This video shows how Karen Carpenter was an incredible drummer at just 18 years old

Smooth Radio ^ | 4/28/21 | Tom Eaamus

[DallasBiff]

Karen Carpenter is known for her fantastic singing voice, but it can easily be forgotten just how good a drummer she was too.

Karen Carpenter was a rare lead singer of a group who also took on drumming duties when performing with her brother Richard in the Carpenters

[DallasBiff]

Well now would she be rated with keith moon, john bonham, or ringo.

[Jane Long]

My fave drummer.

[broken_clock]

Going on memory I thought she was named drummer of the year and John Bonham had a fit about it.

[MattMusson]

If Karen Carpenter and Mama Cass had just shared that ham sandwich, they might both be alive today.

[Round Earther]

“Hey, mom, look, I’m up here, I finally made it
I’m playing the drums again, too
Don’t be sad, the band doesn’t sound half bad
And I remember, mom, what you said
You said, “Honey, you look so underfed””

[Jane Long]

😂 🙃

[moovova]

You’re “Who” thread got pulled awhile ago. I enjoyed the drummer.

[JonPreston]

Is that her drum solo in, We’ve Only Just Begun?

[Dr. Sivana]

The first video didn’t really provide a lot of opportunity for drum fills. Her voice was not all the way developed yet.

Of course for other drummers who headline the act we have Dave Clark and Gary Lewis (ok, his drumming had assists).

[Qwapisking]

as a lifelong drummer and percussionist, she was as good as any of the very best...except maybe Buddy Rich. met him at a drum clinic in Florida. 8 feet away with my 4 y.o.son on my hip, as mesmerized as I was! could feel every stick strike. I almost quit playing, but I didn’t. too bad my son never picked it up. went into computers instead. best up close and personal drumming clinic ever. sure wish Karen had done one because I would have traveled across the country to be there. damn...getting old sucks more when your hero’s are mostly gone. if you’re a drummer, keep on drumming. if not...don’t give up hope. 3/4 time rolling on our.

[Pappy Smear]

Here is a link from a couple years ago at the Iowa High School Boys State Basketball Tournament. This was small school division, so a cheerleader did double duty on the trap for a cover of Van Halen's cover of the Kinks "You Really Got Me Now."

Cute high school girl, in a cheerleader outfit, just knockin' it out on the drums. Fun video.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2463920703870812&locale=gl_ES

[Leaning Right]

My favorite drummer is Larry Fine. What he didn’t have with talent he made up with a unique stage presence.

[cyclotic]

Larry Fine actually was a concert violinist. But not much of a drummer.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

"If Karen Carpenter and Mama Cass had just shared that ham sandwich, they might both be alive today."

I had to think about that for a moment, then I started laughing (in a sick sort of way).

[SamAdams76]

I think her drumming would make Moon and Bonham writhe on the floor in fear. Ringo might be able to keep up with her but he’d be a half beat off.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

She was amazing! The ending scene of her 1976 TV Special has some amazing special effects with her playing drums in the background and foreground.

What an infectious smile and enthusiasm!

[Retrofitted]

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/led-zeppelins-john-bonham-once-lost-to-karen-carpenter-in-a-best-drummer-poll.html/

[Gigantor]

I love Karen Carpenter, but, the first video is sped up by about 20%.

[Firehath]

Virtuoso

Never used that word before

[ought-six]

There is a young German girl who plays the drums who is far better than Karen Carpenter was, and she could give the drumming greats a run for their money. I forget what her name was.