Getting the tickets for the Kingston Trio concert started me searching for the songs of my youth. Peter Paul and Mary, The Mamas and Papas, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, etc. Then I hit upon the Carpenters. Karen, who considered herself to be "a drummer who sang" (and acknowledged as a great drummer by Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, among others) had a vocal range of three octaves but usually sang in contralto. In my opinion, the most beautiful voice of the 20th Century. Their hit song We've Only Just Begun was originally the musical background for a Crocker Bank TV/radio ad campaign. Richard heard it and decided it was a perfect tune for his sister. BOY! Was he ever right!
Here are two video captures recorded a few years apart. I hope you enjoy them...
My wife and I were headed into the LA basin when the news came over the radio about her death in 1983. We both softly wept."Let's all be careful out there!"