[AndrewT]

Originally Posted by Tina...

Did Nancy ever cover any songs by Karen? I think their voices are very well matched, and Karen had a very distinctive voice too.

These are the connections between Nancy's catalog and the The Carpenters'/Karen Carpenter's catalog which come to mind (although there may be more). "We've Only Just Begun" is the only one that I would consider a cover of The Carpenters.

"End Of The World":
Nancy's first-released version is included on Country, My Way (1967), and there is Nancy's recently released alternate version on Download For Good (2011); The Carpenters' version appears as part of the "Yesterday Once More" medley on Now And Then (1973).

"We've Only Just Begun":
Nancy and Tom Jones performed a duet of "We've Only Just Begun" on an episode of This Is Tom Jones (October 30, 1970); The Carpenters' version is contained on the Close To You album (1970).

"California Dreamin'":
Nancy's version was recorded in 1970 and later released on Sheet Music (1998) and California Girl (2002); The Carpenters' circa 1968 demo was issued on As Time Goes By (2001, Japan; 2004, U.S.).

"Do You Know The Way To San Jose?":
Nancy's version was released on California Girl (2002); The Carpenters' version is included in the "Bacharach/David Medley" on The Carpenters (1971).

"As Time Goes By":
Nancy recorded a song titled "As Time Goes By," which is unreleased (I'm assuming that it's the Herman Hupfeld song); The Carpenters' version was recorded as part of the "Karen/Ella Fitzgerald Medley" (for their 1980 Music, Music, Music TV special) and released on As Time Goes By (2001, 2004).

"I'll Be Home For Christmas":
Nancy's version is unreleased (I'm assuming that it's the Christmas standard); The Carpenters' version was issued on Christmas Portrait (1978).

[Dan Bohin]

Richard, I don't hear the Nancy/Karen comparison either. It's interesting though, that it has been mentioned by two different people.

[Marty]

Originally Posted by Richard

I have to say though, I don't hear it.

you're not crazy, Richard or Dan, me neither, I know Karen Carpenter's voice is popular around these parts but I have to be honest and admit that I have always found Ms Carpenter's vocals, while pleasant enough, rather sterile. Ms Sinatra on the other hand "lives" in her renditions, ballads included.

[Nancy]

Thank you, Marty and Dan. I don't like being compared to her.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Marty

you're not crazy, Richard or Dan, me neither, I know Karen Carpenter's voice is popular around these parts but I have to be honest and admit that I have always found Ms Carpenter's vocals, while pleasant enough, rather sterile. Ms Sinatra on the other hand "lives" in her renditions, ballads included.

Sterile is a good way to put it. I think her voice sounds the same whether it's a ballad or a fast song. If you took away the music it would be the same song. Her delivery was always the same.

[Nancy]

Maybe if I'd had no personality on my recordings I'd have more respect.

[sabaue]

Guess I'm the only Karen Carpenter fan here.

[AndrewT]

Originally Posted by Nancy

Thank you, Marty and Dan. I don't like being compared to her.

Nancy, I was not comparing your voice to Karen Carpenter's. I was merely answering Tina's question regarding covers.

[Ace917]

Originally Posted by sabaue

Guess I'm the only Karen Carpenter fan here.

I've always liked her music, but I sure don't see any comparison with Nancy's voice.

[sabaue]

Neither do I Ace. I have never thought they were similar at all.

[Tina...]

Originally Posted by Nancy

Thank you, Marty and Dan. I don't like being compared to her.

I'm sorry Nancy if you thought I was comparing you to Karen Carpenter , as I say in my post her voice is very distinctive as is yours, you are both totally different artists , totally different styles, it's just in that song I thought your sound was a little similar, I'm sorry if I offended you, I grew up listening to my sister singing your songs to me, one of my all time favourites that she would sing was " Did You Ever" I don't think she ever sang a Carpenters song.

I have quite a number of songs by you , the latest from "Cherry Smiles"-" I'm Not A Girl Anymore" being one of my most played at the moment.

Again my apologies.

[Tina...]

Thank you for the list Andrew.

[Savatri]

Originally Posted by Nancy

Maybe if I'd had no personality on my recordings I'd have more respect.

You're probably right, Nancy. (sigh)

[Keith]

Loved the videos, now that's class

[Nancy]

Originally Posted by Nancy

Maybe if I'd had no personality on my recordings I'd have more respect.

Originally Posted by Savatri

You're probably right, Nancy. (sigh)

No apologies necessary, friends. I am always compared to Karen and I guess I'm just sick of it that's all. It's better than the old days when they would compare me to my father. That's when I made up the retort to one critic, "Nancy Sinatra will never be the man her father is."

[sabaue]

"Nancy Sinatra will never be the man her father is."

You tell 'em!

[Savatri]

Originally Posted by Nancy

No apologies necessary, friends. I am always compared to Karen and I guess I'm just sick of it that's all. It's better than the old days when they would compare me to my father. That's when I made up the retort to one critic, "Nancy Sinatra will never be the man her father is."

Well as long as your sense of humor holds out, Nancy, there's hope.

Originally Posted by Nancy

No apologies necessary, friends. I am always compared to Karen and I guess I'm just sick of it that's all. It's better than the old days when they would compare me to my father. That's when I made up the retort to one critic, "Nancy Sinatra will never be the man her father is."

People could consider comparing her to Maureen McGovern, Barbara McNair, Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane ... or they could make things simple and say, "Just listen." Unless someone is hearing - challenged, he or she must listen to a piece of music in order to distinguish it from millions of other pieces.

The futility of describing music in writing has one positive aspect. As you age it can motivate you to do what you have to do to prevent hearing loss. I dread being 100 years old and reading a Tweet that says a new singer sounds a lot like Barbara McNair sounded back in the day, yet I can't find that out for myself during the time I have left. Make sure you never depend totally on a critic -- or whatever the job title will be in 2050 -- for a written description of music.

[Jodi]

Here's a picture of Nancy from Jack Benny's special.....

[Dina]

Originally Posted by Nancy

One of the most difficult songs I've ever attempted. It's a vocal exercise really.

You did it beautifully, Nancy. It really shows off your range. And, I love your patriotic mini-dress in the clip with Gary Puckett.