What was Karen Carpenter’s Net Worth?
Karen Carpenter, the American singer and drummer who was one half of the successful duo the Carpenters, had a net worth of $6 million at the time of her death in 1983, which is equivalent to around $14 million today after accounting for inflation. However, her estate was burdened by huge tax liabilities due to the illiquid nature of her assets, resulting in more than 60% of her net worth being depleted by final expenses and taxes.
Carpenter achieved great success in the 1970s with hit singles like “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Top of the World.” The Carpenters had many number one hits throughout their career, including “Yesterday Once More,” “For All We Know,” and “I Need to Be in Love.”
Despite her success, Carpenter struggled with anorexia nervosa, and died from heart failure caused by the disorder in 1983.
Karen Carpenter’s Early Life and Education
Karen Carpenter was born in 1950 in Connecticut and grew up in California with her older brother Richard. She had a passion for dancing and sports, but also developed an interest in music and taught herself how to play the drums. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at California State University, Long Beach as a music major and performed in the choir with her brother.
Karen Carpenter’s Early Music Career
Karen Carpenter started her music career in 1965 while still in high school. Along with her brother Richard and their friend Wes Jacobs, she formed the Dick Carpenter Trio and performed in nightclubs. The trio also appeared on the television talent show “Your All-American College Show.”
In 1966, the trio auditioned for bassist Joe Osborn and impressed him with Karen’s incredible voice, leading him to sign her to his label Magic Lamp Records. Karen then took a leave from the trio to attend the Juilliard School and returned to form the group Spectrum with new musicians.
Karen Carpenter’s Career and Albums
Karen Carpenter began her music career in 1969 as part of the duo the Carpenters with her brother Richard. They signed with A&M Records and released their debut album “Ticket to Ride,” which included their cover of the Beatles song of the same name. Their second album, “Close to You,” was a huge success and included hit singles like “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” The album received eight Grammy nominations and won two. The Carpenters continued to release successful albums like “A Song for You” and “Now & Then.” Karen did less drumming and more singing starting with their fifth album.
Despite personal struggles, including Richard’s addiction to Quaaludes, the Carpenters released several more albums like “Passage,” “Christmas Portrait,” and “Made in America.” The group stopped touring in 1978 but released four more albums after Karen’s passing: “Voice of the Heart,” “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” “Loveliness,” and “As Time Goes By.”
Karen Carpenter’s Solo Career
Karen Carpenter released her first record, “Looking for Love / I’ll Be Yours,” in 1967 as a solo artist. In 1979, she recorded a self-titled solo album while her brother dealt with addiction. However, A&M Records received the album with ambivalence and ultimately shelved it. The album was finally released in its completed form in 1996.
Karen Carpenter’s Love Life
Karen Carpenter once expressed her disinterest in romantic relationships and marriage while on the road performing. However, she went on to date several men, including celebrities like Tony Danza, Mark Harmon, Alan Osmond, and Steve Martin. In 1980, Carpenter tied the knot with real estate developer Thomas James Burris and moved to Newport Beach, California. But their marriage was short-lived due to conflicts over Carpenter’s desire to have children, which Burris refused since he had undergone a vasectomy. The couple divorced after just 14 months together.
Karen Carpenter’s Struggle with Anorexia Nervosa
Karen Carpenter battled anorexia nervosa, a condition that was not well understood at the time. She took on various diets and weight-loss programs that consistently reduced her weight. By 1975, she weighed only 91 pounds. Carpenter began using thyroid replacement medication in the early 80s to boost her metabolism and also continued using laxatives to keep her weight down. Her condition worsened, and she eventually ended up at Lenox Hill Hospital. After undergoing a procedure, Carpenter gained back some weight, but had a weak heart. Despite this, she was able to return to performing. Her last public appearance came in early 1983 at a gathering of Grammy Award-winning artists. A month later, Carpenter collapsed at her parents’ house and was declared dead.
