The one and only Karen....

It was a stock photograph that’s used by most

record companies…a posed black and white photo

on gloss finished stock, centered over the

A&M Records logo. They were produced by the

thousands and given away at concerts, sent out

in the mail, used in promotions.

In 1976 while at WINR in Binghamton I was

completely intoxicated by one Karen Carpenter.

I had played her songs on the air for many

years, and our station at one time had thought

about trying to have her and brother Richard

do a concert at the Broome County arena.

We had in the past had some big names; Dion,

Danny and the Juniors, Chubby Checker, the

Shirelles, just to name a few.

So then we reached out to the Carpenters and

their agents to see about availability. I’m

not sure I remember all the details, but I do

remember it just couldn’t be arranged…it was

I’m sure a combination of money and maybe the

size of the venue, etc.

A few weeks later I received an 8 by 11 inch brown

mailer addressed to me from California.

Hastily opening it before going on the air at

10:00 a.m. to do my show, I removed what felt

like a photograph wrapped in tissue paper.

Gently removing the paper, I saw her gazing

at me, straight on. I quickly scanned the

photo of Karen, my eyes quickly darting to

the upper right hand corner and the note saying,

“Stan, thanks for playing my music, Karen”

You could have pushed me over with a feather.

I still get chills to this day thinking of that

great gift the mailman had brought me that week.

I indeed had a huge crush on her, no doubt about

it.

And I have searched for that photograph for years

now, to no avail. Maybe someday it will turn up..

at least I’m hoping for such.

Eight years later, in February of 1983, we lost

Karen Carpenter at age 32. I was crushed. I felt

like I had lost a member of my family. And to be

very honest, I’m still haunted by her.. every time

I hear one of her songs…that crisp, clear perfect

voice, singing her songs with such meaning and

eloquence. I don’t really think there will be

another Karen Carpenter. And I think her brother

Richard who performed with her would echo my

sentiments.

So here’s to you Karen. We all miss you, your

voice, your music. Thank you for your music

and I was so humbled to broadcast it for so

many people to enjoy. Sleep well.

SS