Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #57 - January, 1978

Hi Fans,

And a Happy New Year! We wish for each of you a New Year that is filled with peace prosperity, happiness and the best of health. Your faithfulness, loyalty and support throughout the years and your letters which offered praise, encouragement and criticism have been deeply appreciated. Carpenters Books of Memories which now number well over 100 are bulging with greeting cards, clippings, pictures, poems, stories, art-work, post-cards and letters from the four corners of the earth. Their collection of stamps removed from your letters has grown to two large volumes. You have devoted endless hours with infinite patience creating beautiful objects of craft art which revealed fantastic creative abilities. Knitting, crocheting, painting, writing, embroidering, sculpturing, sewing, eggury, jewel-art, and numerous other crafts have arrived in the form of afghans, aprons, jackets, sweaters, necklaces, rings, statues, pictures, poems, stories, plays, scripts, songs, sofa pillows, original comic books, hand-made greeting cards, etc., etc., etc. Karen, Richard, Mom & Dad are fully aware of the time and patience involved in creating these beautiful items and appreciate the thoughtfulness, generosity and love which is evident in all the lovely items. In sharing your activities, honors and accomplishments with us we have found there is a great variety of talent among our fans, in numerous fields including cultural arts, athletic sports, home-making arts, collection hobbies, racing of all types, animal husbandry, gardening and construction. (If you have an unusual hobby or talent, let's hear about it.) All of us - the Carpenter Family and Staff congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you great success in your chosen fields and we thank you for your continuing loyalty and support.

Passage has received excellent reviews and many of you have requested that Sweet, Sweet Smile be released as a single. By the time you read this letter, it should be in your music stores. Last week it already made the Easy Listening Chart, entering at 48 from the Passage album.

Carpenters recent engagement at MGM in Las Vegas was cut short when Karen caught cold and had laryngitis so bad it gave her a very sore throat which also affected her vocal chords. She could barely whisper, let alone talk or sing. Trooper that she is, after a couple days in bed, she kept her promise to tape a spot for the up-coming ABC Anniversary Special.

For years you have been requesting information concerning the writer of the Newsletters, so at long last, here is a thumbnail run-down on Ev.

I was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin and graduated from Waukesha High School. Because of my interest and participation in the high school "Mask & Wig" Drama club, I earned my school letter and was elected to the National Honor Society. This I achieved by writing, producing and directing one act plays. I also wrote poetry, short stories and scripts (radio). I also gave readings and was called on to do so by various local clubs and other schools. Years later I spent several years as Drama Director for the MIA Organization of the LDS Church, of which I am a member.

I studied tap, ballet and toe dancing for five years and taught beginning tap for three years. Changing to a Milwaukee School for professional dancers I was immediately placed in a professional chorus line and sent out on engagements. Marriage and World War II put an end to my dancing career. I worked at the Waukesha Motor Co., to help the war effort until my enlisted husband completed his basic training and came home on his first furlough. Then like many other war wives, I followed him from camp to camp with our three small children (a daughter and 2 sons) until he was sent overseas to Germany. I returned to Waukesha and worked in another defense factory this time the Micheal Yundt Co., a bottle washing machine company that had converted to manufacturing small carriageable oxygen tanks for fighter pilots and 57 MM shells for offensive tank battles. The war was responsible for dissolving many marriages and mine was one of them. A second marriage a few years later brought another daughter, but that marriage too, dissolved when she was 13 years old.

From my high school days to the present, I've held a variety of jobs; store clerk (Woolworth's), newspaper want-ad writer (Waukesha Freeman), stock clerk (Wailesha Motor Co.), inspector (all phases of 57 MM shells at Micheal Yundt Co.,), foundry worker (sorting motor parts at International Harvester Co.), Dietitian's assistant (St. Mary's Hospital in Reno), Nurses' Aide (Washoc General Hospital in Rena) Invent Control Coordinator (Naval Ammunition Base, Hawthorne, Nevada) Stock control expedite (Eastern-Columbia Dept. Store in LA) Classified Document Librarian and Material Control Procurement expediter (North American Aviation in LA & in Downey.)

It was at North American Aviation that I met Mom Carpenter. She worked with me about a year and then took over my job when I was promoted. She invited me to her home to hear K & R practice and was totally unprepared for what I heard. I expected the usual teen-age rock and roll musicians and had braced myself for an evening of what expected to be rock music. What I heard was two brilliant teen-agers who made beautiful music flow from a drum set and a piano and the voice of an angel emitting from this 16 year old girl. Then I asked them why they weren't recording their lovely music they related to me the many disappointments they'd encountered when they were told that their music would never sell. Then the break came and they started touring, Mom Carpenter asked me to set up some kind of book-keeping system to keep track of their earnings and expenses for each gig. I did this to the best of my ability, working in their home every night to set up forms, pay all bills and divide the remaining money between them and their back-up group which numbered three at that time. As their engagement fees grew and their concerts were performed more frequently, I became more and more concerned about their income tax and advised them to hire a professional accountant and/or a tax expert. By the time one was hired, I was performing many other secretarial chores for them, including the organization of their fan club. Also by this time the Apollo contract that North American had with the government came to an end and I was one of several thousand personnel to be laid off. (Mom Carpenter had been laid off a couple years prior.)

I had worked for North American Aviation for over fifteen years, but I was not reluctant to leave and take the job as Carpenters full time secretary. I hold the honor of being their first employee. My duties are many and varied. There are a few routine chores to fulfill weekly and monthly but most of the work consists of numerous interesting projects to maintain. Books of Memories is one of these projects.

At home I keep busy with several hobbies. I love to do Crewel Embroidery work and I also make Shadow Boxes. I also have a doll collection which expanded from two dolls that I've had since 1955 to the change-over of a bedroom into a doll room. When the mood strikes I still write poems, stories and scripts just for the fun of it. I have a cabinet full of material I've written but have no time to try to market any it. One of my greatest pleasures is my grandchildren. I have 11 ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years old.(Kevin, the 13 year old has earned all of his merit badges and will be made an Eagle Scout in the very near future.) I love to read and watch TV preferring comedy shows rather than violence. My favorite food is baked chicken and fresh tomatoes and most kinds of fresh fruit (especially red raspberries). My favorite color is red. I love animals and have a 12 year old Cockerpoo who thinks she is a person. In high school I was a member of the acappella choir and in grade school I once won the prize for being the best harmonica player in a harmonica class of 50.

Richard's stay in the hospital that you read about recently was a very brief one. He was just plain exhausted from too much work and not enough sleep so he decided a few days in a hospital away from all work and telephones would help him get the rest he needed. It worked and he is fine now. He and Karen will be at Harrahs at Lake Tahoe February 16 through the 23rd. Then back to MGM Grand in Las Vegas March 2 through 15. There are no cross-country or foreign tours on their 1978 itinerary but they are scheduled to tape another TV Special.

Richard received a Grammy nomination. It is for best instrumental arrangement accompanying a vocalist for his work on Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft. We all hope he will receive the Grammy Award for this, don't we?

The beautiful colored Christmas photos of K & R taken from their TV show were a sell out. But for those of you who missed buying some at Christmas time, we have ordered a few more. You certainly don't want to miss placing a set of those in your Carpenters scrapbook or framing them for your wall or dresser. They are beauties.

Will try and have another question and answer session in the March Newsletter.

Rap then, EV.



Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #58 - March, 1978

Hi Fans:

Carpenters & Staff send sincere regrets to those of you who may have suffered losses, physical or material, from the devastating storms that lashed across our country. We in California were happy to see the rain after two years of drought, but once it started it forgot to stop! So here's wishing everyone a beautiful Spring, Summer and Fall.

Karen & Mom thank you all once again for remembering their birthdays, Karen's 28th birthday was spent opening with the group at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Mom & Dad flew there to help her celebrate it, and after the second show, they and everyone connected with the show met in Karen's dressing room to help devour the scrumptious birthday cake which had been specially baked by the hotel chef.

While Richard & Karen were in Tahoe last month, they donned their snow apparel and rode the lift to the ski area where they had fun learning to ski. It was their first opportunity to participate in any fresh air recreation this year. Since before Christmas, they have spent most of the time at A & M studios working on a Christmas album.

The new single Sweet, Sweet Smile is doing exceptionally well on the Country/Western charts, and are bulleted in all three trades.

For car buffs, here are the latest additions since last newsletter.

1977 Jaguar XJS

1955 Plymouth Belvedere

1972 Ford Ranchero 1/2 ton pick-up

1978 Dodge Diplomat

The Diplomat was a Christmas gift to Mom from Karen, Richard & Dad.

Time for a few questions and answers, so here goes.

Q. Is it true that Karen is going to do some movies?
A. Karen has had several offers for TV & movies, and would like to try her hand at acting, but is too heavily committed at the present time.
Q. What does Richard plan to do with his collection of cars?
A. He has no immediate plans, but has considered having a showroom to display them, but not until all cars are refurbished to mint condition.
Q. Does Karen have a collection hobby?
A. Not at the present time. She collected stuffed animals until she ran out of room then had to put many in storage. Her hobby now is needlepoint, the patterns of which she creates herself.
Q. Does Karen enjoy working any puzzles?
A. Yes indeed. She is a crossword puzzle fan & enjoys working at them when time permits, such as during breakfast. There are several crossword books in her bathroom magazine rack, including a toilet roll of puzzles.
Q. A British magazine stated that the Carpenters follow-up single to Ticket to Ride was Cinderella Rockafella. Is this true?
A. No. The Carpenters have never recorded Cinderella Rockafella as a single, but have sung it at concerts. The follow-up was Close To You.
Q. Are Carpenters singles or albums available through the fanclub?
A. The only record available through the club is the Christmas single. This year the single was The Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling. These sell for $X.XX to USA fans & $X.XX foreign fans. Prices include postage and handling.
Q. Did the Carpenters ever record You And Me Against The World? I saw the sheet music with Karen & Richard's picture on the cover, printed underneath was "As recorded by the Carpenters on A & M records".
A. Carpenters have never recorded You And Me Against The World and had nothing to do with their picture on the cover. It was an error made by the publishers.
Q. What is the Carpenters favorite single they have recorded?
A. They are both partial to Top Of The World.
Q. Did Karen take Home Economics in school?
A. Home Economics was a requirement in the Junior High School grades. She learned cooking and sewing. Now and then when time schedules permit Karen attends various gourmet cooking classes. She is an excellent cook and has a kitchen full of gadgets. A double oven, a microwave oven, a warming oven, and a barbecue custom built into her kitchen.
Q. Do Richard & Karen like escargot? (Edible snails)
A. Yes. They also enjoy all kinds of shell fish.
Q. Why is it that when recording their albums, the Carpenters don't use the same musicians as they do on the stage?
A. The Carpenters are a duo, not a group. The back-up musicians who travel with them were hired mainly for concert tours and personal appearances. When Richard & Karen record, studio musicians are hired through the local musician's union. If the back-up men are available, or if Richard needs them for special effects, they are hired along with the studio musicians.
Q. Where did Richard learn to arrange & orchestrate the songs Karen sings?
A. Orchestrating and arranging is a natural talent for Richard. Arranging is similar to repeating something you've heard, but giving it your own version. There are writers and/or storytellers who can, with words, make a beautiful story out of a report or article which was previously written as a gruesome event. Richard has the ability to transform harsh sounds into beautiful ones. Who else but Richard would play Beatles music on the church organ during offering and the opening and closing of church services? (And get away with it!)
Q. Did Richard write a song entitled Topsy?
A. No, but a member of the musician's union named Richard Carpenter may have written it.
Keep your questions rolling in for the next session. Don't forget, the charts are strongly influenced by the number of people who call the radio stations requesting performers songs, so keep bugging your local D.J's for the Carpenters latest releases, and help get them back to #1 where they belong.

We have some lovely new wallet pictures and posters, each a different pose taken from their latest photo session. Karen looks stunning in a red satin pantsuit, and Richard (sporting a super short haircut) in a cute stars and stripe outfit. Prices are the same as previously quoted on the current keepsakes list. Wallet pictures are $XX.XX each for U.S. members, and XX overseas members. The new poster is $X.XX each for U.S. members, and $XX.XX for overseas members. All prices include postage and handling.

We all wish you a very Happy Easter, and hope the weather helps you all to keep smiling that Sweet, Sweet Smile!

Rap in May. EV.



Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #59 - May, 1978

Hi Fans!

TV taping is completed for "CARPENTERS SPACE ENCOUNTERS". Richard & Karen's new TV Special which will air May 17. John Davidson, Charlie Callas & Suzanne Somers will be their guests. John & Suzanne as outer space people will transport Richard & Karen to an outer space night club show as perform by creatures from outer space. Bob, Doug, Danny, Tony & Cubby will appear as creatures from another planet. They donned bald-head gear with tufts of hair protruding here & there, so you may have difficulty identifying them! Several midgets were hired to play the part of robots-and wait 'til you see these 'robots' dance. You'll laugh as these little creatures, dressed in tu-tus dance to The Stripper. There is a lot of dancing in the show, which includes a lovely number by Karen & John. While taping this segment, they were confined to a limited area so they would not dance out of camera range. John got so carried away with the dancing, he forgot to watch the limitation so Karen elbowed him a number of times to get him back. It took several jerks before he realized why he was being elbowed, and they both had a good laugh about it when the scene was finally wrapped.

The show is based on the lives of Richard & Karen. You will see them rehearsing in a garage, playing for a dance in a school gym, & finally recording songs in a professional studio. In the garage you will hear them play Goofus & Little Girl Blue. At the high school dance they will play Do Ron Ron, Fun, Fun, Fun and End Of The World, & Karen & Charlie will do a drum duet to Dancing In The Streets. Richard renders a piano solo of the combined themes from Star Wars & Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He calls the combination Close Wars & performs it on a beautiful 'see-through' Lucite piano. Many of the songs from the Carpenters latest album Passage were used in the Special, including Man Smart, Woman Smarter sung by Karen & Suzanne. Special effects were fantastic. Along with great lighting, smoke fire & a laser were used to give the impression of outer space. Richard danced in the finale. An amusing moment occurred when one of the robot's 'head' flew open & costuming had to close it for him.

Though they worked 12 to 15 hours a day to film this special. K & R said it was fun work because of the great crew who worked with them at the ABC studios. The guest stars were a pleasure to work with. Suzanne is a delightful person, quite unlike Chrissie, the girl she portrays on Three's Company; Charlie Callas is a riot - a very funny man; John Davidson is a real sweetheart. Karen says he is even more handsome in person than he is TV! Wow! Richard & Karen acknowledge, & are grateful for the outstanding talents of Bill Belew the costume designer, Bob Thompson the choreographer, Bill Larkin & Steven Sphers the writers, Kathy the hairdresser, Jackie Eifert the dresser (wardrobe), Peter Knight, who with Richard selected and arranged all the orchestration, and Bob Henry the producer & director. Jerry Weintraub was executive producer, and Frank Brill coordinator.

For several years K & R have been invited to participate in a top German TV show called Star Parade. Until now they have been unable to accept the invitation due to prior commitments. This year's schedule enable them to participate. They will fly to Germany in time for a rehearsal May 10 & taping May 11. An engagement for a show in Paris is tentatively set for May 12. There may also be an appearance in London, but as this letter goes press, negotiations are not completed. These engagements will be performed without the group. K & R will lip synch to a record, so it will not involve transportation of several tons of sound equipment.

When they return to the States they will make some changes-in their stage show, then rehearse for their engagement at Harrah's Club, Lake Tahoe June 2 through June 15. The end of June (29th) will find them once again at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas through July 12, with David Brenner as opening act.

Good news for all you fans who have been begging since 1971 for a Christmas album! There will be one this year. It will include a variety of Christmas music-pop, religious & traditional Carols. There have been numerous inquiries concerning a song Karen sang so beautifully on their Christmas special last year. It is called Christ Is Born & was written by Bartolucci & Charles. We believe Perry Como was the only recording star to record this song which features on his Perry Como Christmas Album number LSP 4016. Richard used the song from this album, and rearranged it for Karen. At present time they are busy mixing this long awaited album in readiness for marketing during the 1978 Christmas Season.

They have also been busy working with a newcomer B.L. Mitchell, who was introduced to Richard by Joe Osborn some time ago. Bob also sings in the Kellogg's Raisin Bran commercial. K & R are sponsoring Bob. Richard will be the producer, Karen, associate producer of a B.L. Mitchell album. Bob's first single to be released very soon, will be Where I Want To Be / Venus.

When the Christmas album, and Bob's album have been completed, Richard & Karen will begin work immediately on another album of their own.

Richard has passed on the information relating to numerous inquiries concerning the songs he & Karen recorded on the Magic Lamp label.

Through a friend at Cal State Long Beach, Richard & Karen met and auditioned for Joe Osborn. Joe and a partner owned Magic Lamp Records. The partner financed, and Joe chose the artists and produced. Other artists on the Magic Lamp label included Johnny Burnette, Vince Edwards (Ben Casey), and more. Jan & Dean's last album on J & D Records was distributed by Magic Lamp. All Magic Lamp releases were recorded in Joe's garage studio. None of the releases were successful, due for the most part, to lack of distribution.

Karen recorded Looking For Love, I'll Be Yours, Parting Of Our Ways, and one other. The only record of Karen's released was Looking For Love / I'll Be Yours in the summer of 1966.

The musicians on that record were Richard at piano and the Chamberlain Music Master, Karen on drums, Joe Osborn on electric bass and Joe Jacobs on stand up bass. Richard's favorite is Looking For Love.

Most people who heard the record preferred I'll Be Yours, which he didn't like as much, because it was a variation of another tune he wrote called You'll Love Me, which he liked more. Approximately 500 records were pressed.

While Richard & Karen keep busy with recordings, Mom & Dad keep busy collecting more cars for Richard. For those of you compiling a list of same the following are seven additions since the last newsletter.

1957 Plymouth Belvedere
1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible
1954 Kaiser Manhattan
1947 Frazer
1954 Willys Aero Eagle
1956 Chrysler New Yorker Newport
1962 Pontiac Tempest
The Willys and Frazer were once part of Mr. Harrah's auto collection in Sparks, Nevada. Richard flew a representative up there to bid for him during a recent auction. The rep drove the Brazer home, and Mom & Dad flew up a few days later to pick up the Willys. Driving back, they got as far as Stockton when the brakes locked. While the master cylinder was being replaced in a local garage, they browsed the local area. Richard's collection now numbers seventy, and the search goes on for others he wants.

You who are dog lovers might be interested to learn Richard has adopted a Samoyed puppy. Though he is not related to Karen's "Mush", he looks exact like her. Richard named him "Ollie" after one of the guests on their Christmas Special. (Remember Kukla, Fran & Ollie?)

Mom & Dad enjoyed a very happy Wedding Anniversary with their family a close friends at their favorite seafood restaurant. Congratulatory messages and floral bouquets were in abundance.

I'm sorry I didn't make it clear in the last newsletter that there is only one new poster, and one new wallet picture. They will be referred to on the keepsakes list as "Poster S" and ;Wallet Picture #2. The fanclub staff will appreciate your cooperation in using the official order form when placing orders for merchandise, thank you.

We wish you all safe, sun & fun filled vacations this coming Summer.

Rap in July, EV.


Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #60 - July, 1978

Hi fans:

Carpenters and staff hope you are all enjoying a wonderful and safe summer vacation. We extend congratulations to all graduates, and wish you success in your chosen fields.

Richard and Karen have been very busy as usual, and haven't given any thought to vacation time. They have just returned home from a two week engagement at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, where their show was well received.

The new show now, includes the Star Wars and Close Encounters plan rendition which Richard played so superbly at their Space Encounters T.V Special last May. They utilized fire pots and laser beams as in the Special much to the delight of the audience. Even space ships were visible! Due to a technical hitch this system couldn't be installed until the second week of the engagement. Unfortunately they were unable to make full use of the huge mirror they introduced on stage for the Warsaw Concerto in previous shows. It was lowered for a brief period, then raised out of sight to avoid interference with the lasers and other special lighting effects.

So sorry we could not advise you in advance about their appearance On the Tonight Show June 27th. It was one of those last minute decision events which was not confirmed in time to be announced in the TV Guide. Richard and Karen stole time from a recording session to appear as a favor for their friend John Davidson who was hosting for Johnny Carson, so we hope many of you caught the show. Karen sang a gorgeous song they discovered on their recent trip to Europe, entitled Thank You for The Music. This is also be incorporated in their new road show.

The Christmas album is completed, and work on the jacket is in progress. You will enjoy the variety of beautiful music Richard has chosen. You will recognize a few of the numbers from last year's Christmas Special.

The B.L. Mitchell single Where I Want To Be / Venus was released July and should be in your music stores now. We wish Bob every success with his first venture into the tough world of music. He is a fine vocalist, and the superb backing of Richard's and Peter Knight's arrangements and orchestrations can only enhance the progress of his first single.

At the present time, Richard and Karen are back at A & M studios again working on another album. They've already spent many long hours on it, but have a long way to go. When complete, it will be another gem.

Attention Car Buffs! You'll be interested to know the August issue of Motor Trend Magazine will feature an article and some photos of Richard's Chrysler 300 D convertible. The article is entitled Retrospect. The center of the magazine is a double page colored picture of the white beauty, plus some excellent black & white shots of the front & back interior, wheel, tailfin, engine, dash and 300 D insignia.

Since the last newsletter, there have been four cars added to Richard's collection. A 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix, a 1957 Jaguar XK-14O, 1978 Corvette and a 1961 Chrysler 300 D convertible. Karen has purchased a second car-a 1956 Thunderbird convertible. We don't think she has designs on attaining a vast collection like her brother!

Mom and Dad Carpenter entered Richard's 1957 Chrysler 300 C in Harrah's prestigious Car Show in Sparks, Nevada where it won first place in the Chrysler 300 C category. A proud Mom & Dad carried the beautiful sterling silver trophy back home to Downey, where it now rests among others on shelf in the music room.

Happy to report that on a recent special edition of American Top 40 countdown, featuring the Top 40 Artists of the 1970's, in accordance with the Billboard Magazine, Richard & Karen rated #4 which is no mean feat in the tough competitive world of music. Realizing that in April, 1979, they will have survived a decade in their chosen field, we are indeed mighty proud of our multi-talented idols.

Although the trip to Europe was very brief, Richard & Karen met some very nice people when they went to participate in the Star Parade t.v. show in Germany, and the Top Pop show in Holland, and enjoyed meeting their loyal fans from both countries. They were particularly delighted to meet the famous group Abba in Germany. The songs they recorded for the shows were Sweet, Sweet Smile and Top of The World, since which, Smile has become a hit in Europe.

There is room for just a few questions and answers as follows:

Q. Can we expect a new single in the near future?
A. Yes. Decision not concrete to-date, but it is a toss-up between Thank You for The Music or I Believe You.
Q. Is there any info on the next new album?
A. It is hoped to be completed by the fall. Some of the tracks include Little Girl Blue, When I Fall In Love & Dancing In The Street.
Q. When will B.L. Mitchell's album be completed?
A. Some time after the Carpenters two albums are finished.
Q. Have any other artists attended any of your Las Vegas shows this year?
A. Yes, Glen Campbell, John Davidson & Captain & Tennille.
Q. Are any overseas tours scheduled for the remainder of this year?
A. Discussions regarding possibilities are in progress, but nothing has been confirmed at this premature stage of same.
Q. Will the Christmas Album be released only in the USA or worldwide?
A. Indeed it will be released worldwide.

Richard and Karen are quite excited about their prospective 2 or 3 day trip to Nashville, Tennessee next week, where they will meet their friend Joe Osborne, check out the music scene, and record some tracks.

They feel very perturbed by the fact that they have found it impossible to tour Statewide for quite a time, but when you realize what they will have accomplished by the end of 1978, I'm sure you will understand why. They cannot provide us with so much beautiful music we expect of them, and which is very time consuming, as well as touring around the country. I know the end result of their upcoming albums will prove to be more than well worth the wait of seeing them 'live' in your cities.

Just received the exciting news that confirms Richard & Karen will be staging their own Christmas TV Special again this year(one more reason for their lack of appearances at your concert halls!) There is no info regarding their prospective guests at this stage. I will notify you as soon as it becomes available.

You may have seen the highway patrol commercials featuring Richard & Karen advising us all to 'Drive Carefully' & hope you heed same!

Rap in September EV.



Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #61 - September, 1978

Hi Fans:

We hope you have all had a happy and sure summer, and now cherish happy memories of a super vacation.

We're happy to announce Richard & Karen finally decided to take a short well deserved vacation. They spent a relaxing week in Hawaii (one or their favorite get-away places) soaking up the sun with their friend Olivia Newton-John. At departure time, Olivia went to Australia, and it was back to California for Richard & Karen, where they have resumed work on the new album. Their bronze skin will be a constant reminder for some time, of that brief but happy interlude.

Mom & Dad joined several friends for a two week cruise to Alaska. The cool weather there was quite a contrast to the heat they'd left behind at home. They were pleased they had packed warm clothes for the trip, especially when on-shore sight seeing took them to the edge of an enormous Alaskan glacier. Although they enjoyed the cruise, neither are lovers of cold climates, and were happy to return to the sunny skies and warmth of southern California.

A week later they were on their way to Salt Lake City, Utah to pick up another car for Richard's collection. The choice this time was another 1959 Chrysler 300 E Convertible. Thin brings his collection total to 82. The latest additions since the last newsletter are:

59 Plymouth Sports Fury Convertible
55 Chrysler C :300 Hardtop
63 Chrysler Imperial Crown Coupe Convertible
85 Chrysler Imperial Crown Coupe Convertible
84 Chrysler 300 x Hardtop
59 Chrysler 300 E Convertible
59 DeSoto Adventurer
Cars that are not in prime condition when Richard acquires them, are given a full beauty treatment. They are torn down completely, all parts cleaned, sanded and painted. Worn out parts and tires are replaced, all chrome parts re-chromed. The interior is re-upholstered, and the body painted to reveal a better than factory new model. Though most of the work is done by two full time mechanics, Richard enjoys helping whenever time permits.

Danny Woodhams, the group's bass player, had a close call recently when he was involved in an automobile accident. He and two friends were return home from a fishing trio when an intoxicated truck driver hit their car head on. Danny, riding in the front seat, was thrown against the windshield. His face and head were badly cut, and several teeth broken. Miraculously the only broken bones were several in his feet. Stitches were inserted from the top of his head to his collar bone. Although his bass playing has not been impaired, it will be a while before he will be able to sing, so Richard hired a tenor, Walt Harrah, to assist until Danny is in fit condition.

Wedding bells rang for Cubby O'Brien and airline stewardess Terri Lynn August 26th. They chose the beautiful setting of the Calabasas Inn for the marriage. We wish them many years of happiness together.

Doug Strawn and wife Nancy will soon be three. They anticipate the arrival of their first offspring about the middle of this month.

The Christmas album is ready for release, and scheduled to be on the market around October 6th. Peter Knight, the English conductor, has worked many long hours with Richard & Karen on this their first Christmas album, and the results should be nothing lass than perfection. The cover design is charming depicting a back view of Santa Claus painting a portrait of Richard & Karen resembling a Norman Rockwell painting and this should be a clue to the title: appropriately called Christmas Portrait.

As this latter goes to press, there is still no confirmation on title or release date of the next single.

The Christmas Special will be taped soon, and will also be entitled Christmas Portrait. Richard & Karen plan to invite Kristy & Jimmie McNichol as two of their guests, but no info on other prospective guests is available at this time. This will be confirmed in the November newsletter.

May we remind all students returning to school, that we have a supply of useful school items, such as pens, pencils, desk organizers, memo pads and book covers.

This would be a good opportunity also to remind all members wishing to purchase Carpenter keepsakes for Christmas gifts, to please order early. We cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas if order arrives after November 22 for U.S. fans, and October 22 for members outside the States.

A FEW ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

Q. Did Karen ever sing at a Grammy award event?
A. Yes. We've Only Just Begun in 1970, and Superstar in 1971.
Q. Which was your most overdubbed single?
A. Only Yesterday.
Q. Which was the most difficult single to make?
A. Calling Occupants and Goodbye To Love.
Q. Whose were the voices of the aliens on Calling Occupants?
A. All the voices were Richard's.
Q. Who wrote the intro for Christmas Song?
A. Mel Torme.
Q. Is it true you are to be guests on Kenny Rogers' Special?
A. Yes. Tentatively scheduled for the New Year.
Q. Have either Karen or Richard ever met Debbie Boone?
A. Yes. They have been friends of the Boone family for several years.
Q. Will you be making any appearances as guests in Love Boat or Fantasy Island?
A. Discussions are in progress now with possibility of Karen's appearance.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING PROPOSED PEN PAL SCHEME

In response to many requests for pen pals we are happy to announce our intentions of meeting your requests. To enable us to maintain this scheme successfully, we must ask all interested members to fill out form at bottom of this page in PRINT please. USA fans please enclose stamped addressed return envelopes. Outside USA please send two International Reply Coupons. Allowing two months for our friends abroad to learn of our scheme. We anticipate exchanging forms early in the New Year. With your cooperation, we trust this new program will result in nationwide continued interest in the Carpenters, and be the foundation or numerous happy new friendships. It would very helpful for our filing system if all members mailing in form would kindly mark corner of envelope "P.P." - Thank you and Good Luck!

Rap in November. EV.



Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #62 - November, 1978

Hi Friends:

To prepare you for your concern when you see a strange signature at the conclusion of this letter, let me hasten to advise you Ev is fine. My name is Rosina, and I am very proud to have been associated with the Carpenters since 1975. and of course have been an ardent admirer since the group's inception.

Ev has more than a full time job now, coping with the abundance of paper work involved in logging Richard's ever expanding car collection, so I am very happy to relieve her of one of her many other duties. I will do my best to keep you as well informed on the Carpenters happenings as she has throughout the years.

Please be assured, her interest in the Carpenters and their ever faithful following will always remain "Close To You" in her heart.

Richard & Karen's Christmas gift to the world has been delivered to all record outlets worldwide. I guarantee Christmas Portrait will play a major part in making this your happiest Christmas, (I'd be willing to bet a few million tears will be jerked too!) It is almost impossible to find a suitable adjective to describe the album, but what a treasure to cherish among our Carpenters memorabilia.

The new single I Believe You / B'wana She No Home was released Oct.20th. A beautiful ballad previously recorded by Dorothy Moore, and given the superb treatment by our masters of beautiful music. This track will be featured on the new album some time in the New Year.

The taping of the upcoming Christmas T.V. Special is completed, and due to air Dec. l9th, but be sure to check your listings for confirmation. Guests include Georgia Engel, Gene Kelly, Christy & Jimmy McNichol, Peter Pit (the invisible guest), the group members, and Special guests none other than Mom & Dad Carpenter! They will not be performing, but will be seen among the guests attending the Christmas party in the show.

Richard's birthday was spent taping the special, so (typical of Karen) she planned a surprise celebration on the set. An enormous cake was wheeled on stage as the cast sang Happy Birthday. The cake was a work of art indeed decorations appropriately depicting a pianist at the piano, a conductor with raised baton, records, and a classic car. It was a brief but happy interlude on a busy and exacting working day.

On Dec. 3rd at 4:00 p.m. the Carpenters will join five choral groups and the Long Beach CA State Symphony Orchestra in the school's annual Winter Festival Concert, to be held at Long Beach Terrace Theater. Richard & Karen are delighted to announce a Carpenter Scholarship Fund will be established with the proceeds from the concert.

Danny wishes to convey his very grateful thanks for your concern regarding his accident. He is out of hospital now, but in rather poor shape. He will almost certainly have to endure plastic surgery later on.

On a happier note, Doug & Nancy are the proud parents of a healthy, normal baby daughter Meggen Elizabeth, born Oct. 1st.
A & M Records in London, England are compiling another singles album called Carpenters Singles 1974-1978 which they plan to release towards the end of this year. It is not known at this time if it will only be available in England, so please refrain from writing in about it until more information can be published in the next newsletter.

Karen's dog "Mush" became ill recently and had to undergo surgery for hysterectomy. Happy to report, patient is responding well to treatment (including tasty tid-bits). The tough part now is getting her back on her normal diet!

Richard, Karen and Mom & Dad attended a benefit concert at the Los Angeles Music Center Oct 30th in aid of the non-profit treatment center supporting emotionally disturbed children. This organization is chaired by Mrs. Jerry Weintraub, and sponsored by the Reiss-Davis Child Study Center. Richard is on the Music Advisory Committee, and Karen is also a committee member. We are very proud they, and many famous people in the music world support a very worthwhile project.

The Ford Roadster Model A which was a gift to Dad, won second place in a car show at Griswald, Claremont recently. Two more winners for Richard in the Walter P. Chrysler show at Santa Barbara. His 1956 Newport & 1975 Imperial both won first prize, for which he received very elegant trophies. It seems his car awards are competing with his music awards!

Almost forgot to mention Richard & Karen were recipients of two awards last month, given by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (better known as ASCAP). The awards were in recognition of the successful chart action of their single Sweet, Sweet Smile. (Producer and Artists).

The color photos from various specials etc have been so popular, so we are introducing a few sets from this year's Christmas special. Set #4a will be one pose of them with Mom & Dad, one of Karen in the kitchen, one of Richard in front of the tree singing Toyland, and a profile of Richard & Karen looking up and smiling. Set #4b will feature a close up of Karen, an outdoor snow scene of Richard at the piano, and a combined one of Karen singing Ava Maria in a candlelight setting, accompanied by Richard at the piano. We hope to have them available in a couple of weeks. Prices as before: $X.XX each for U.S. members, $X.XX each overseas.

The response to the proposed pen-pal scheme has teen phenomenal, but many of you forgot to enclose your stamped self addressed envelopes and International reply coupons. We must stress; only forms accompanied with these will receive attention. This is a big task involving much time and thought so we do ask for your cooperation, and thank you in anticipation of same. It would be advisable to enclose two stamped envelopes or four reply coupons you require pen-pals in more than one country.

The Carpenters will not be in concert this Christmas, so Richard, Karen, the group members and roadies look forward to spending a normal Christmas with their families and close friends. We all agree they deserve it.

Once again the Carpenter family, everyone connected with the group, Ev and the fanclub staff wish you and yours a very Merry, Safe & Blessed Christmas and extend very best wishes for a New Year of Happiness and Prosperity. More news in 1979, Rosina.