enjoyed Liberace and also saw the entertaining colorful spectacle at the new MGM Hotel, Hallelujah Hollywood.
On stage they worked with the Riviera Club orchestra conducted by Mr. Palumbi. Concerts went so well, they recorded them professionally for a future "live" album. The program included the Warsaw Concerto, performed by Richard on the concert grand, and the audience loved it. Their opening act was Gabriel Kaplan, a clever comedian.
In Milwaukee, they were privileged to watch the Ali - Foreman fight on closed circuit TV. They were very impressed by the beauty of the Performing Arts Center where they performed and appreciated the lovely dinner brought in for them between shows.
The Astor Hotel in Chicago was 'old home' to them, as they'd stayed there on previous occasions, but this time they shared it with other celebrities. Latimore Horowitz and Elton John used the Astor as headquarters while doing shows in or near Chicago. Groupie commotion there was endless.
Mr. Horowitz, one of the world's greatests pianists, had come out of retirement to stage several special concerts. Elton John invited Richard & Karen to one of his concerts, but unfortunately their own shows coincided with his and they were unable to attend. Their hotel rooms were equipped with pay TV and Richard & Karen watched first run movies - a rare privilege, not usually allowed for in their busy tour and recording schedule.
Lansing, Michigan weather was a drastic change from the warm temperature they enjoyed in Chicago. It was 30-40 degrees cooler and raining. Technical difficulties on stage added to the gloom. The audience saved the day.
They were the best audience they had since the tour began and K & R loved them. At the hotel, a young girl, claiming to be housekeeper frequently barged in unannounced until Richard put a stop to it. In spite of more crummy weather in Saginaw, the concert was sold out and went very well. In both Saginaw and Muskegon, their concerts were held in ice rinks, which is not one of their favorite places to perform. Low temps must be maintained to keep the ice from melting and though the floor is covered, the cold comes through and freezes their feet. A refreshing and first time interlude for the group was offered by Curt Mercer, their sound engineer, who donned ice skates and did some fancy skating for them while the overture was played.
In New Castle Indiana, their concert was performed in the Chrysler High School Field House, which is the largest and finest one for a high school. 10,500 people can be squeezed in for a basketball game. Concert capacity is considerably less. The field house design is great for sports, but Carpenters' concert -the first concert to be held there - brought to light a number of diffuculties for stagehands. Richard compared the field house design to that of a tea cup, with bleachers on inside walls and the group at the bottom of the cup. There is no way to back a truck up to the stage and unload equipment. Instead, it must be brought from the top, down an aisle to the bottom. 40 stage hands worked very hard to get the huge truckload of Carpenter equipment down the aisle to the stage. The biggest problem was the huge soundboard, and the 9 ft. concert grand. It was a bigger problem still getting them back UP.
In Fort Wayne they played in a very flashy red, yellow and blue building which housed another ice rink. Electrical problems in the dressing rooms gave them a few headaches. When the iron and hair dryer was used at the same time, all the lights blew, so clothes pressing had to wait until hair drying was completed. In Champaign, Illinois they played to 11,000 people for a home-coming. They were pleased with the assembly hall on the campus of the University of Illinois. In spite of restrictions, a fellow wearing a security badge, but sans security uniform, got into Richard's dressing room and asked for a pen. Richard offered his, the man left, then returned momentarily with a Polaroid picture of himself with a message on it for Karen. When Richard noticed that every word in the message was misspelled, he became suspicious and called a genuine security guard who discovered the badge was a fake, and proceeded to usher the man out of the building.
After the concert, the dinner at the Boorshead was excellent, and well worth the long drive to get there. Lodging was the Paradise, designed like a motel from out of the past. The group enjoyed the food as well as the nostalgic atmosphere of the building design which featured port hole windows in the doors.The flight home was a bit grueling. It was lengthy, with several stops, and although they flew first class as always, their meal consisted of a corned beef sandwich and a brownie each. Not too substantial for a hungry group. There was another "Mr Guder" aboard who gave Richard a bad time. When Richard turned in his seat to talk to Doug who sat behind him, his view of him was blocked by the 'No Smoking' sign on the back of his seat which he removed temporarily. "Mr. Guder" told him to replace it or he would tell the captain. Richard ignored him, and the captain was informed and promptly replied that it didn't worry him. Guess the atmosphere was a little tense for a while. The lights of the Los Angeles airport were a very welcome sight to them that night.
We have room for a few questions which have picked at random.
- Q. Do Richard & Karen have any relatives in show business?
- A. No.
- Q. What are their feelings towards Bette Midler?
- A. They think she's a great performer.
- Q. How many first cousins do Richard & Karen have?
- A. Twelve.
- Q. Has Richard ever tried to teach Karen to play piano?
- A. No.
- Q. Does the red car on the cover of the Now And Then album belong to Richard?
- A. Yes. It is his 1972 Ferrari G T C.
- Q. Is the house on this same cover their parents home?
- A. Yes.
- Q. How long does it take them to produce an album?
- A. Approximately 3 months depending upon unforeseen technical problems.
- Q. Will Richard & Karen be featured in any talk shows in the near future?
- A. No talk shows are scheduled for the present time. Sometimes they are only given a couple days notice, which makes it difficult to advise you in advance.
- Q. Is there any significance attached to the identical gold bracelets they wear?
- A. No. They each bought their own because they liked them so much. However, each own an elegant rope-like bracelet, a gift from Herb Alpert 4 years ago.
- Q. What were the four Platinum records for, mentioned in newsletter #39?
- A. They each received one for The Singles and for Now And Then in Holland.
- Q. Did Top Of The World reach Gold status?
- A. Yes.
Thank you all for your interest. Keep those questions coming in.
IMPORTANT: A new post office ruling states that all letters without return addresses on the outside of the envelope will be sent to the dead letter office so DON'T FORGET TO WRITE YOUR RETURN ADDRESS ON ALL LETTERS, especially those containing orders for merchandise.
THE CARPENTER FAMILY, ROADIES & FAN CLUB STAFF EXTEND THE SEASON'S GREETINGS YOU ALL. Rap with you in 1975. EV