Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #63 - January, 1979

Greetings Friends!

We hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving, and with the aid our Christmas Portrait we're sure you were able to Have Yourselves A Merry Little Christmas. There must have been very few homes without Carpenters Christmas music, and here is some good news to launch the New Year! Christmas Portrait reached GOLD status early in December, and the recently released album in England Singles 1974-1978 gained PLATINUM status! (A special vote of thanks to our English fans.) We congratulate our superstars on their fine achievement, and they in turn convey their grateful thanks to you for your loyal support.

Karen & Richard certainly inspired us to adapt the Christmas spirit well ahead of time here in Southern California, when they participated in the Long Beach California State Winter Festival Concert which was a sell-out!

The audience was treated to some awe inspiring music rendered by five choral groups. Karen sang Merry Christmas Darling, Silent Night and her spine chilling version of Ave Maria. Richard had hoped to play the Nutcracker Suite but the orchestra was not fully prepared, so he contributed his rendition of Close Encounters / Star Wars theme. The guest conductor for these segments was our own Doug Strawn.

At the conclusion, the President of the university Stephen Horn made a presentation of special commendation to Karen & Richard (former students) in the form of a handsome plaque bearing their name and the inscription: "In recognition of his/her leadership in creating a unique style of popular music". We warmly endorse that sentiment.

The group was invited to perform as special guests on the Bruce Forsyth television show in London, England early in December. It was unfortunate Richard developed flu just prior to departure date, so the group flew to London without their maestro.

Karen held the fort very admirably, and they thoroughly enjoyed the trip, in spite of working from early morning til late at night. She had several radio & television interviews with BBC1 & BBC2, plus a press interview with David Wigg.

The trip was specially happy for Karen when she learned the new album had reached ,#4 within 5 days of release, and was #2 (one place behind Grease) on the UK charts while she was there.

The songs Karen sang on Bruce's show were: Mr. Postman, I Need To Be In Love and Merry Christmas Darling, plus a duet with Bruce: White Christmas and Winter Wonderland. Jeff Wesley was engaged to take over for Richard on the keyboards. The show was aired on Christmas Eve which must have made our English fans very happy.

On her return home, Mom & Dad had arranged for a 'special friend' to greet Karen in the hallway of her condo in the form of an almost life-size Mickey Mouse fashioned bouquet displaying a message reading "Welcome Home Karen". She was thrilled with the welcome.

By now the Carpenter homestead was traditionally adorned in all it's seasonal finery. Reindeer, bambi's, snowmen & Santa were artistically set on the rooftop. Bells & candy canes lined the porch & driveway, and the twinkling lights made the illuminated display a sight to behold for the numerous people on their Yuletide sightseeing tour.

A relatively new FM radio station in Los Angeles K100, played the entire Christmas Portrait album one evening before Christmas, and Karen's comments relating to each track were very interesting. It was good to hear Merry Christmas Darling receive it's fair share of airplay during the festive season.

The family enjoyed an intimate turkey dinner with close friends in an atmosphere of their favorite music. When the time approached for opening gifts, it became apparent Karen was being initiated into becoming an established Mickey Mouse buff. Most of her presents were associated with Mickey memorabilia, such as a rocking Mickey (not horse) from the 1930's, the original sheet music to the first Mickey Mouse theme song, a commemorative watch, and an original watch which is now valued at 190% more than the original price! One of Karen's main delights was a Jack & The Beanstalk story accompanied with the recorded reading set to music by Billy May in 1941.

No doubt many U.S. fans saw Karen & Richard surprise appearance on America's tribute to Mickey during his 50th birthday celebrations which was televised recently. Among the galaxy of stars presenting their personal greetings, Karen & Richard's included Mickey's name spelled to the tune of Close To You which was really cute.

While on the subject of that famous Disney character, Karen & Richard met him when they were guests of Jerry Weintraub, at the birthday party of his young daughter. It was Mickey's first public appearance outside the park. What a unique surprise for that lucky little girl.

Now the fun is over, it's back to the studios (their second home!)

A SPECIAL NOTE:

Due to the innovation of the pen pal scheme, which has proved to be much more time consuming than originally estimated, and with the backlog of post-Christmas orders due to staff sickness, there will be a delay of at least 6 weeks on the next newsletter, for which we must apologize, but please bear with us.

We have had overwhelming requests for pen pals in California, and have now exhausted our supply of names from that State, so will people whose request we have been unable to fulfill, please give an alternate State, preferably suggestions for, "Any State" would help to expedite the completion of the program.

Karen & Richard wish to express their gratitude for the numerous congratulatory messages pertaining to their Christmas Special & Album, as well as the hundreds of cards etc.

I have been advised by A & M Records in Hollywood, that the new Singles 1974-1978 album was released in England only, but copies will probably be available in the 'Imports' section of music stores.

The Carpenter family, and everyone connected with their 'outfit' wish you a Happy, Healthy. Safe, Prosperous & Peaceful New Year. Bye for now, Rosina.


Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #64 - April, 1979

Click here to see the personal message included with this newsletter.

Hi Friend!

I hope the personal message of gratitude from our mutual idols will help soften the blow of the disappointing news I must flow convey to you. It is with deep regret Richard and Karen have been forced to suspend all recording activities for the time being, resulting in the anticipated new album being put in limbo.

Karen felt the time was right to proceed with the second and final operation on her left ear. The surgery was a complete success, and her hearing is better than anticipated!

By a strange coincidence Dad's ear must have been in sympathy with his daughter's when they became fellow in-patients at the same hospital, and surgery was scheduled for both on the same day!

Richard decided to take a well earned extended vacation, and is enjoying driving and visiting old friends. He has spent some time with his buddy Wes Jacobs in Michigan which has been a pleasant change for him.

He and Karen were bitterly disappointed they were unable to mark the occasion of their tenth anniversary with the arrival of a new album. They had to cancel their television special too, which ironically was to have embraced the story of their first decade in the recording industry.

A happier segment of news reveals the wedding of a group member. Tony Peluso married Chris Lincoln at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Hollywood last week, and the reception was held at the Pacific Palisades Country Club. We wish the newly-weds a lifetime of blissful harmony.

Karen and Mom's birthdays were celebrated with a joint dinner party at a favorite seafood restaurant with close friends. A similar party was held to mark the occasion of Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary also. Did you know?? According to Casey Kasem's report last February on his famed "American Top Forty" - We've Only Just Begun was the biggest hit single taken from a television commercial in chart history! Also featured in a recent Playboy poll, Karen was voted #2 vocalist, and #5 drummer in the country. These new additions will be recorded with pride among the coveted collection of Carpenters accolades.

Thank you for the many kind letters of appreciation pertaining to the new friendships evolved from the development of our penpal scheme. I trust the mutual exchange of interests will keep you Carpenter oriented during the temporary suspension of Richard and Karen's recordings activities!

Many members have expressed disappointment in being unable to obtain the last single I Believe You and the B.L. Mitchell single which Richard produced last year. I am happy to advise you a limited supply of both singles is now available through the fanclub to USA members only. The price is $X.XX each which includes shipping and handling.

We also have new 8x10 black and white glosses taken from the last Christmas Special at $X.XX each for USA members, and $XX overseas members. The new keepsakes list features these in full length poses of Richard and Karen individually and together, plus a close-up of them individually and combined.

It had been hoped to publish this newsletter prior to the Carpenters tenth anniversary date, but unusual circumstances prevented this. The company that had been handling our mailings changed hands without our knowledge. The new owners moved out of the area taking all our addressograph plates with them! After days of investigations we finally found them about forty five miles away. Much time was consumed in getting organized with another local company, so all's well now.

I hope to have brighter and more positive news regarding the Carpenters in the next newsletter, but no definite date for publication of same can be given at this time.

We all wish you a very Happy and Safe Summer. Cheerio! Rosina.


Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #65 - September, 1979

Hello Friends:

We hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful summer, and extend warmest congratulations to all graduates. May wisdom be your constant companion, and all your aspirations materialize.

The fan club has been inundated with anxious inquiries pertaining to the Carpenters latest movements. To dispel any rumors that the group has 'split up', Karen wishes to assure you this is not so. The reason for the temporary lapse in their recordings, is that after ten arduous years of concentrating on perfecting music to the Carpenters standards we expect, Richard felt the need for a long vacation which probably will extend into the New Year. Karen reaffirms they will resume work on their album whenever Richard feels ready. He is really enjoying the freedom from pressures, and we must not be selfish in denying him the time off he deserves.

In the meantime Karen has enjoyed her recording sessions in New York, and was happy to meet Billy Joel and Paul Simon. Her album is progressing well, and she anticipates it's release early in the New Year.

She returns to New York next month. All the material apart from one oldie will be original (No Disco!). Karen is unable to confirm at this time any information regarding a single from her eagerly awaited album, so keep your eyes and ears open!

She managed to combine business with pleasure and enjoyed watching a Yankee baseball game with the Ramone family, and a shopping spree at Bloomingdales.

Mom Dad joined Karen in New York, then the trio drove to visit relatives in Baltimore and Connecticut, where they were introduced to two brand new members of the family: Cousin Betsy gave birth to an 8 pound 10 ounce daughter Shiloh, and cousin Paulie a 6 pound 9 ounce daughter Ashley.

Karen made a nostalgic return trip to her old school Nathan Hale, where the caretaker escorted her to her old classroom. I guess current students were sorry her visit coincided with vacation time!

Richard entered his 1959 Chrysler 300E in the ninth annual Chrysler 300 Club Show at Champaign, Illinois, where his car was placed first in the 1958-1959 class, and tied for first place in "Best of Show" category. His personal appearance was a highlight of the show.

He also entered for exhibit only, five of his prestigious collection in recent charity event at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena in California.

One of his favorite pastimes lately, has been browsing through some rare record stores. He has also spent some time with friends in Kansas City where Karen joined them for a week.

When Karen returned home recently she accepted an invitation to attend a party at A & M studios to celebrate the release of Herb Alpert's smash hit single Rise. She enjoyed meeting many friends in the music industry signed to the same label.

Alfa Records Inc. in Japan have received many inquiries about the special Carpenters albums released in Japan, and have very kindly given information on availability of same: Carpenters First Ten Years is a three-album compilation, containing thirty nine previously recorded songs, and features a gorgeous booklet. This is also available on cassette with twenty-four tunes. PAYMENT MUST BE MADE IN JAPANESE YEN. Retail price of album is Y4,500 plus shipping and handling Y3,0OO which totals 7,500 Yen which is approximately $35.00. Retail price of cassette is Y4,000 plus shipping and handling Y500 which totals 4,500 Yen.

Richard and Karen have subscribed to a unique book entitled Celebrity Cooking Caper which features their picture and one of their favorite recipes "Peach Mabel". Many famous people have contributed towards the book which is being sold to raise funds for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones).

Unfortunately the Carpenters recipe is misinterpreted in the book, so the revised version may interest you:

INGREDIENTS
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon almond essence
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 pint whipped cream
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 box vanilla wafers
2 cups peaches (canned & drained)
METHOD
Place wafers in plastic bag, half box at a time and crush with rolling.
Spread on bottom of baking dish (8 x 11) or something similar. Save some to sprinkle on top.
Mix butter, flavorings, salt & sugar in blender. Blend well. Add eggs and blend.
Mix gelatin with water quickly & blend with other ingredients.
Whip cream till stiff & fold into blended ingredients. Now fold in the drained & diced peaches.
Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.

An erroneous reference in the National Enquirer recently stated the Carpenters will be staging a two-hour Special on TV soon. Please disregard this notice which is incorrect unfortunately!

Some of you may also have seen some Carpenters concerts scheduled for Las Vegas in some Nevada newspapers. This is also incorrect, and at this time no concerts are scheduled for any area in the immediate future.

As this letter goes to press, it is difficult to think in terms of Christmas while we are still basking in 100 degree temperatures, but overseas members will not receive this issue before November, which will, be the last newsletter this year. We therefore extend the Season's Greetings to you all, and fervently hope our duo will feature prominently on the music scene in 1980.

Before their tenth anniversary year expires, Richard and Karen hope to send a little token of their sincere appreciation to all their fan club members who have supported them so loyally during the first ten years of their recording career.

NEWS FLASH!! Richard and Karen have just intimated their intention of releasing a Christmas single this year. No final decision at this stage, but it will probably be selected from the excess material they recorded but did not have room to include on Christmas Portrait last year. All the Best. Rosina.