Hi fans:
Carpenters and staff hope you are all enjoying a wonderful and safe summer vacation. We extend congratulations to all graduates, and wish you success in your chosen fields.
Richard and Karen have been very busy as usual, and haven't given any thought to vacation time. They have just returned home from a two week engagement at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, where their show was well received.
The new show now, includes the Star Wars and Close Encounters plan rendition which Richard played so superbly an their Space Encounters T.V Special last May. They utilized fire pots and laser beams as in the Special much to the delight or the audience. Even space ships were visible! Due to a technical hitch this system couldn't be installed until the second week or the engagement. Unfortunately they were unable to make full use or the huge mirror they introduced on stage for the Warsaw Concerto in previous shows. It was lowered for a brief period, then raised out or sight to avoid interference with the lasers And other special lighting effects.
So sorry we could not advise you in advance about their appearance On the Tonight Show June 27th. It was one or those last minute decision event which was not confirmed in time to be announced in the TV Guide. Richard and Karen stole time from a recording session to appear as a favor for the friend John Davidson who was hosting for Johnny Carson, so we hope many or you caught the show. Karen sang a gorgeous song they discovered on their recent trip to Europe, entitled Thank You for The Music. This is also be incorporated in their new road show.
The Christmas album is completed, and work on the jacket is in progress. You will enjoy the variety of beautiful music Richard has chosen. You will recognize a few of the numbers from last year's Christmas Special.
The B.L. Mitchell single Where I Want To Be / Venus was released July and should be in your music stores now. We wish Bob every success with his first venture into the tough world of music. He is a fine vocalist, and the superb backing of Richard's and Peter Knight's arrangements and orchestrations can only enhance the progress of his first single.
At the present time, Richard and Karen are back at A & M studios again working on another album. They've already spent many long hours on it, but have a long way to go. When complete, it will be another gem.
Attention Car Buffs! You'll be interested to know the August issue of Motor Trend Magazine will feature an article and some photos of Richard's Chrysler 300 D convertible. The article is entitled Retrospect. The center or the magazine is a double page colored picture or the white beauty, plus some excellent black & white shots of the front & back interior, wheel, tailfin, engine, dash and 300 D insignia.
Since the last newsletter, there have been four cars added to Richard's collection. A 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix, a 1957 Jaguar XK-14O, 1978 Corvette and a 1961 Chrysler 300 D convertible. Karen has purchased a second car-a 1956 Thunderbird convertible. We don't think she has designs on attaining a vast collection like her brother!
Mom and Dad Carpenter entered Richard's 1957 Chrysler 300 C in Harrah's prestigious Car Show in Sparks, Nevada where it won first place in the Chrysler 300 C category. A proud Mom & Dad carried the beautiful sterling silver trophy back home to Downey, where it now rests among others on shelf in the music room.
Happy to report that on a recent special edition of American Top 40 countdown, featuring the Top 40 Artists or the 1970's, in accordance with the Billboard Magazine, Richard & Karen rated #4 which is no mean feat in thu tough competitive world of music. Realizing that in April, 1979, they will have survived a decade in their chosen field, we are indeed mighty proud of our multi-talented idols.
Although the trip to Europe was very brief, Richard & Karen met some very nice people when they went to participate in the Star Parade t.v. show in Germany, and the Top Pop show in Holland, and enjoyed meeting their loyal fans from both countries. They were particularly delighted to meet the famous group Abba in Germany. The songs they recorded for the shows were Sweet, Sweet Smile and Top of The World, since which, Smile has become a hit in Europe.
There is room for just a few questions and answers as follows:
Richard and Karen are quite excited about their prospective 2 or 3 day trip to Nashville, Tennessee next week, where they will meet their friend Joe Osborne, check out the music scene, and record some tracks.
They feel very perturbed by the fact that they have found it impossible to tour Statewide for quite a time, but when you realize what they will have accomplished by the end of 1978, I'm sure you will understand why. They cannot provide us with so much beautiful music we expect of them, and which is very time consuming, as well as touring around the country. I know the end result of their upcoming albums will prove to be more than well worth the wait or seeing them 'live' in your cities.
Just received the exciting news that confirms Richard & Karen will be staging their own Christmas TV Special again this year. (one more reason for their lack of appearances at your concert halls!) There is no info regarding their prospective guests at this stage. I will notify you as soon as it becomes available.
You may have seen the highway patrol commercials featuring Richard & Karen advising us all to 'Drive Carefully' & hope you heed same!
Rap in September EV.
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Last changed: Tue Jul 26 15:12:33 EDT 2005