Karen Carpenter was one of the most iconic singers of the 1970s, known for her smooth, melodic voice and heartfelt lyrics. Unfortunately, her life was cut tragically short when she died on February 4, 1983, at the age of just 32.
Carpenter’s last public appearance was just weeks before her death, at a promotional photo shoot for the 25th annual Grammy Awards. The photo, taken on January 11, 1983, shows Carpenter looking thin and frail, leading many to speculate about her health.
In the years leading up to her death, Carpenter had struggled with anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder that can have severe physical and psychological effects. She had sought treatment for the disorder, but it had taken a toll on her body and her career. Carpenter’s weight loss had become increasingly noticeable to her fans, and her struggles with anorexia had become a public topic of conversation.
After Carpenter’s death, the music world was left reeling. Her music had been a staple of the airwaves for years, and her untimely passing was a shock to her many fans. Despite the sadness of her passing, however, Carpenter’s legacy continued to grow in the years that followed. Her songs continued to be popular on the radio and in films, and her music videos were frequently played on MTV. Her voice, once again, captured the hearts of listeners around the world.
In addition to her musical legacy, Carpenter’s death also drew attention to the issue of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Her struggles with the disorder had been well-documented, and her death helped to raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with these conditions.
The Karen Carpenter Foundation, established in 1985 by Carpenter’s brother, Richard, has been a driving force in promoting awareness of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. The foundation provides information and resources to help those struggling with these disorders, and works to promote research into their causes and treatments.
Carpenter’s life and music continue to be celebrated today, nearly 40 years after her death. Her songs, including “Close to You,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” remain classics of the era, and her legacy as a singer and songwriter lives on. She is remembered not only for her talent, but also for her bravery in sharing her struggles with anorexia with the world.
Karen Carpenter’s death was a tragedy that had a profound impact on the music world and on the broader public consciousness. Her last photo, taken just weeks before her death, has become an iconic image of her struggles with anorexia and of the toll the disorder can take on a person’s health. Despite the sadness of her passing, however, Carpenter’s legacy has continued to grow in the decades since her death, as her music and her message continue to inspire new generations of listeners.
Sonic Youth – Song for Karen
Todd Haynes’ short film Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story is a very interesting take on her biography.
A beautiful singer, amazing drummer and a great loss.
I had a teacher play this for us in high school and it fucked me up for years
Yeah a friend gave me a copy on VHS years ago and it is disturbing.
Disturbing how?
It is disturbing to watch a beautiful and talented young woman destroyed by self starvation, ironically in a time and place when food is abundant and in many ways excessive. The contrasts in the film are stark and affecting, and I remember after seeing it the first time thinking this weird little film had me riveted for the last 43 minutes.
The stiff movements and frozen expressions of the characters paired with emotional voice overs, the claustrophobic and disorienting first person scenes interspersed with snippets of television shows and violent news footage.
The television is the main source of images of “real” people in the film, along with the documentary-like scenes of descriptions of anorexia nervosa and individual impressions of the Carpenters music. It’s an interesting collage of techniques.
The pressures of her family and professional life are crushing but her own pathological self control is inescapable.
you have an amazing way with words!
and to think they were only gonna leave the description at “it is disturbing”!
todd haynes has made many great films over the years and I still think he hasn’t topped that
I just pulled this up on YT. I can’t seem to get passed the Barbies. Sitting here wondering if I should just keep it as audio and ignore the screen…..
The Barbies (I think) are a comment on the American idealization of women and the tragic self destruction that results. It may also represent the abstract reality experienced by celebrities. It is surreal and unsettling but an integral part of the film.
Practically, it was easier to make the film with dolls and small manufactured sets versus the cost and complications of actors and actual sets.
Interesting perspective! Thanks for your feedback!
Sonic Youth – Superstar
Her voice was liquid gold.
A voice like being stroked by a velvet glove
I still listen to her voice nearly every day…
One of my favorite childhood memories is listening to Yesterday Once More while my mom did dishes in the kitchen.
I loved Rainy Days snd Mondays ❤️
Love Solitaire