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A & M Studios
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This is the front entrance and famous revolving sign of the A&M studios on La Brea Avenue, Hollywood.It was here that Richard & Karen recorded most of their music thanks to the foresight of Herb Alpert.
It is rumoured that the band would regularly visit fast food outlets in the vicinity during late night recording sessions, in view of the events of later years I think this is rather poignant.
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Furman Park
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Richard was playing piano in a talent show in Furman Park (pictured left) one Sunday afternoon when he was spotted by Vance Hayes, who later secured him the role of organist at the local Methodist church.
Richard was know to included Beatles tunes during his year playing to the congregation!
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Hollywood Walk Of Fame
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This picture shows the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded to the Carpenters on 12th October 1983.
It is situated at 6931 Hollywood Boulevard, and In my opinion was long over due. I shall always feel sad that Karen never lived to know of this honour.
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Newville Avenue
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This photograph (taken in 1996) is of the famous Newville Avenue House, bought for Mr & Mrs Carpenter by Richard & Karen.
The property, although no longer owned by Richard is still recognisable as the house on the cover of the "Now and Then" album, even though the trees and shubbary have grown considerably!
I understand Karen's bedroom was inhabited by many many of the soft toys she loved so much, and indeed it was one of these bedrooms in which Karen collapsed on that fateful morning back in February 1983.
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Lubec Street
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Richard & Karen bought this house originally for their parents, but as Mr & Mrs Carpenter preferred to stay at Newville Avenue, it was decided that Richard & Karen should share the house.
Sadly this was not an ideal arrangement as the two didn't always see eye to eye. In fact I have read that Richard later complained that Karen began to watch over him just as his Mother had done back at Newville. This must have cramped his style somewhat.
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Forest Lawn
Former site of Karen's Crypt
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These two photographs are of Karen's original resting place, at Forest Lawn.
I visited in 1996 with several members of the Carpenters Appreciation Society, we paid our respects and laid flowers.
I also left a Mickey Mouse toy for Karen. It was a sad occasion.
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Downey High School
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Both Richard & Karen attended Downey High school & both played in the school marching band.
Neither was keen on physical education and playing in the band gave them the opportunity to miss P.E. classes.
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Hollywood Bowl
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This shot is of the famous Hollywood Bowl. This is where, on the 24th June 1966, the Richard Carpenter Trio won three awards at the Battle of the Bands contest. Richard (piano), Karen (drums) & Wes Jacobs (tuba) played "The girl from Ipanema" and "Iced tea". Gosh they must have been on "Top of the World", to coin a phrase.
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"Close To You" / "Only Just Begun" Apartments
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Here are the "Close To You" and "Only Just Begun" Apartments. When I visited, they certainly looked like nice places to live, with lovely rose gardens at the front. |
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Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Centre
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This photo was taken by my best friend & co-author of this web site, It shows the beautiful Carpenter Performing Arts Center & several members of the Carpenters Appreciation Society.
I am in there amongst them, but I'm not saying where! We all spent an enjoyable morning there & were treated to a guided tour, we even got to see Richards own piano.
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A Star On Earth, A Star In Heaven
This is where Karen and her family were originally laid to rest, but in 2003 the graves were moved to a new location.
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