Hi Fans!

Mr. Joe Saunders and the Carpenters and staff wish to convey heartfelt thanks for the many beautiful tributes, and messages of sympathy on the tragic passing of his wife, and our dear friend Lois.

Richard & Karen have received numerous letters of congratulations for their unforgettable performance with the Boston Pops which was televised recently. Richard's rendition of the Warsaw Concerto was indeed a masterpiece

Their stay at Lake Tahoe was rather uneventful. They enjoyed the smog free air, the lush green surroundings, and boating on the beautiful lake.

Will devote the remainder of the newsletter to a question & answer list.

Q. Does Karen use certain patterns when playing drums, or does she just do her own thing?

A. Mostly just does her own thing.

Q. What was the first song Richard ever wrote, and when?

A. I Don't Know What To Do in 1961.

Q. What are some of the points Richard looks for when selecting material to record?

A. Strong melody and lyric line, and the ability to attract public appeal.

Q. Does the size of the guitar influence the tone of the music?

A. Electric guitar will produce a rounder sound than a hollow body. Both can produce a variety of sounds.

Q. How do you choose the size guitar you want?

A. We leave that up to the guitarist you choose.

Q. What size guitar produces the best sound?

A. Standard size, hollow body.

Q. What year did Richard write Flat Baroque?

A. 1966.

Q. Who are their favorite singers?

A. Neil Diamond, Mel Torme, Anthony Newley, Glen Campbell, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand are among their favorites.

Q. What is the instrument on top of Richard's electric piano?

A. A synthesizer. It is totally electric and all sounds are electronically made.

Q. What brand instruments and equipment do you prefer?

A. Ludwig Drums, Fender Bass, Kustom Amps, Hammond Organ, Baldwin Grand Piano Wurlitzer Electric Piano and Shure Microphones.

Q. Is Karen still playing guitar?

A. Not professionally, just for her own amusement.

Q. Which songs did they play in the 1965 "Battle Of The Bands?

A. Two jazz numbers, Iced Tea (composed by Richard) and The Girl From Ipenema.

Q. How does Doug amplify his clarinet?

A. It is plugged into a Maestrn Unit which can make a clarinet or saxophone sound very similar.

Q. Do Richard & Karen produce any other records than their own?

A. They have not done so to-date.

Q. Do either of them have hobbies?

A. Karen does beautiful needlepoint. Enjoys shopping, cooking, playing pool. Richard likes to listen to records, watch science fiction films, drive sports cars, and read about old classic cars.

Q. When will they appear on TV again?

A. If all goes according to plan, they will be guests on Perry Como's Special. Plans are tentative, and could be changed.

Q. Is it true that Karen uses a machine to make her voice sound better and louder.

A. No, all she has ever used is a microphone.

Q. Do most of Richard & Karen's relatives live on the east coast of the U.S.A.?

A. Most of their Mom's relatives live there. Dad's relatives reside in Canada England and Australia.

Q.Has their album CARPENTERS GOLDEN PRIZE ever been released in the U.S.A.

A. No, both Volume 1 and 2 are put out by King Records of Japan, and will not be released in the U.S.A, If you send a self addressed, stamped envelope, the Fan Club can send you a list of all Carpenters albums released in Japan, as well as the address of King Records.

Q. Will Richard & Karen produce a Christmas Album this year?

A. Regretfully no, time does not permit.

Q. Are they superstitious?

A No.

Q. What is the best way to get good seats for a concert?

A. Mail order. Send check or money order to the box office of the theater where they are scheduled to appear.

Q. Did Richard play accordion before he started piano lessons?

A. Yes, briefly, but he didn't care for accordion.

Q. On the inner sleeve of the album A Song For You the bluebird on the calendar is in front of June 11. Is there any significance to that date?

A. No.

Q. How long has Karen been playing drums?

A. Since her high school days. She started by playing snare in the high school band.

Q. Has Karen ever been criticized for playing an instrument that men usually play?

A. No. She has received numerous compliments from male drummers, and has been an incentive for other girls to take up drumming.

Q. Have Richard & Karen been in any movies?

A. They have made no appearances in movies, but they did sing the theme song of Bless The Beasts And The Children throughout the movie of the same name.

Q. When did John Bettis start writing songs with Richard?

A. When they worked in Disneyland together in 1966.

Q. If I move out of the country, will I still be a fan club member, and will I still be able to purchase keepsakes?

A. Yes, but be sure to send us your new address as well as your old. The keepsakes will be slightly higher, due to increased postal charges.

Q. Does Karen have pierced ears?

A. No.

Q. Do Richard & Karen have nicknames for each other?

A. No.

Q. How many of their records have hit gold, and how many gold records now hang on their walls?

A. Nine singles, and five albums hit told. They each receive a gold record from A & M and also from RIAA They have also received gold records from Japan, Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, plus two platinum records each. from the Netherlands. They now have a total of eighty four gold records, and four platinum. In addition they received a gold cassette and silver cartridge from the United Kingdom.

Keep your questions pouring in. Sooner or later we'll answer them in a future newsletter.

Thank you for your continued interest in our famous duo.

We checked with the company that's handling the Carpenters belt buckles, and they have promised delivery in the very near future.

We have good news for needlepoint lovers. In time for Christmas, we are offering Needlepoint Kits which will include canvas, yarn, needle and instructions. The design of course will feature the famous Carpenter logo. There will be a choice of three sets of yarn colors, yellow/orange, navy blue/red, and two contrasting shades of green. The kits will come in two sizes, a belt size 36" x 2 1/2" which can also be used as a guitar strap, and a framing size 10" x 10". The price of each kit will be $XX.

More news in December. EV.

Last changed: Tue Jun 14 15:47:33 EDT 2005