This was from a Carpenters TV special. Both great ladies do show signs of the illnesses they battled. Ella remained seated because her diabetes affected her feet so badly standing was an issue and she eventually lost her feet to the disease and Karen while beautiful as always was so thin. What Ella says to Karen is "so pretty" when she looks at her. We are so lucky to have this gem still able to watch 40+ years later.
I was driving in downtown Augusta, Ga. when the news of Karen's death came over the radio. I pulled over, a grown man, and I cried like a little baby. Every time I hear her magnificent contralto voice I think of that moment, and I again feel a deep well of sorrow within me, knowing just how much beauty this often ugly world lost on that horrible day. - Be well, Be happy, Duke
I thought I was the only one who did that. It seems that any time that I'm going through a difficult time they're always happens to be a song sung by Karen. Colette God's will our Karma I don't know why it happens. I miss her very much
I was working 3rd shift at the time of Karen's death. I was driving home & heard it on the radio. I was shocked & so sad. Karen can still give me goose bumps & tears.
Sounds like she impacted many of us like that. I was working at a restaraunt when i heard she passed, and had to go into the back room for quite awhile to compose myself. Such a very special gifted woman.
Karen Carpenter was one of the best singers of all time. Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest jazz scat singers ever. Two very talented singers who will never be seen again in our world.
Some food for thought. Frank Sinatra said Karen would be the only person he'd pay for to see "live." John Lennon stopped her in a parking lot of a restaurant and praised her singing. Elvis ACTUALLY tried to bed Karen. (Petula Clark too lol) Paul McCartney called her the best female singer in the world. Elton John called her "one of the greatest voices of our lifetime." Olivia Newton John was one of her best friends, and Dionne Warwick (another good friend) was championing for her to get well. And Michael Jackson was a huge fan of The Carpenters growing up. She was truly loved by many.
They all had incredibly professional musical ears and those ears told them the thing I also heard for the first time on a sultry summer night in 1970 in North Carolina. That one Karen Carpenter was and is the GOAT, vocally. Others come close, but none match her purity, tone, and pitch. A once in a generation talent lent to us by God for a short time so that we would know what an angel sounds like.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂❤
Not about runs. Hitting high notes or belting out all the time. It is about singing. Simple. Pure. Pitch. Intonation. And Emotion. That is what adll these vocal talent shows today miss out on, terribly. That is what modern music misses on. Sigh.😢 This is class, kiddies, pure class. Are you taking notes?????
@@ChuckHackneyexactly there to busy screaming and forcing the pitch out and you can't understand what there saying .but karen carpenters voice was pure and angelic .she could change the range in her voice beautifully. Nobody could compare to her voice it was like a angel
You can always tell when Karen is very happy. You can see clearly she is thrilled to be singing with one of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald. She is clapping so hard for Ella. I have always loved both these timeless talented women.
Karen and Richard started out as an instrumental jazz trio, The Richard Carpenter Trio. Karen on drums, Richard on piano, and their friend Wes Jacobs on bass and tuba (yes, tuba!). They won the Hollywood Bowl Battle of the Bands with that lineup. So yes, Jazz was a huge influence on The Carpenters music. This is from The Carpenters last television special, "Music! Music! Music!" in 1980. It can be found in its entirety here on UA-cam (last I checked).
The group was signed to RCA but they did not know what to do with them. Herb Alpert Star and A&R at A&M records signed the band and the rest is history. 10:49
It always amazed me that Ella showed up at amateur night, that night at the Apollo Theatre in 1934 at age 17 ,intending to DANCE!! But the act before hers was a dancing sister duo that she didn’t think she could beat,so she sang!
I read when Karen passed Ella cried for a few days. She thought the world of this stunning down to earth women Karen Carpenter. Everything I have ever read about Karen is she was a kind and a real individual. Her brother Richard says what we all see and say in that she was very special. These 2 are irreplaceable. Karen was influenced in her drumming skills by the Dave Brubeck Band and drummer Joe Morello which was a Jazz group. This recording is on Carpenters cd "As Time Goes By" and it is clear as ever.
Look for the track "If We Try" from Karen's solo album. They could have easily segued into the then nascent Smooth Jazz format along side acts such as Julia Fordham, Everything but the Girl and Swingout Sister and stretched their career another 20 years. If only. 😢
@@johnholliday5874 I agree John. I never thought I would become a Carpenters (Karen Carpenter) follower or fan. I am from the hard rock club. Now I have everything they ever recorded. Ella and Karen just are once in a creation.
6:19 Ella says to Karen "so pretty" to her voice, what a compliment by Ella!! You can tell the enormous amounts of respect these two have for each other!!
You give incredible reviews. I did not know Ella Fitzgerald ever sang with Karen. What a treat this was. This says something about Karen's recognition by the great singers of this time. They knew Karen was special.
"The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards" [J.R.R. Tolkien]: Karen Carpenter's peers - then and later - recognize her transcendent talent: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Madonna, Chrissie Hynde, and many others.
Luckily a magical moment forever preserved on video.ella was one of Karen's idols growing up. You can see the joy she has at the end when she's applauding ella.but what a great performance by both of them
Oh,HECK,Britt…I had NEVER seen this! I am ugly crying right now. I loved Karen Carpenter and Ella…well, Ella was on the hi-fi throughout my childhood. My mom loved her and I loved them both. I was even blessed to see Ella in concert toward the end of her performing years. She had to be guided on stage as her eyesight had gotten THAT bad but,oh,that voice…that voice straight from heaven!! I am 69 now and too many loved ones are gone,but hearing these two is bringing back so many wonderful memories/times! I truly hope we are not apart too much longer. Thank you,dear Britt,for this and your great reaction!❤️❤️❤️❤️
These two ladies were a gift to the world. The first song you here Karen and Ella sing is MASQUERADE I recommend you listen to The Carpenters full version of this song. In my opinion, it is the best song I have ever heard them do. Not only does it have her marvelous voice, but it also has a couple of beautiful instrumental solos.
Loved your reaction - you summed it up in one word: Effortless. The greatest of the greats, in any profession, make it look effortless. Those who don't get it say anyone could do it. Those who do get it say - just try. These are two of the greatest female voices America has ever produced, singing on a network television special. This was our popular entertainment. We didn't know how good we had it.
Two incredible, top shelf voices. But if you want your mind blown, Karen always considered herself a drummer who sang and not the other way around. She was a world class drummer and has videos here on UA-cam to prove it. Love your reactions Brit
Two iconic women from my past. Both are nothing short of superstars. I miss this kind of talent, style, class. No one can write music like this anymore. I am glad you are discovering it and letting me relive it. Thank you.
What an absolute treat. I grew up listening to both of them. My Mom was a huge jazz fan and sang her way through college as lead singer for a Big Band that played in her college town of San Jose, CA. Ella was a constant in the house and I was a child as The Carpenters made their mark on the world. What a great find you have here.
"Percussionist" would be a better word...drum player infers some kid in a garage band beating the crap out of the set, same beat and tempo every time lol
Brit, this is video gold! I grew up loving Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Sarah V, and so many, BUT, Ella and Karen were Two Angels that God let escape for just enough to renew the earth' s tone. Two see Them together is better than anything A.I. could generate. Sure voices like Whitney, Mariah, LeaAnn, Ariana catch my strings everytime I hear them, but these Two Angels made one feel happy to be stuck in the human condition. Thanks for all the happiness you bring, Brit! P.S. Frank and Elvis watch this and say, "Wow, how they doing that?'"
Brit, I only have this to talk. I'm a classic Luddite and have no social apps or plates. Love Your channel and appreciate what and how You do it! Thanks x 1000.
I had never heard this before. Had to excuse myself and watch it on UA-cam Music so that I could really see the video (which I can’t see through your filter). What a beautiful duet that was! Thanks so much for reacting to it, Britt!
Two of my all time favourite singers. Thank you for posting this - their voices brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure someone has said it already, but yes, Karen loved jazz and was a great jazz drummer as well.
As beautiful as that performance is, I've seen it many times, I was equally joyous over your reaction, how you would break out in a smile while listening to them. You really get it when you said it was effortless. When two legendary pro's team up, they always make it look, effortless.
The Lyrics, "Your looks are laughable Unphotographable Yet you're my favorite work of art," are from MY FUNNY VALENTINE, a song that Ella recorded (Of course, Frank was the first who recorded the song) and Ella also made a HIT! This is a clip from The Carpenters TV show, and Karen is singing Ella's songs. It was a Tribute to Ella. Karen and Richard, started as a jazz trio, with Richard and Jim Bettis singing lead vocals, lol,lol,lol.. They finally came to their senses, and let Karen take over the singing, even though Karen was only 18 years old.
My God, you're so articulate, gracious and kind. I just commented on how great you are (under you review of Karen Carpenter's Superstar) but your hearing both the youthful and mature moments in Ms. Fitzgerald's voice reconfirms your capacity for honest diplomacy. These two masters don't test those skills but they serve you well as your patrons entrust a broad range of artists and styles to your review.
Hi, to answer your question about Karen Carpenter and the jazz, in the past of the Carpenters with his brother they made jazz music and some of theirs song was a wik to this period. I suggest you to listen those following title: All I can do, Ice tea, caravan.... and good lisening and discover
At least my algorithm introduced me to your channel like it much enjoy your way of operating I'm an instant Fan and will stay thanx for having me 👍🏿 Ella Fitzgerald and Ms. Carpenter nuf said
This is wonderful! And it was a dream-come-true for Karen. She adored Ms. Fitzgerald and basically idolized her. And now, she's getting to sing with her? Wooohooo! She and her brother, Richard (whom wrote many of their songs with college buddy and a best friend, the ever great John Bettis - think "One Moment In Time" Whitney Houston) would listen to single records and albums from Jazz, to Scat, to Blues, to Country, to Rock-n-Roll as small children. So Karen grew up on Ella & totally adored her. This is just beautiful that Karen got to sing with her childhood idol. Two of the Greats right here. Two of the very best in the business. Whew! As many times as I have heard this duet of some oldies, I still get chills. And I can't help but joyfully smile for Karen especially being in the presence of one of her idols. And, oh yes. Jazz was her music. Karen is actually a Jazz Drummer first. Took Jazz Drumming lessons from one of the best in the business located in Hollywood, Mr. Bill Douglass. He played for Benny Goodman and many of the other Jazz Greats during the 1940s through the 1960s. Karen's first love is JAZZ. She plays drums on at least a few songs, or one or so on all but the last couple of albums. She plays drums for the entire album on OFFERING/TICKET TO RIDE, NOW & THEN, & all but possibly one song on HORIZON. To hear her drumming chops from the albums I would recommend "Another Song" on the CLOSE TO TOU album, it's like 3 songs in 1. And, for Jazz, "This Masquerade" on the NOW & THEN album. There are also some terrific clips of her on UA-cam, especially with the 1972 Australian Concert where she is playing the entire concert but for maybe 2 or 3 songs. Incredible concert! She's playing plus singing lead throughout 95% or more of the whole concert! Also, clips from their 1974 Japan Tour & 1974 Holland Tour she's on drums, including a "Johnny B. Goode" cover that another band member sings, Doug Strawn, while she rips it on her huge drumkit. I highly recommend the oldies medley, too, in the Holland concert, 1974. She's in a light blue outfit and her joy just permeates the cameras on her. Session drummer Hal Blaine had that big kit made for her. She loved his set and wanted one of her own. 😊 So, yeah. She's one heck of a drummer whom just happened to have one of the best female singing voices of all time, as well. She's in the Top 5, for sure. For me, she's #1. Enjoy! And thank you so much for a wonderful reaction. I'm so happy that you love Karen, with the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Heck. They both are legends. Thank you so much! 😄🤗
The lyrics for "My Funny Valentine" were written by the brilliant Lorenz Hart (melody by Richard Rodgers). Hart had a profoundly sad sense of himself. He thought he was terribly ugly, and he was a gay at a time when much of society thought that was a very shameful thing, which he surely internalized. The song becomes very poignant when you consider his tragic and too short life. To me, this song expresses the hope that even if you are not conventionally beautiful, someone will love you. I appreciate the sentiment very much and wish that Hart had known his own worth. Same could be said for Karen. I appreciate you sharing your reactions to this incredible duet. Truly the two greatest female vocalists of our time. I'm so glad they got a chance to work together.
I get goose bumps every time I see these classy, elegant ladies sing. 🥀💞🥀💞. Our entertainers today could learn a great deal from these two stunning, naturally talented singers. 🎶 🎶
These are classic lounge standards. Not sure how you can get better than Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald. Absolutely two of my favorite female vocalists. Both of them just hit it in the pocket every single time.
I saw Ella in concert for years. She used to play Ravinia, here in Chicago, every year. She was amazing. Harry Bellefonte used to do Ravinia every summer, also.
Karen Carpenter learned from Ella Fitzgerald and Ella learned from Connie Boswell of the Boswell Sisters. The magic is passed on to the next generation if they're smart enough to listen and learn.
My Funny Valentine is a classic American standard. The lines you refer to basically say that yes, beauty is only skin deep, it is what inside that truly counts. That is what this timeless song has always meant to me.
@Miss_brittreacts_. When I have time right now I'm with some snow birds rich people who can't take the cold yet penny pinchers who rather me build them a custom home in summer to stay in port Aransas instead of building a home In.hawaii
@Miss_brittreacts_. Tell you I have no social life like I'm married to my work that's why I ended up divorced she couldn't take me never being home gotta go be safe 👍
You are correct the first time I saw The Carpenters I was 24, Miss. Carpenter was around 16 or 17 and a part of her brother Jazz Trio (they won the battle of the bands). Richard played Keyboard Karen drums (and sang once in a while), and Wes Jacobs played the tuba and bass. Most of the music they did after that had a jazz feel to it especially in the instrumentation. Richard chose the music they were going to do (wrote a lot of it) he also produced the albums and did all the arrangements. He and Karen also sang all of the background parts on all of their albums no one else sang on any of their albums. They did experimental thing the whole time they were preforming "Good By To Love" for instance Tony Peluso (on guitar) stated that this was one of the first power ballads, if not the first, to have a fuzz guitar solo. "Goodbye to Love" was the first Carpenters hit written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis. If you would like to hear one of their covers with a country/folk tint try "Reason To Believe" ua-cam.com/video/kTWeHeM6mZI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=awhwong This example will also introduce you to her drumming it was done on the 5th Dimension Traveling Sunshine TV special in 1971.
MY FUNNY VALENTINE is one of the great, all-time standards, recorded by hundreds of artists - it's from a 1930s Musical - Valentine is one of the male characters in the musical - the song is sung by the lead female character - Valentine is the object of the famous lyrics "Your looks are laughable, unphotograghable, and yet you're my favorite work of art". They continue: "Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak? When you open it to speak are you smart?" Too damn bad we didn't get to hear Karen sing the whole song. Ella was one of Karen's idols growing up. She listened to her records often. She learned a lot about the art of singing from Ella. We're looking at the two best singers of the 20th century here. What a wonderful delight! If this duet had been two hours long it still would have been too short. Ella - the First Lady of Song. Karen - the Girl with the Golden Voice.
So moving. Two beautiful Ladies with sublime voices. Ellis Fitzgerald...a favorite of mine. May they both rest in peace. May I suggest Johnny Mathis 'Chances Are'. Also for a fun one Nancy Sinatra 'These Boots Are Made for Walking'.
I’ve never ever heard a bad word about Karen Carpenter her voice ect It truly is amazing & a one off her voice is the best I have ever heard just beautiful and 40 years after her death it’s astonishing people still adore her. ! Better than all the trash of 2023 your Sam smiths and Adele’s & Ed Sheran She’s a cut above
I've always loved Karen's voice and songs. I was devastated when she died. Such an amazing talent gone way too soon. This is the first time I've seen and heard this duet and its such a treat. Thanks for picking this one Britt. 🙏
WOW! Never get tired of watching those two! THAT'S CLASS! Love your smile and reactions to this wonderful performance. Watching Karen and her never ending smile you can tell she is so honored to be singing with the great ELLA FITZGERALD! Richard and Karen were very much influenced by jazz when they were young. Very observant of you!
BTW, they mash together a few really well selected, and tricky tunes all covered by so many, but not often mixed over as this gem! Frank and Elvis did a little on Frank's show way back that was just great. Sting did Funny Valentine with a famous trumpeter that was brilliant. Casablanca, Gershwin, et al...just fantastic. Thanks again and good health to all on board!
She was the best voice out there. This was when she was dying, but never knew it . Look ar how Gaunt she was. Go read her story. Such a beautiful rare voice.
I know all of those songs. Realizing that I'll never again hear these wonderful vocal musicians spontaneously invent a new twist on these and other songs makes me cry.
All songs from the great American Songbook. If you haven’t listened to the Big Bands and the Crooners, both black and white, from the mid 30’s to 60’s you are truly missing out. Ella, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Helen Forrest, Edie Gorme are just the tip of the iceberg. So many more to explore if you love great music and vocalists, although the Big Bands at first were mostly instrumentals with “girl” and “boy” singers cutting in until there was a musicians strike. That’s when the era of the singers as the headliners kicked in. Someone I love who is almost never reacted to is the great tenor and film star Mario Lanza. He had a number one hit record called Be My Love. My Funny Valentine is an American Standard by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers. It starts out as a bit tongue in cheek but then segues into a hauntingly beautiful love song. I believe the Carpenters first serious band was a Jazz trio. They won a big jazz competition early on.
This reminds me of how great a song “I’ll Be Seeing You” is. Great lyrics that twist up the “I’ll be seeing you” phrase, which meant “Goodbye” back in the day.
This was from a Carpenters TV special. Both great ladies do show signs of the illnesses they battled. Ella remained seated because her diabetes affected her feet so badly standing was an issue and she eventually lost her feet to the disease and Karen while beautiful as always was so thin. What Ella says to Karen is "so pretty" when she looks at her. We are so lucky to have this gem still able to watch 40+ years later.
TWO ICONS TOGETHER..WOW, JUST WOW...THANKS BRIT~!!!!!!
Add Pink Floyd
I was driving in downtown Augusta, Ga. when the news of Karen's death came over the radio. I pulled over, a grown man, and I cried like a little baby. Every time I hear her magnificent contralto voice I think of that moment, and I again feel a deep well of sorrow within me, knowing just how much beauty this often ugly world lost on that horrible day. - Be well, Be happy, Duke
I thought I was the only one who did that. It seems that any time that I'm going through a difficult time they're always happens to be a song sung by Karen. Colette God's will our Karma I don't know why it happens. I miss her very much
I was working 3rd shift at the time of Karen's death. I was driving home & heard it on the radio. I was shocked & so sad. Karen can still give me goose bumps & tears.
I still miss Karen, after 40 years...
Me too :(@@danielbelen007
Sounds like she impacted many of us like that. I was working at a restaraunt when i heard she passed, and had to go into the back room for quite awhile to compose myself. Such a very special gifted woman.
Karen Carpenter was one of the best singers of all time. Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest jazz scat singers ever. Two very talented singers who will never be seen again in our world.
Some food for thought. Frank Sinatra said Karen would be the only person he'd pay for to see "live." John Lennon stopped her in a parking lot of a restaurant and praised her singing. Elvis ACTUALLY tried to bed Karen. (Petula Clark too lol) Paul McCartney called her the best female singer in the world. Elton John called her "one of the greatest voices of our lifetime." Olivia Newton John was one of her best friends, and Dionne Warwick (another good friend) was championing for her to get well. And Michael Jackson was a huge fan of The Carpenters growing up. She was truly loved by many.
Just WOW.
Madonna is also a fan of Karen Carpenter.
They all had incredibly professional musical ears and those ears told them the thing I also heard for the first time on a sultry summer night in 1970 in North Carolina. That one Karen Carpenter was and is the GOAT, vocally. Others come close, but none match her purity, tone, and pitch. A once in a generation talent lent to us by God for a short time so that we would know what an angel sounds like.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂❤
Not about runs. Hitting high notes or belting out all the time. It is about singing. Simple. Pure. Pitch. Intonation. And Emotion. That is what adll these vocal talent shows today miss out on, terribly. That is what modern music misses on. Sigh.😢 This is class, kiddies, pure class. Are you taking notes?????
@@ChuckHackneyexactly there to busy screaming and forcing the pitch out and you can't understand what there saying .but karen carpenters voice was pure and angelic .she could change the range in her voice beautifully. Nobody could compare to her voice it was like a angel
Best female pop singer ever and best female jazz singer ever doing a duet of jazz standards. Awesome!
Absolute perfection. I miss this music so much!
You can always tell when Karen is very happy. You can see clearly she is thrilled to be singing with one of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald. She is clapping so hard for Ella. I have always loved both these timeless talented women.
Karen and Ella! Two voices that transform the human experience. Positively human, yet divinely inspired! I'm weeping.
The 2 greatest female singers of all time singing together......what a treat for us all !
Who is your first?
I love both of them, but I had not seen this before. Wow! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Two of the most beautiful voices ever! Timeless!
Karen and Richard started out as an instrumental jazz trio, The Richard Carpenter Trio. Karen on drums, Richard on piano, and their friend Wes Jacobs on bass and tuba (yes, tuba!). They won the Hollywood Bowl Battle of the Bands with that lineup. So yes, Jazz was a huge influence on The Carpenters music.
This is from The Carpenters last television special, "Music! Music! Music!" in 1980. It can be found in its entirety here on UA-cam (last I checked).
The group was signed to RCA but they did not know what to do with them. Herb Alpert Star and A&R at A&M records signed the band and the rest is history. 10:49
Britt! Notice how Ella's just stylizing the music and NOT SCREAMING, like almost all current singers think they have to do.
It always amazed me that Ella showed up at amateur night, that night at the Apollo Theatre in 1934 at age 17 ,intending to DANCE!! But the act before hers was a dancing sister duo that she didn’t think she could beat,so she sang!
1980 ABC special The Carpenters: Music, Music, Music. And when you asked what Ella said at that one point she said "so pretty".
One of my favourite duets ever. Karen C more than holds her own with the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.
It does not get any better than that 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍
I read when Karen passed Ella cried for a few days. She thought the world of this stunning down to earth women Karen Carpenter. Everything I have ever read about Karen is she was a kind and a real individual. Her brother Richard says what we all see and say in that she was very special. These 2 are irreplaceable. Karen was influenced in her drumming skills by the Dave Brubeck Band and drummer Joe Morello which was a Jazz group. This recording is on Carpenters cd "As Time Goes By" and it is clear as ever.
Look for the track "If We Try" from Karen's solo album. They could have easily segued into the then nascent Smooth Jazz format along side acts such as Julia Fordham, Everything but the Girl and Swingout Sister and stretched their career another 20 years.
If only. 😢
@@johnholliday5874 I agree John. I never thought I would become a Carpenters (Karen Carpenter) follower or fan. I am from the hard rock club. Now I have everything they ever recorded. Ella and Karen just are once in a creation.
6:19 Ella says to Karen "so pretty" to her voice, what a compliment by Ella!! You can tell the enormous amounts of respect these two have for each other!!
Two of the greatest
You give incredible reviews. I did not know Ella Fitzgerald ever sang with Karen. What a treat this was. This says something about Karen's recognition by the great singers of this time. They knew Karen was special.
"The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards" [J.R.R. Tolkien]:
Karen Carpenter's peers - then and later - recognize her transcendent talent: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Madonna, Chrissie Hynde, and many others.
Two absolute beautiful legends! Two of the most brilliant voices God ever graced us with. Such class and talent! Love them!
Luckily a magical moment forever preserved on video.ella was one of Karen's idols growing up. You can see the joy she has at the end when she's applauding ella.but what a great performance by both of them
Oh,HECK,Britt…I had NEVER seen this! I am ugly crying right now. I loved Karen Carpenter and Ella…well, Ella was on the hi-fi throughout my childhood. My mom loved her and I loved them both. I was even blessed to see Ella in concert toward the end of her performing years. She had to be guided on stage as her eyesight had gotten THAT bad but,oh,that voice…that voice straight from heaven!! I am 69 now and too many loved ones are gone,but hearing these two is bringing back so many wonderful memories/times! I truly hope we are not apart too much longer. Thank you,dear Britt,for this and your great reaction!❤️❤️❤️❤️
These two ladies were a gift to the world. The first song you here Karen and Ella sing is MASQUERADE I recommend you listen to The Carpenters full version of this song. In my opinion, it is the best song I have ever heard them do. Not only does it have her marvelous voice, but it also has a couple of beautiful instrumental solos.
I remember watching this with my parents. It was a very anticipated TV moment. I love the ending. They sounded incredible.
Two of the best voices ever!! Britt, seeing you smiling, totally transfixed by these two icons is so great to see!! 😊
Loved your reaction - you summed it up in one word: Effortless. The greatest of the greats, in any profession, make it look effortless. Those who don't get it say anyone could do it. Those who do get it say - just try.
These are two of the greatest female voices America has ever produced, singing on a network television special. This was our popular entertainment. We didn't know how good we had it.
In 1980, Karen performed a medley of standards in a duet with Ella Fitzgerald on the Carpenters' television program Music, Music, Music.
Ella was THE VOICE before Whitney was ever thought of
Two incredible, top shelf voices. But if you want your mind blown, Karen always considered herself a drummer who sang and not the other way around. She was a world class drummer and has videos here on UA-cam to prove it. Love your reactions Brit
Two iconic women from my past. Both are nothing short of superstars. I miss this kind of talent, style, class. No one can write music like this anymore. I am glad you are discovering it and letting me relive it. Thank you.
Both of their voices are stunning, wonderful, and just too beautiful to describe!
What an absolute treat. I grew up listening to both of them. My Mom was a huge jazz fan and sang her way through college as lead singer for a Big Band that played in her college town of San Jose, CA. Ella was a constant in the house and I was a child as The Carpenters made their mark on the world. What a great find you have here.
Goosebumps!! The talent is outstanding ❤❤❤
So surprised and excited to see you reacting to this! I play this all the time. Their voices reach the DIVINE. Can't help but well up with tears.
Karen Carpenter was also a drum player. That was something she loved. There is a good compliation video of her skill.
"Percussionist" would be a better word...drum player infers some kid in a garage band beating the crap out of the set, same beat and tempo every time lol
Brit, this is video gold! I grew up loving Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Sarah V, and so many, BUT, Ella and Karen were Two Angels that God let escape for just enough to renew the earth' s tone. Two see Them together is better than anything A.I. could generate.
Sure voices like Whitney, Mariah, LeaAnn, Ariana catch my strings everytime I hear them, but these Two Angels made one feel happy to be stuck in the human condition.
Thanks for all the happiness you bring, Brit!
P.S. Frank and Elvis watch this and say, "Wow, how they doing that?'"
Brit, I only have this to talk. I'm a classic Luddite and have no social apps or plates.
Love Your channel and appreciate what and how You do it! Thanks x 1000.
I had never heard this before. Had to excuse myself and watch it on UA-cam Music so that I could really see the video (which I can’t see through your filter). What a beautiful duet that was! Thanks so much for reacting to it, Britt!
WOW, just Wow!!!
Two of my all time favourite singers. Thank you for posting this - their voices brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure someone has said it already, but yes, Karen loved jazz and was a great jazz drummer as well.
As beautiful as that performance is, I've seen it many times, I was equally joyous over your reaction, how you would break out in a smile while listening to them. You really get it when you said it was effortless. When two legendary pro's team up, they always make it look, effortless.
The Lyrics, "Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're my favorite work of art," are from MY FUNNY VALENTINE, a song that Ella recorded (Of course, Frank was the first who recorded the song) and Ella also made a HIT!
This is a clip from The Carpenters TV show, and Karen is singing Ella's songs. It was a Tribute to Ella.
Karen and Richard, started as a jazz trio, with Richard and Jim Bettis singing lead vocals, lol,lol,lol.. They finally came to their senses, and let Karen take over the singing, even though Karen was only 18 years old.
@jazzman, this song goes back to the late thirties and was recorded by several artist before Sinatra in “54.”
My God, you're so articulate, gracious and kind. I just commented on how great you are (under you review of Karen Carpenter's Superstar) but your hearing both the youthful and mature moments in Ms. Fitzgerald's voice reconfirms your capacity for honest diplomacy. These two masters don't test those skills but they serve you well as your patrons entrust a broad range of artists and styles to your review.
Hi, to answer your question about Karen Carpenter and the jazz, in the past of the Carpenters with his brother they made jazz music and some of theirs song was a wik to this period. I suggest you to listen those following title: All I can do, Ice tea, caravan.... and good lisening and discover
At least my algorithm introduced me to your channel like it much enjoy your way of operating I'm an instant Fan and will stay thanx for having me 👍🏿
Ella Fitzgerald and Ms. Carpenter nuf said
Yes, Absolutely a delight and wonderful and beautiful, I smile brightly, definitely two angels of music and song ❤️🔥
This is wonderful! And it was a dream-come-true for Karen. She adored Ms. Fitzgerald and basically idolized her. And now, she's getting to sing with her? Wooohooo! She and her brother, Richard (whom wrote many of their songs with college buddy and a best friend, the ever great John Bettis - think "One Moment In Time" Whitney Houston) would listen to single records and albums from Jazz, to Scat, to Blues, to Country, to Rock-n-Roll as small children. So Karen grew up on Ella & totally adored her. This is just beautiful that Karen got to sing with her childhood idol. Two of the Greats right here. Two of the very best in the business. Whew! As many times as I have heard this duet of some oldies, I still get chills. And I can't help but joyfully smile for Karen especially being in the presence of one of her idols. And, oh yes. Jazz was her music. Karen is actually a Jazz Drummer first. Took Jazz Drumming lessons from one of the best in the business located in Hollywood, Mr. Bill Douglass. He played for Benny Goodman and many of the other Jazz Greats during the 1940s through the 1960s. Karen's first love is JAZZ. She plays drums on at least a few songs, or one or so on all but the last couple of albums. She plays drums for the entire album on OFFERING/TICKET TO RIDE, NOW & THEN, & all but possibly one song on HORIZON. To hear her drumming chops from the albums I would recommend "Another Song" on the CLOSE TO TOU album, it's like 3 songs in 1. And, for Jazz, "This Masquerade" on the NOW & THEN album. There are also some terrific clips of her on UA-cam, especially with the 1972 Australian Concert where she is playing the entire concert but for maybe 2 or 3 songs. Incredible concert! She's playing plus singing lead throughout 95% or more of the whole concert! Also, clips from their 1974 Japan Tour & 1974 Holland Tour she's on drums, including a "Johnny B. Goode" cover that another band member sings, Doug Strawn, while she rips it on her huge drumkit. I highly recommend the oldies medley, too, in the Holland concert, 1974. She's in a light blue outfit and her joy just permeates the cameras on her. Session drummer Hal Blaine had that big kit made for her. She loved his set and wanted one of her own. 😊 So, yeah. She's one heck of a drummer whom just happened to have one of the best female singing voices of all time, as well. She's in the Top 5, for sure. For me, she's #1. Enjoy! And thank you so much for a wonderful reaction. I'm so happy that you love Karen, with the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Heck. They both are legends. Thank you so much! 😄🤗
Thanks for posting. Well said!
As much as we are amazed at the two together. They were very much looking forward to it since they each respected and loved each other.
The lyrics for "My Funny Valentine" were written by the brilliant Lorenz Hart (melody by Richard Rodgers). Hart had a profoundly sad sense of himself. He thought he was terribly ugly, and he was a gay at a time when much of society thought that was a very shameful thing, which he surely internalized. The song becomes very poignant when you consider his tragic and too short life. To me, this song expresses the hope that even if you are not conventionally beautiful, someone will love you. I appreciate the sentiment very much and wish that Hart had known his own worth. Same could be said for Karen. I appreciate you sharing your reactions to this incredible duet. Truly the two greatest female vocalists of our time. I'm so glad they got a chance to work together.
Thanks for this. You conveyed much better than I could the heart of this song 😊.
Awesome voices together awesome reaction by you again like always thank you so much for sharing your video with us love it Britt.👍
Perfection and class!
Gives me chills every time I watch this video.
I get goose bumps every time I see these classy, elegant ladies sing. 🥀💞🥀💞. Our entertainers today could learn a great deal from these two stunning, naturally talented singers. 🎶 🎶
These are classic lounge standards. Not sure how you can get better than Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald. Absolutely two of my favorite female vocalists. Both of them just hit it in the pocket every single time.
Britt, this was Nice, Two Fantastic Singers performing together. Thank You for Doing this Video.
Her hair in this special was the best 'do I've EVER seen on her. It was beautiful.
Loved both of these ladies. Thankful I shared part of life with both of them.
I just absolutely love this!!! They are amazing!!!
Karen is the genre Britt, she has done it all
I saw Ella in concert for years. She used to play Ravinia, here in Chicago, every year. She was amazing. Harry Bellefonte used to do Ravinia every summer, also.
She has an UNBELIEVABLE VOICE
I agree with you. It is a perfect match. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's timeless. These are absolute Legends
Ella was a powerhouse in the music world as well. Two classic singers together doesn't get any better.
I'd never heard this. How nice.
Ella and Karen my two favorites! ❤❤
Wow this is so good ❤️
Ella is so captivating you dont want to miss a second
Such beautiful voices and ladies.. Much love for this reaction and the refreshing memories..
Great and wonderful find! Thank you
Karen Carpenter learned from Ella Fitzgerald and Ella learned from Connie Boswell of the Boswell Sisters. The magic is passed on to the next generation if they're smart enough to listen and learn.
My Funny Valentine is a classic American standard. The lines you refer to basically say that yes, beauty is only skin deep, it is what inside that truly counts. That is what this timeless song has always meant to me.
With aldue respect you are truly amazing darlin your an inspiration to others 👍
@Miss_brittreacts_. When I have time right now I'm with some snow birds rich people who can't take the cold yet penny pinchers who rather me build them a custom home in summer to stay in port Aransas instead of building a home In.hawaii
@Miss_brittreacts_. Tell you I have no social life like I'm married to my work that's why I ended up divorced she couldn't take me never being home gotta go be safe 👍
You are correct the first time I saw The Carpenters I was 24, Miss. Carpenter was around 16 or 17 and a part of her brother Jazz Trio (they won the battle of the bands). Richard played Keyboard Karen drums (and sang once in a while), and Wes Jacobs played the tuba and bass. Most of the music they did after that had a jazz feel to it especially in the instrumentation. Richard chose the music they were going to do (wrote a lot of it) he also produced the albums and did all the arrangements. He and Karen also sang all of the background parts on all of their albums no one else sang on any of their albums. They did experimental thing the whole time they were preforming "Good By To Love" for instance Tony Peluso (on guitar) stated that this was one of the first power ballads, if not the first, to have a fuzz guitar solo. "Goodbye to Love" was the first Carpenters hit written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis. If you would like to hear one of their covers with a country/folk tint try "Reason To Believe" ua-cam.com/video/kTWeHeM6mZI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=awhwong This example will also introduce you to her drumming it was done on the 5th Dimension Traveling Sunshine TV special in 1971.
Ella Fitzgerald + Karen Carpenter = amazing superstars. I have LP of Ella. I just bought it a week ago.
MY FUNNY VALENTINE is one of the great, all-time standards, recorded by hundreds of artists - it's from a 1930s Musical - Valentine is one of the male characters in the musical - the song is sung by the lead female character - Valentine is the object of the famous lyrics "Your looks are laughable, unphotograghable, and yet you're my favorite work of art". They continue: "Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak? When you open it to speak are you smart?" Too damn bad we didn't get to hear Karen sing the whole song. Ella was one of Karen's idols growing up. She listened to her records often. She learned a lot about the art of singing from Ella. We're looking at the two best singers of the 20th century here. What a wonderful delight! If this duet had been two hours long it still would have been too short. Ella - the First Lady of Song. Karen - the Girl with the Golden Voice.
Lovely, just lovely..., a vocal garden.
Goosebumps!
So moving. Two beautiful Ladies with sublime voices. Ellis Fitzgerald...a favorite of mine. May they both rest in peace.
May I suggest Johnny Mathis 'Chances Are'. Also for a fun one Nancy Sinatra 'These Boots Are Made for Walking'.
Beautiful. Pick out two singers who could pull this off today. I don't think so.
That was so great!! Thank you Britt!!
I’ve never ever heard a bad word about Karen Carpenter her voice ect It truly is amazing & a one off her voice is the best I have ever heard just beautiful and 40 years after her death it’s astonishing people still adore her. ! Better than all the trash of 2023 your Sam smiths and Adele’s & Ed Sheran She’s a cut above
Thanks so much for reacting to this. Loved your reaction.
Loved it thank you
I've always loved Karen's voice and songs. I was devastated when she died. Such an amazing talent gone way too soon.
This is the first time I've seen and heard this duet and its such a treat. Thanks for picking this one Britt. 🙏
I have always heard that Ella was saying to Karen “ I just love your voice”.
Don’t forget Ella and Mel Torme Grammy Awards fire scat performance.
WOW! Never get tired of watching those two! THAT'S CLASS! Love your smile and reactions to this wonderful performance. Watching Karen and her never ending smile you can tell she is so honored to be singing with the great ELLA FITZGERALD!
Richard and Karen were very much influenced by jazz when they were young. Very observant of you!
BTW, they mash together a few really well selected, and tricky tunes all covered by so many, but not often mixed over as this gem!
Frank and Elvis did a little on Frank's show way back that was just great. Sting did Funny Valentine with a famous trumpeter that was brilliant.
Casablanca, Gershwin, et al...just fantastic.
Thanks again and good health to all on board!
She was the best voice out there. This was when she was dying, but never knew it . Look ar how Gaunt she was. Go read her story. Such a beautiful rare voice.
I know all of those songs. Realizing that I'll never again hear these wonderful vocal musicians spontaneously invent a new twist on these and other songs makes me cry.
It is sooo much fun watching you enjoy music from the past!!❤ thank you 🙏
She is timeless and will forever be!!!
Magic
Two of my all time favorite vocalists…unbelievable, that this is my first time hearing this!!! Goosebumps!!! You made my day Britt ❤!!
Two music giants.
All songs from the great American Songbook. If you haven’t listened to the Big Bands and the Crooners, both black and white, from the mid 30’s to 60’s you are truly missing out. Ella, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Helen Forrest, Edie Gorme are just the tip of the iceberg. So many more to explore if you love great music and vocalists, although the Big Bands at first were mostly instrumentals with “girl” and “boy” singers cutting in until there was a musicians strike. That’s when the era of the singers as the headliners kicked in. Someone I love who is almost never reacted to is the great tenor and film star Mario Lanza. He had a number one hit record called Be My Love. My Funny Valentine is an American Standard by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers. It starts out as a bit tongue in cheek but then segues into a hauntingly beautiful love song. I believe the Carpenters first serious band was a Jazz trio. They won a big jazz competition early on.
This reminds me of how great a song “I’ll Be Seeing You” is. Great lyrics that twist up the “I’ll be seeing you” phrase, which meant “Goodbye” back in the day.
Beautiful woman, beautiful voice and to be singing with Ella Fitzgerald!!!
Their voices compliment each other’s perfectly. I’d love to have heard Karen sing with Sarah Vaughan