Show Notes
Author Lucy O'Brien reveals the real story of Karen Carpenter in her book; Lead Sister. All the interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.com
Karen Carpenter was one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Close to You and We've Only Just Begun. Known for her rich, melancholic voice and exceptional drumming skills, Karen helped define the Carpenters' distinctive sound. Despite their success, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, which tragically led to her death in 1983 at the age of 32.
In 2023, British author and journalist Lucy O'Brien published Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter, a biography that explores Karen's life and legacy beyond the often-simplified narrative of her as a victim. O'Brien, who began her career in music journalism in the 1980s with NME and The Guardian, is known for her work on women in music, including She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop, and Soul (1995) and biographies of Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, and Madonna. Lead Sister draws on fresh interviews with friends and collaborators, highlighting Karen’s influence as a singer, drummer, and producer. The book was named a Times Book of the Year and has been praised for its insightful and compassionate portrayal of Karen Carpenter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame
Clark Datchler is best known as the lead singer, songwriter and co-founder of Johnny Hates Jazz, one of the most distinctive British pop bands to emerge from the 1980s. Their 1987 debut album Turn Back the Clock became an international success, producing “Shattered Dreams,” “I Don’t Want to Be a Hero,” “Turn Back the Clock” and “Heart of Gold.” “Shattered Dreams” became particularly significant in America, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
George Michael was one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation, but who was the man behind the music?
Nearly fifty years after Rattus Norvegicus, Hugh Cornwell is still writing new songs—and still asking what a song can become when he takes it onstage. He’s preparing Succubus, revisiting a lifetime of music on All the Fun of the Fair, and calling his forthcoming solo acoustic tour Never Say Goodbye.
Before 10cc, Graham Gouldman had already written some of the defining songs of the 1960s—including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Bus Stop,” “Look Through Any Window” and “No Milk Today.” He then helped form one of Britain’s most inventive bands, creating classics including “I’m Not in Love,” “The Things We Do for Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.”
Haddaway created one of the most instantly recognisable songs in pop history. Released in 1993, “What Is Love” became an international phenomenon and one of the defining records of the Eurodance era. But Haddaway’s story is far more complicated than a single worldwide hit.