I Used to HATE this 70s Band…Now I ADORE Them…THIS Is What CHANGED My Mind! | Professor of Rock

Coming up, the story of one of the most emotionally charged hits of the rock era- Raindy Days and Mondays by the Carpenters was written by a budding songwriter Paul Williams with music by Roger Nichols, and performed by the Sister and Brother duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter. This duo was constantly ridiculed by journalists for their squeaky-clean image. I admit that I absolutely Despised their music for a quarter century. But then in a transcendent moment, today’s song converted me for good. It was Karen’s soothing voice that changed me. Today’s song, Rainy Days and Mondays is a "no doubt about it" masterpiece with one of the best lyrics of its day. But A decade after the song’s peak on the pop charts, the lives of the lyricist Paul Williams and lead singer Karen Carpenter were thrown into turmoil. It’s yet another interesting tale of what goes on behind the fame…NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Brandon Fugal

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Steve Maddox, Thomas French, John Tanner, Robert Coen, Mark Austin, SRoth

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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember trying to grow your hair out long to look like your guitar heroes you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now. So you know when our latest interviews are dropping... W

It’s time for another edition of our show the new standards. This show takes an in-depth look into songs that transcend genre, decade, and fads - songs that are landmarks in our culture and society. I have to admit today's group was one that I could not stand for the first 20-plus years of my life. I used to hate their music. Actually, despise is probably a better word to use. I turned the channel when they came on the radio. I threw up in my mouth if I ever had to listen to their stuff for longer than 2 minutes and my parents loved them. Then something changed in me and now I adore them. Especially the soothing voice of one Karen Carpenter.

The Carpenters stand as one of the most successful duos in the history of rock music, boasting phenomenal popularity across the globe. In the UK, they secured the 7th spot among the biggest-selling acts of the 70s, while in Japan, they ranked second only to The Beatles as the best-selling international act of all time, currently holding the prestigious third position behind The Beatles and Mariah Carey. Stateside, siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter delivered an impressive tally of 12 Top 10 singles. Despite their chart-topping success, the Carpenters faced skepticism from critics who struggled to reconcile their wholesome image with their widespread acclaim.
Lester Bangs a writer for Rolling Stone Magazine opined that The Carpenters were “out of step” with the music of the era, and mocked them further by stating The Carpenters had “the most disconcerting collective stage presence of any band I have seen. I’m gonna bite my tongue on that review because you all know how I feel about Rolling Stone Magazine…

[ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who has the MOST SOOTHING Voice of the Rock Era?

[cliffbarber]

I'm still a hard rocker at 72 but when I hear Karen Carpenter sing i slip into a warm, comfortable, blissful state.

[petersahn]

She had one of the purest voices ever. How lucky were we to be alive at the same time as Karen Carpenter

[edjo]

The girl never used autotune and never sang off key. Beautiful vocals!

[charlessmith]

I am a black 64 year old man and I have always loved the Carpenters. Karen and Richard are the best. My sister and I have always loved soft rock and the Carpenters were a major part of it. My wife of 44 years nor my sons never learned to love them as I do. My sister died in 2007 so every time I listen to the Carpenters I think of her. Thank you for the video.

[thebupster]

Richard Carpenter said it best: “If you say you don’t like our music that is fair but if you say it’s BAD music, I’m sorry, you’re just wrong” ❤️❤️ They were both geniuses.

[jhenry]

I never understood why so many people have a problem with wholesomeness, I find it refreshing. Love the Carpenters, always did. If Karen had lived lived, can you imagine how many records they might have broken.

[wpl]

How does a 21 year old singer sing "Talking to myself and feeling old" and make it sound genuine? Her gift is that her voice never sounded false when she was singing any line. She connected to the words so well. There are a lot of female singers who can sing with exuberance. Singing with power and fireworks galore. She never needed to overstress herself. Her singing just flowed out of her like hot chocolate. So sweet and pure and warm. Why is it that it seems the best things in life are limited. We needed more of her singing but it ran out. What a shame.

[RickClifton]

I'm 71, graduated High School in 1971. "We've only just begun" was our class song. What a great time to live...

[daveshearer]

I was a total rock head in the 70s, Zep, Sabbath, etc....but I always had room in my heart for my guilty pleasures of ABBA and The Carpenters. :-)

[jerrytodd]

Karen's voice will never be matched again. She was priceless

[gertgallier]

She was the first woman I ever saw playing drums. Helped my sisters and I realize we could do it too. Two of us ended up playing them in school.

[DRE_vid]

Karen Carpenter's crystal clear, purely emotional voice is possibly the best in rock/pop history. Not flashy, just emotionally gripping. Really nothing else like it.

[chipu]

I met Richard Carpenter in 1985 while taking a music marketing class at UCLA taught by the editor of Billboard magazine. He arranged a tour of A&M records and lo and behold there was Richard in the studio where he and Karen recorded all their hits. He was the nicest guy in the world and shared some great stories but you could still feel his sadness of losing Karen. Still one of my great memories.

[dianasoto]

41 years ago today, February 4, 1983 the world lost a beautiful voice and a beautiful soul. RIP Karen Carpenter. ❤️

[jtkriskey]

Karen Carpenter was not only a fabulous vocal talent, but watching her play the drums is a sheer treat! Absolutely amazing!

[reneeholcomb]

I was born in 72’ and grew up listening to the Carpenters because my Grandma always listened to them and I loved their songs and would sing all their songs along with her . Awesome memories. RIP Karen RIP Grandma ❤️

[odditiesparanormalmysterie]

The Professor is one of the truly genuinely nice guys on YouTube. He revealed his vulnerability he endured and how the Carpenters helped him heal.
Prof, thank you for what you bring to this community!

[dazone]

Karen Carpenter was also voted the best rock drummer in 1975. Rest in peace Karen you blessed the world with your beautiful voice that will never be forgotten

[MaebyBaby]

Oh my God, I'm 62 years old & I don't remember a time in my life I didn't love their music. Karen's voice is otherworldly. ❤