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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 12, 2008 23:50:30 GMT -5
By Michael Lim Ubac Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 18:46:00 02/12/2008 MANILA, Philippines -- Taking a pause from the affairs of the state, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be serenaded by the American musician Richard Carpenter, in Malacañang on Valentine's Day , Thursday. Carpenter, with his late sister Karen, formed the brother-sister tandem that churned out many popular hits in the 1970s. The luncheon event dubbed "media fellowship with President Arroyo and Richard Carpenter" will also feature local singer Claire dela Fuente and will be held on Thursday at the Presidential Broadcast Studio in Kalayaan Hall. There was no word on Tuesday if First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo will be with the President during the event, but the Cabinet and media have been invited. Deputy Presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said Carpenter will first call on Arroyo. "Mr. Carpenter will be accompanied by Claire dela Fuente, the 'Karen Carpenter of the Philippines,' to relive the famous duo of the Carpenter brother and sister," said Golez. This will also give opportunity for Dela Fuente to launch her new album, which includes a song written by Carpenter. Golez said the event was organized several weeks ago and was not an attempt to soothe ruffled emotions caused by "unfounded" attacks in the Senate against her administration and the First Family. "The President does not care about the political noise. As of the moment, she continues to roam around the country to implement her programs that will uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos," said Golez. Their distinctively soft musical style made the Carpenters one of the best-selling musical acts of all time, with timeless classics such as Billboard Top 40 singles “Close To You,” “We've Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days And Mondays,” “Superstar,” “Hurting Each Other,” “Yesterday Once More,” “I Won't Last A Day Without You,”, "Please Mr. Postman" and “There's A Kind Of Hush.”
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Post by manilaguy on Feb 20, 2008 4:35:40 GMT -5
Yup he was here promoting an album by Claire dela fuente, dubbed as the karen carpenter of the philippines. Mary and pamela was with him too.. He was so touched by the hospitality the filipinos accorded him. He was even surprised that "I have You" was one of the biggest selling record by the Carpenters here.
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Post by BethMosior on Feb 20, 2008 7:05:37 GMT -5
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Feb 21, 2008 1:46:32 GMT -5
Wow! I am impressed by the long parade of male and female Filipino singers who strode onstage and sang a variety of Carpenters' songs (singles and album cuts) to Richard and the youthful, enthusiastic audience! I only wish Richard can get the same reception and respect here in his own home country...
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Post by BethMosior on Feb 21, 2008 4:28:28 GMT -5
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 21, 2008 11:45:22 GMT -5
I only wish Richard can get the same reception and respect here in his own home country...
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Feb 21, 2008 17:26:19 GMT -5
I only wish Richard can get the same reception and respect here in his own home country... It's no secret that Karen's rich, distinctive voice is the main reason for the popularity of the Carpenters. Having heard enough tributes and covers of Carpenters' tunes by other artists already, I have no expectation of anyone making comparable, or better, renditions of their songs. Thus, I was not disappointed by the recent ASAP Music Room show in the Philippines in Richard's honor in this regard. It was the surprisingly large number of performers and the extent of enthusiasm displayed by the audience that impressed me, much like Richard's continued popularity in Japan. Nonetheless, I personally think Richard still suffers from a lack of proper recognition for his accomplishments. As Karen's needlepoint work dedicated to him says, "There is no KC without RC." Richard was instrumental in focusing Karen's interest in music, coaxing her to do lead vocals, and realizing their music careers together, as well as being the creative and technical mastermind in arranging, writing, conducting, and selecting the materials. Even after 25 years of trying to move on and perhaps emerge from the shadow of his sister in spotlight of the public eye after her death, Richard is still thought of by many people as just a benign, lackluster piano player or more sinisterly as an overbearing, overly ambitious brother. Although prodded by some interviewers, Karen and Richard indicated there was no sibling or professional rivalry between them. Instead of recognizing that Richard's significant contributions to the "Carpenters' sound" and the music world were complementary to those of Karen's, many people still think of making judgments about "Richard OR Karen" rather than "Richard AND Karen" in terms of their differing forms of visibility and talents in the group. (As an example, Richard is often inexplicably cropped out of their publicity photos together.) As the surviving member of the duo, Richard is understandably concerned with how they will be recognized and remembered for their legacy. While time has helped to redeem Karen's image somewhat, public opinions and (mis)perceptions of Richard has not changed much over the years, especially in his own home country. Some of their more interesting shows, programs and recordings have been released in foreign countries such as Japan, but not in the U.S., perhaps due to the lack of substantial public appreciation expressed here. While Richard may be lauded with tributes and recognition by celebrities and dignitaries abroad, it would be hard to imagine a similar treatment here --- not a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, or even a special tribute appearance on American Idol as they did for Burt Bacharach or even Barry Manilow to bring their music to a today's younger audience.
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 21, 2008 19:11:35 GMT -5
It's no secret that Karen's rich, distinctive voice is the main reason for the popularity of the Carpenters. Having heard enough tributes and covers of Carpenters' tunes by other artists already, I have no expectation of anyone making comparable, or better, renditions of their songs. Thus, I was not disappointed by the recent ASAP show in the Philippines in Richard's honor in this regard. It was the surprisingly large number of performers and the extent of enthusiasm displayed by the audience that impressed me, much like Richard's continued popularity in Japan. Nonetheless, I personally think Richard still suffers from a lack of proper recognition for his accomplishments. As Karen's needlepoint work dedicated to him says, "There is no KC without RC." Richard was instrumental in focusing Karen's interest in music, coaxing her to do lead vocals, and realizing their music careers together, as well as being the creative and technical mastermind in arranging, writing, conducting, and selecting the materials. Even after 25 years of trying to move on and perhaps emerge from the shadow of his sister in spotlight of the public eye after her death, Richard is still thought of by many people as just a benign, lackluster piano player or more sinisterly as an overbearing, overly ambitious brother. Although prodded by some interviewers, Karen and Richard indicated there was no sibling or professional rivalry between them. Instead of recognizing that Richard's significant contributions to the "Carpenters' sound" and the music world were complementary to those of Karen's, many people still think of making judgments about "Richard OR Karen" rather than "Richard AND Karen" in terms of their differing forms of visibility and talents in the group. (As an example, Richard is often inexplicably cropped out of their publicity photos together.) As the surviving member of the duo, Richard is understandably concerned with how they will be recognized and remembered for their legacy. While time has helped to redeem Karen's image somewhat, public opinions and (mis)perceptions of Richard has not changed much over the years, especially in his own home country. Some of their more interesting shows, programs and recordings have been released in foreign countries such as Japan, but not in the U.S., perhaps due to the lack of substantial public appreciation expressed here. Dreams... looking at things realistically there are several reasons why Richard does not get a major amount of attention... Mind, you I like Richard so I am not trying to dog him... but just looking at things the way they have unfolded historically. As the surviving member of the duo, Richard has not been able to work a major success other than the unending stream of Carpenters compilations. In that sense he has not carved out an identity which does not include Karen. Then there's the fact that Karen was the star of the show. That was without a doubt. Yes, Richard produced and arranged some spectacular music... he even received 5 Grammy Nominations for his arrangements... that's quite an admirable feat. But we also know that it was primarily Karen's voice and personality that sold the music and continues to sell the music. Public perception of Richard... I don't know what to say about that one... but there are several things... such as Richard pretty much telling the world that Karen's record was sub-standard... that does not sit well with quite a few people... especially after having the chance to hear it and finding out that it is actually a solid work. As for Richard being cropped out of publicity photos... Karen is the one people are interested in. She had the personality, the looks and the charisma which drew people to her. 25 years later she still has this charisma which is now steeped with mystery. Now you speak of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction of a Lifetime Grammy Award... I can see one or the other or both happening here in the U.S. - but it would be something that is awarded for the work as a duo of Karen and Richard together. I just don't think Richard's contributions to popular music aside from Carpenters has been significant enough for him to earn accolades for his solo merits. As for Carpenters' music being brought to today's youth... I believe that has already been accomplished. The music and Karen's voice are so well loved that they don't need American Idol to give it that boost... Carpenters have their own built in boost that will last through generations. And anyway how many countless VH1 and MTV type countdowns have Carpenters been on. Then there's the many television biographies which have been made... E! True Hollywood Story, A&E and other. And how about Todd Haynes' movie... it's one of the most popular bootleg movies of all-time, then there's "If I Were A Carpenter" tribute album. Neither Burt Bacharach or Barry Manilow receive that sort of attention... but then again Bacharach's and Manilow's personalities aren't all that interesting to the public in general. Carpenters' music is very well remembered. The reason so much is centered around Karen is because she had personality in both her character and her voice... people like character...people are drawn to character. Along with all this look at the time of year we're in right now. The month between Karen's death and birthday will always be a time when Karen receives loads of attention... and she should get this attention... she so rightfully deserves it. She's not around to speak up for herself or for her thoughts and beliefs.
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Feb 21, 2008 21:53:56 GMT -5
Hey Rick,
I agree with much of what you said. Personality and character figure prominently in the "likeability" factor, but Richard's achievements should not be ignored when juxtaposed and put into unnecessary competition with Karen's enormous personal appeal. Just as Karen's physical appearance (either as too "chubby" or too skinny figure, un-hip clothing styles, hair, etc.) unjustly colored her own and others' perception of herself as a person and a singer from then to now, I feel that Richard has been shortchanged right from the start of their careers to the present day in terms of the public understanding and recognition for his immense range of musical talents, many of which were behind-the-scenes.
Yes, I think that if there were any more awards to be given for the Carpenters' work in the future, they would most likely be for their joint efforts rather than their solo endeavors. Seeing how their Hollywood Walk of Fame Star was bestowed belatedly eight months after Karen's death, I hope that Richard would be able to receive the recognitions on behalf of both of them during his lifetime rather than have them awarded posthumously.
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 21, 2008 23:11:56 GMT -5
Hey Rick, I agree with much of what you said. Personality and character figure prominently in the "likeability" factor, but Richard's achievements should not be ignored when juxtaposed and put into unnecessary competition with Karen's enormous personal appeal. Just as Karen's physical appearance ("chubby" or too skinny figure, un-hip clothing styles, hair, etc.) unjustly colored her own and other's perception of herself as a person and a singer now and then, I feel that Richard has been shortchanged right from the start of their careers to the present day in terms of the public understanding and recognition for his immense range of musical talents, many of which were behind-the-scenes. Yes, I think that if there were any more awards to be given for the Carpenters' work in the future, they would most likely be for their joint efforts rather than their solo endeavors. Seeing how their Hollywood Walk of Fame Star was bestowed belatedly eight months after Karen's death, I hope that Richard would be able to receive the recognitions on behalf of both of them during his lifetime rather than have them awarded posthumously.
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Post by wisejester7 on Feb 22, 2008 7:53:00 GMT -5
Dreams and Rick, points were well made by you both. I, too, would love to see Richard accepting lifetime achievement awards honoring Carpenters work.
As for the Richard vs Karen OR Richard and Karen discussion, to me their success was a package deal. Both are extremely talented, but together they were super sensational.
I think you can chalk their basic 'likability' differences up to their individual personalities. From their childhood on, their personalities played out much the same (according to their New Haven neighborhood and school friends) as they did during their adult years. Richard was/is more of a self assured fellow, but not necessarily an outgoing guy. Karen, on the other hand, had a easy way with people. She seemed to be able to connect with others and they could connect easily with her.
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 22, 2008 10:31:36 GMT -5
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Feb 22, 2008 16:15:57 GMT -5
Dreams and Rick, points were well made by you both. I, too, would love to see Richard accepting lifetime achievement awards honoring Carpenters work. As for the Richard vs Karen OR Richard and Karen discussion, to me their success was a package deal. Both are extremely talented, but together they were super sensational. I think you can chalk their basic 'likability' differences up to their individual personalities. From their childhood on, their personalities played out much the same (according to their New Haven neighborhood and school friends) as they did during their adult years. Richard was/is more of a self assured fellow, but not necessarily an outgoing guy. Karen, on the other hand, had a easy way with people. She seemed to be able to connect with others and they could connect easily with her. Well said, wisejester7! I think of the relationship between Karen and Richard as a symbiotic one, where each one benefits and enhances the other greatly. If Karen were an only child or had some other sibling(s), she might not have explored the music world or even consider singing at all as a profession. As for Richard, who had an interest in music early on as a child, he might have had a music career on his own, but perhaps it would not have garnered public attention to the degree that they did together. With the alchemy of their complementary talents, it was their work as a TEAM that produced their tremendous success, a synergy where the collective whole is much greater than the sum of the individual parts. As for Richard's personality, I am reminded of the character of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, the superb 1995 movie version now being broadcasted as part of a mini TV series on PBS. Both Richard and Mr. Darcy often appear to be stiff and uncomfortable in public, and perhaps sometimes come across as jerks or even snobs. The protagonist Elizabeth Bennet had to dig deep beyond superficial public appearances and take a closer look to get to know Mr. Darcy better before her opinions of him reversed completely for the person he truly was.
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Post by BethMosior on Feb 22, 2008 18:20:01 GMT -5
COOOOOOOOOOL YOU ALL I agree also watching Richard on the show both my Mom & I said that Richard reminded us of his dad Harold with some of his reactions very interesting to see
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Post by wisejester7 on Feb 22, 2008 19:55:47 GMT -5
As for Richard's personality, I am reminded of the character of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, the superb 1995 movie version now being broadcasted as part of a mini TV series on PBS. Both Richard and Mr. Darcy often appear to be stiff and uncomfortable in public, and perhaps sometimes come across as jerks or even snobs. The protagonist Elizabeth Bennet had to dig deep beyond superficial public appearances and take a closer look to get to know Mr. Darcy better before her opinions of him reversed completely for the person he truly was. As, Yes, perhaps so. Richard's 'better' self is probably only known to a chosen few.
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 22, 2008 21:47:18 GMT -5
Well said, wisejester7! I think of the relationship between Karen and Richard as a symbiotic one, where each one benefits and enhances the other greatly. If Karen were an only child or had some other sibling(s), she might not have explored the music world or even consider singing at all as a profession. As for Richard, who had an interest in music early on as a child, he might have had a music career on his own, but perhaps it would not have garnered public attention to the degree that they did together. With the alchemy of their complementary talents, it was their work as a TEAM that produced their tremendous success, a synergy where the collective whole is much greater than the sum of the individual parts.
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Post by wisejester7 on Feb 23, 2008 6:31:03 GMT -5
I agree 100% with your assessment of Karen's ability/talent to succeed with a career beyond Richard. My previous statement refers to what was/is ... not what might have been.
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 23, 2008 10:23:46 GMT -5
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