Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #80 - February, 1984

Greetings Friends!

I feel this is an appropriate time to share with you the Eulogy given by one of Karen's other childhood friend Frank Bonito:

"I first met Karen in 1960. We moved to Hall Street the summer before I was to enter 6th. grade. I remember first meeting Joey and Debbie Vauiso who were our next door neighbors. I also remember Debbie and I playing in my yard one day and being introduced by Debbie to another kid on the street, Karen Carpenter. Our friendship soon grew since we lived on the same street, and were in the same class at Nathan Hale School. Karen had been at Nathan Hale 5 years already, and informed me of all the important things that a student needed to know! Like, Mr. Cavallaro won't get mad if we lock him in the art supply room, or which teachers collected homework papers, and which did not. For 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, we were in the same classes, having Mr. Tiderman, Miss Spang, Miss Lang, Mrs. Spino and Mr. Cavallaro for teachers. Karen and I would walk to school each day, stopping on Townsend Ave to get Carol DeFilippo and her cousin Michael Torre. Carol, Karen and I were in the same classes. The three of us did very well academically in school, but as the principal once wrote on my report card, the self control could have been better. We were always passing notes and clowning around... and always getting caught.
"Often in the evenings, Karen and I would do homework together. Richard might be practicing his piano or listening to his collection of Spike Jones records as we studied I enjoyed studying with Karen because she often knew the answers, and her Mom, Agnes made great chocolate chip cookies!
"In the 8th grade, we worked together planning Class Day programs and my graduation day speech. On Class Day, during the reading of the class prophecy for the year 2000, I was to be a mayor of a city on the moon, and Karen was to be my wife. I guess they were wrong!
"Within days after graduation in 1963, the Carpenters moved from Hall St. to Downey, California. Karen and I continued our friendship long distance, by letters, cards and occasional phone calls, and recorded cassette tapes. I can remember Karen and Richard sending tapes to Carol and I with them performing. I always knew that Karen would be successful, but never realized how successful.
"A concert at Carnage Hall in New York in the early 70's was the first time I saw the Carpenters perform. I went backstage before the show, and met with Karen. I hadn't seen her since she left Hall St. It was a wonderful reunion. She was on her way to becoming an International singing star, but she was still the warm, naive girl from Hall Street. In many ways Karen was a person of contradictions. She was a sophisticated woman who mingled with the "Who's Who" of Hollywood, like Olivia Newton-John, Carol Burnett, the Osmond's etc. yet she collected Mickey Mouse memorabilia, and treasured every stuffed animal and gifts that fans made for her. Karen never flaunted her wealth and position. She actually down-played it, and was always sincerely interested in what was happening in my life. She wanted to know about old school friends and teachers. She maintained a wonderful child-like quality about herself.
"I never really saw Karen as a celebrity. Even when I attended her concerts, I enjoyed them, but it was the time backstage before the concert, or at a party afterwards that I enjoyed most. This would be when we would just sit and talk and catch up on each other's lives.
"Debbie, her husband C.J., my wife Carissa and I have spent much time with Karen, but we never saw her happier, or looking healthier than on the day of her wedding in August of 1980. She was so happy, so radiant.
"Her life was short, but it was a full and rewarding one. She gave so much to others, personally and professionally. To paraphrase some lines from her song; CLOSE TO YOU:
"On the day that she was born the angels got together
and decided to create a dream come true
so they sprinkled moon dust in her hair
and golden star light in her eyes.
"Those angels now have her back with them. Her gift of music will live on in our hearts and minds. Several years ago when we graduated from Nathan Hale School, the Carpenter family was preparing to move to California. Karen wrote on the back of my class picture;
"To Frank, The boy I have known for 3 years, and who I will miss. Love, Karen."
"I now say:
"To Karen, The girl and woman I knew for almost 25 years, and who I will miss dearly. Love, Frank."
A simple and poignant Memorial Service for Karen was held at Downey Methodist Church February 4th. (hardly necessary to remind you of the significance of that date). Rev. Michael Winstead again officiated, and Richard's impeccable accompaniment to Dennis Heath's vocal interpretation of the Lord's Prayer was indeed an awesome contribution to the service. A quiet dinner with friends followed.

Richard and his parents try to acknowledge all floral gifts etc. surrounding Karen's crypt, but at times this is not possible because no return address is given. They do however remain completely overwhelmed by the extraordinary outpouring of love which still exists for their beloved Karen, and express their deep gratitude to all. Judging by the tumultuous international fan mail received this past year, it remains clear; the music of the Carpenters knows no boundaries, penetrating the barriers of class, color, creed, cult, nationality etc. Your phenomenal response to Voice Of The Heart and Karen's Memorial Foundation has indeed been a heartwarming experience for the Carpenter family. As you are now aware, Richard has been busy promoting the new album at home and overseas.

A new Carpenters compilation 2 record set entitled Yesterday Once More will be offered to the American public via a TV campaign starting February 25th. This is a television offer only for about 4-6 months, after which the album and cassette will be available at the retail level. Richard is featured in the "ad" which will be aired initially in 20 markets; then spread from that number. The deluxe package contains 24 Carpenters songs as indicated below:

Yesterday Once More, Superstar, Rainy Days And Mondays, Goodbye To Love, It's Going To Take Some Time, Beechwood 4-5789, Back In My Life Again, Ticket To Ride, Sweet, Sweet Smile, I Won't Last A Day Without You, For All We Know, Touch Me When We're Dancing, Hurting Each Other, Please Mr. Postman, I Need To Be In Love, All You Get From Love Is A Love Song, Only Yesterday, This Masquerade, Top Of The World, Because We Are In Love, We've Only Just Begun, Those Good Old Dreams, Sing, Close To You.

All the selections have been re-mastered, and the album will be pressed on the new high-quality KC-600 vinyl. What a legacy to cherish among our prized Carpenters "treasure chests". It will be an A & M release, but for the TV campaign the distributors will be Silver Eagle Records, 777 North Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, California 92262. Both album and cassette will retail for $XX.XX plus tax.

More positive news! Richard & Jerry Weintraub have entered into a development deal with CBS-TV to produce a "Movie Of The Week" on the life of the Carpenters. At this juncture Richard and Jerry are working out certain details, among which are meetings with different scriptwriters. I have also been advised a Voice Of The Heart music book is in the making, but won't be available for another 2 months, so I hope to be able to elaborate on that in the next newsletter.

The second single from Voice Of The Heart (Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore) was released January 31st, and is receiving good airplay here.

I would like in conclusion to express my heartfelt gratitude for your most moving messages of sympathy following the passing of my husband John. Knowing that so many of you cared certainly helped ease the pain. Thank you so much. I'll be in touch later.



Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #81 - July, 1984
 
Hello Friends!

The following good news will hopefully counteract the delay in getting back to you!

I am very happy to advise you Richard married his longtime girlfriend Mary Rudolph on 19th. May. In accordance with Richard's wishes, the ceremony, officiated by Rev. Michael Winstead at Downey United Methodist Church was a private occasion, witnessed by family, close friends and associates numbering 120.

A natural beauty, the bride was stunningly radiant as she and the groom exchanged their marriage vows. She was attended by five bridesmaids attired in charming pink chiffon dresses. The groom, Dad and ushers sported black tuxedos. Mom Carpenter was dressed in an old fashioned Victorian style pink gown, and the bride's Mother's gown of pale blue was a similar style. The bride was given away by her father, and Wes Jacobs was the choice of Best Man for Richard.

An elegant reception at the Tiffany Terrace of. the Hilton At The Park Hotel in the city of Anaheim followed the ceremony. Music and dancing continued until the wee hours of the morning. Needless to say Richard and Wes did not escape "work" as guests pleaded with them to add their expertise to the group of top notch musicians.

As Richard and Mary cherish this momentous occasion in their lives, I am sure you will understand, having devoted so much of his life to the public, he and Mary do not wish to commercialize their marriage, so there will be no pictures available through the fanclub. We wish them God's Blessing and all the happiness they deserve.

We can expect a new Christmas album later this year. Titled An Old Fashioned Christmas. It will be released worldwide in album, cassette and compact disk format.

Richard and John Bettis wrote the title song. Seven of the previously unreleased tracks feature Karen on vocals, and newly recorded tracks have been added. In conjunction with the album, Richard leaves for London, England soon to collaborate with his friend, arranger/conductor Peter Knight. The overture and piano orchestra numbers will be recorded at E.M.I.'s Abbey Road Studios.

Sales have been buoyant for the television advertised Yesterday Once More album, and will continue at this outlet until it reverts to the retail level at a later date. We regret it is not available to residents outside the United States.

At the request of his old buddy and former Carpenters group member Doug Strawn, Richard flew to Florida recently and enjoyed playing the piano at 4 performances with students of the All American College Orchestra, sponsored by the Disneyland Organization as part of their Work Experience Program. Doug is Director of Entertainment at Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. He also conducted one of the performances.

The family's last surviving "4 legged friend" Mush succumbed to a lengthy illness recently, and we all miss her so much.

As referred to in the last newsletter, the Voice Of The Heart music books have arrived, and are available for $XX to USA and overseas members. The price includes shipping etc.

The cover features a replica of the album cover, and insert of the back of album. An unusual picture of Karen with shorter hair, and a couple of Made In America pictures are also embraced in the book. This same poignant cover picture of Karen is now available in poster form 24"x 24" for $X.X USA members, and $XX.XX overseas members, and in 8x10 size for the usual price of $X.XX USA and $X.XX overseas.

Richard just recently appeared as a judge in a taping of a new Dick Clark Production show called Putting On The Hits. The show will hit 100-125 markets around the country late September or early October. Richard judged 2 shows.

Negotiations for the "Movie Of The Week" are still in progress, but nothing too concrete to report at this time.

Now for a Question and Answer session:

Q. Were any of the tracks from Voice Of The Heart pulled from existing tracks, or cut from another album, If. so, which?
A. Your Baby, Two Lives, Make Believe and At The End Of A Song were all recorded during the Made In America sessions. Too many tracks were cut for one album.
Q. Does Richard presently have plans to produce another LP from cut material or Karen's solo album?
A. He's giving that some thought, and is going to record a solo LP for A & M.
Q. I recently purchased a copy of The Carpenters Collection (another TV release), why isn't this country in the number of albums recorded?
A. Because it's a compilation - one of many released worldwide.
Q. I own a copy of the poster "One Little Heart". You mentioned in a previous newsletter it was from A Song For You album, however, my album doesn't have that picture. Was this photo deleted in later editions?
A. To our knowledge, yes.
Q. Which is your favorite musical era, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century?
A. Romantic.
Q. Which classical composers are Richard's current favorites?
A. Tchaikovsky, Greig, Rachmaninoff, Borodin etc.
Q. Is Richard still interested in orchestra conducting, and does he plan to get involved with that in the future?
A. Yes and Yes.
Q. Has Richard written for a string quartet, and what did he like or dislike about same?
A. As of yet, no.
Q. Who previously recorded Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore?
A. Ruby And The Romantics, in 1965.
Q. Are any Carpenters albums released on the new Compact Disk?
   Yes. The Singles 1969-1973 and Voice Of The Heart.
Q. Will there be any Carpenters video tapes on the market soon?
A. Richard is contemplating possibility but nothing definite at this time.
Q. Have the Carpenters ever endorsed a product for commercials?
A. Yes, back in 1970 they did one for Morton's Potato Chips, one for Bell Telephone System, a public service one for the Highway Patrol, plus a couple of Japanese ones; for Suntory Pop and Hi-Crown Chocolate.
We trust you are all enjoying fabulous summer vacations, and as usual Richard and family extend warmest congratulations to all graduates.

God Bless You All. Rosina.


Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #82 - November, 1984

Seasons Greetings Friends!

Our Christmas will be much brighter this year with the gift of Richard's new Christmas Album An Old Fashioned Christmas which was released worldwide on the 27th. October. This awesome masterpiece is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Karen, and we are greatly indebted to Richard for his "labor of love" in affording us another opportunity to enjoy more of the music we have grown to love, and will cherish forever. Have a good supply of hankies ready!

Richard will be appearing on the Solid Gold Christmas Special. As of this writing he is planning to perform Home For The Holidays. You'll have to check your local listings for air date etc.

Here's some news guaranteed to please most of you; Yesterday Once More VIDEO will be released in VHS, Beta and Disc format. It will feature 14 of the Carpenters greatest hits, and will be offered in "Hi Fi" stereo. It is scheduled for release as early as February, 1985. The retail price will be $XX.XX and it will be a worldwide release.

Richard is in pre-production on his solo album (as yet untitled). It is set for release some time in 1985.

We have recently been advised by the publishers that a stock of Carpenters music books has been "unearthed" in their warehouse, so we are able now to make available the Carpenters Anthology price $XX.XX U.S.A, and $XX.XX to members residing outside the States. Also at hand we have the original Gold Standard Series book for easy piano entitled The Carpenters. Price for this is $X.XX in USA and $X.XX other. (Canada & Mexico as per USA). The latter book embraces 14 songs: Only Yesterday, Top Of The World, One Love, Love Me For What I Am, Fun Fun Fun, Drusilla Penny, Let's Get Together, Let Me Be The One, We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, Close To You, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love and I Won't Last A Day Without You.

We regret our stocks of several Carpenters memorabilia items are now exhausted and will not be replaced, but we do have a limited supply of the cast brass belt buckles, size 4 1/2" x 2" with raised polished Carpenters logo, available to all members for $XX.XX including shipping etc.

Now, by popular request another Question and Answer session:

Q. What was the last song Karen recorded, and when was this done?
A. Now in 1982.
Q, When was the Voice Of The Heart picture of Karen taken?
A. It was taken in New York late 1980.
Q. What song did Karen & Richard sing with Julio Iglesias on European TV in 1978?
A. Sing.
Q. Where did the quote featured on the inner sleeve of Voice Of The Heart LP "Few are the choices we are given - the sands of time pass quickly by" originate?
A. Richard and John Bettis wrote it in a segment of their song One Love on the album Carpenters, and the flip side of the single I Won't Last A Day Without You.
Q. Were Karen's vocals for An Old Fashioned Christmas recorded during the 1978 Christmas Portrait sessions, or were some of them more recent?
A. They were recorded during the Christmas Portrait sessions.
Q. Will there be any video clips for the new Christmas album?
A. No.
Q. Did Karen hear any of the Voice Of The Heart tracks in their completed form? If so, what was her favorite?
A. Yes, "Look To Your Dreams".
Q. Did Richard have to add some special effects into any songs in order to make them complete, or did Karen finish them all for the Voice Of The Heart album?
A. Richard does not use special effects, he had to complete background vocals and orchestrations.
Q. Will Karen's solo album ever be released?
A. No.
Q. What kind of songs are featured on Karen's solo recording?
A. Light rock and disco.
Q. Did the O.K. Chorale record with Karen, or after she passed away?
A. Before and after.
Q. Does Richard have plans for a concert tour at England next year?
A. Yes, sometime in 1985.
Q. Does he plan to release any live recordings?
A. At the present time, no.
Q. Does Richard know Herb Alpert dedicated his Blow Your Own Horn LP to Karen?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it true Richard appeared on a recent American Music Awards?
A. Yes, with Barbara Mandrell, a tribute to Karen during a segment of industry greats who had recently departed.
Q. Which version of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do did Richard arrange for Neil Sedaka the fast or jazzy version?
A. The jazzy version.
Q. Does Richard plan to release the songs he and Karen recorded on the RCA or Magic Lamp label?
A. No.
Q. What does Richard think of the linear tracking turntables?
A. He thinks it is better for tracking than a standard configuration, but he prefers the traditional because he like to "spot" select in a hurry. Richard feels Compact Disc is better than either.
Q. What kind of stereo equipment does Richard own?
A. Four 12" Tannoy speakers, Pioneer SA-9100 Intergrated Amp., Techniques SP-1 5 Turntable, SME Tare arm, Sony TC-n60 Cassette Deck, B and O MMC2OCL pickup and stylist, Techniques 1520 Open Reel Recorder, DIX 20/20 Equalizer, Techniques SLP8 Compact Disc Player.
Q. When will we see Richard's interview on 20/20?
A. At that time, soon after Karen's demise, he was "burned out" on interviews, and felt he couldn't handle any more, so canceled same.
Q. How about an update on the original members of the Carpenters Group?
A. Cubby does freelance work, and recently accompanied Bernadette Peters during a Boston Pops concert. He is currently playing with the original Mouseketeers at Disneyland. Tony is co-producing for various artists, the latest being Sam Harris. Danny is involved with working with a Computer company. Bob still plays at local gigs. Gary is studying dentistry at the University of San Francisco. They all keep in touch with Richard and family.
Richard, family and staff extend good wishes to you all for a Blessed, Safe and Happy Holiday Season, and thank you all for the support and encouragement you extend Richard in your moving letters of appreciation.

Have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. God Bless you All. Rosina.