Seasons Greetings Friends!

Our Christmas will be much brighter this year with the gift of Richard's new Christmas Album An Old Fashioned Christmas which was released worldwide on the 27th. October. This awesome masterpiece is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Karen, and we are greatly indebted to Richard for his "labor of love" in affording us another opportunity to enjoy more of the music we have grown to love, and will cherish forever. Have a good supply of hankies ready!

Richard will be appearing on the Solid Gold Christmas Special. As of this writing he is planning to perform Home For The Holidays. You'll have to check your local listings for air date etc.

Here's some news guaranteed to please most of you; Yesterday Once More VIDEO will be released in VHS, Beta and Disc format. It will feature 14 of the Carpenters greatest hits, and will be offered in "Hi Fi" stereo. It is scheduled for release as early as February, 1985. The retail price will be $XX.XX and it will be a worldwide release.

Richard is in pro-production on his solo album (as yet untitled). It is set for release some time in 1985.

We have recently been advised by the publishers that a stock of Carpenters music books has been "unearthed" in their warehouse, so we are able now to make available the Carpenters Anthology price $XX.XX U.S.A, and $XX.XX to members residing outside the States, Also at hand we have the original Gold Standard Series book for easy piano entitled The Carpenters. Price for this is $X.XX in USA and $X.XX other. (Canada & Mexico as per USA). The latter book embraces 14 songs: Only Yesterday, Top Of The World, One Love, Love Me For What I Am, Fun Fun Fun, Drusilla Penny, Let's Get Together, Let Me Be The One, We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, Close To You, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love and I Won't Last A Day Without You.

We regret our stocks of several Carpenters memorabilia items are now exhausted and will not be replaced, but we do have a limited supply of the cast brass belt buckles, size 4 1/2" x 2" with raised polished Carpenters logo, available to all members for $XX.XX including shipping etc.

Now, by popular request another Question and Answer session:

Q. What was the last song Karen recorded, and when was this done?

A. Now in 1982.

Q, When was the Voice Of The Heart picture of Karen taken?

A. It was taken in New York late 1980.

Q. What song did Karen & Richard sing with Julio Iglesias on European TV in 1978?

A. Sing.

Q. Where did the quote featured on the inner sleeve of Voice Of The Heart LP "Few are the choices we are given - the sands of time pass quickly by" originate?

A. Richard and John Bettis wrote it in a segment of their song One Love on the album Carpenters, and the flip side of the single I Won't Last A Day Without You.

Q. Were Karen's vocals for An Old Fashioned Christmas recorded during the 1978 Christmas Portrait sessions, or were some of them more recent?

A. They were recorded during the Christmas Portrait sessions.

Q. Will there be any video clips for the new Christmas album?

A. No.

Q. Did Karen hear any of the Voice Of The Heart tracks in their completed form? If so, what was her favorite?

A. Yes, "Look To Your Dreams".

Q. Did Richard have to add some special effects into any songs in order to make them complete, or did Karen finish them all for the Voice Of The Heart album?

A. Richard does not use special effects, he had to complete background vocals and orchestrations.

Q. Will Karen's solo album ever be released?

A. No.

Q. What kind of songs are featured on Karen's solo recording?

A. Light rock and disco.

Q. Did the O.K. Chorale record with Karen, or after she passed away?

A. Before and after.

Q. Does Richard have plans for a concert tour at England next year?

A. Yes, sometime in 1985.

Q. Does he plan to release any live recordings?

A. At the present time, no.

Q. Does Richard know Herb Alpert dedicated his Blow Your Own Horn LP to Karen?

A. Yes.

Q. Is it true Richard appeared on a recent American Music Awards?

A. Yes, with Barbara Mandrell, a tribute to Karen during a segment of industry greats who had recently departed.

Q. Which version of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do did Richard arrange for Neil Sedaka the fast or jazzy version?

A. The jazzy version.

Q. Does Richard plan to release the songs he and Karen recorded on the RCA or Magic Lamp label?

A. No.

Q. What does Richard think of the linear tracking turntables?

A. He thinks it is better for tracking than a standard configuration, but he prefers the traditional because he like to "spot" select in a hurry. Richard feels Compact Disc is better than either.

Q. What kind of stereo equipment does Richard own?

A. Four 12" Tannoy speakers, Pioneer SA-9100 Intergrated Amp., Techniques SP-1 5 Turntable, SME Tare arm, Sony TC-n60 Cassette Deck, B and O MMC2OCL pickup and stylist, Techniques 1520 Open Reel Recorder, DIX 20/20 Equalizer, Techniques SLP8 Compact Disc Player.

Q. When will we see Richard's interview on 20/20?

A. At that time, soon after Karen's demise, he was "burned out" on interviews, and felt he couldn't handle any more, so canceled same.

Q. How about an update on the original members of the Carpenters Group?

A. Cubby does freelance work, and recently accompanied Bernadette Peters during a Boston Pops concert. He is currently playing with the original Mouseketeers at Disneyland. Tony is co-producing for various artists, the latest being Sam Harris. Danny is involved with working with a Computer company. Bob still plays at local gigs. Gary is studying dentistry at the University of San Francisco. They all keep in touch with Richard and family.

Richard, family and staff extend good wishes to you all for a Blessed, Safe and Happy Holiday Season, and thank you all for the support and encouragement you extend Richard in your moving letters of appreciation.

Have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. God Bless you All. Rosina.

Last changed: Thu Sep 15 09:13:33 EDT 2005