The lyrics of Merry Christmas Darling were written in 1946 by 20 year-old Frank Pooler, who in 1966, was Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and two of his students were Karen and Richard Carpenter.. When they asked him if he had any ideas for holiday songs, he gave them the lyrics to the song and Richard wrote the melody in 15 minutes. In 1970 the song was recorded and released as a single, topping Billboard's Christmas singles chart, and again in 1971 and 1973. In 1978 a new version was recorded for the Carpenters' "Christmas Portrait" album.
I saw Karen and Richard Carpenter when they were at Cal State Long Beach performing with the Choral Studies program in a beautiful Concert. It was so memorable. To this day I love this song. Thank you.
No one has ever sounded like Karen Carpenter ....her voice is irreplaceable. No one has ever tried to sing her songs because they could never match the song sound the same as Karen's voice did to a song. She was in her own league. Her angelic voice was silenced far too soon. I've been a fan of hers since my teenage years from 1973. 😊❤
You know I like to I like Christmas the most wonderful time of the year but you know Christmas is red and red sovan Redd yeah ray it's sova and he could sing a song now red sing a Teddy bear Teddy bear by red Chavez So Vine
Teddy bear Teddy bear you just got a love tattoo Bart I put you in a Christmas spirit gets screwed out of the way take so screw your wife to stay red sova the song's Teddy bear by red
This Christmas album was released in 1978. It was their 9th studio album and it went platinum. Beautiful vocals provided by Karen, blended with a wonderful chorus of singers and a great collection of instruments. The sax a treat. Karen never had to belt out her tunes, her voice just grabbed you with the first note of her sweet vocals. Irreplaceable. 💕 Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
This Christmas Portrait album flows from Richard C's, overdubbed and acappela version of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, right to the final song without any breaks. Choral, orchestral, piano tunes and finally... Karen's voice. I listen to it, several times each holiday season, from beginning to end. The Single... Best... Xmas album. Period !!
HI Mary. I noticed you provide such detailed insight to every reaction that these two do. And they way you write you comments is very genuine. Where did you obtain such a wealth of knowledge? Do you make use of outside resources when you write your comments. Buckets of Fried Chicken love from the USA.
@@keithrfield Hi Keith. I do check on some of my info to get correct dates, names etc. I'm 70 so I want to make sure my brain is still transmitting correct info. Lol. But I've loved music since I can remember and hopefully I've kept some knowledge along the way. Fried chicken sounds great. Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁🎅☃️❄️🎶🇨🇦
We were so fortunate growing up during this time - no youtube, no facebook, no internet! There were a plethora of music/variety shows, especially during the holidays, so we would all sit around the TV, usually with the rest of the family, and tune in.
This was released in 1970 as a single and my boyfriend is still in Vietnam. This song always takes me back to how I felt as a teen missing my boyfriend.
When I was in college in1970, the college radio station always played this song dedicating it to “all the boys in Viet Nam”! Makes me cry to this day!!!!
There was NO drama with Karen Carpenter singing. Just owning it and covering you in its warmth and beauty. No tension, no hystrionics.....just perfection.
That rich low register and her use of tiny bits of vocal fry make her so unique and special. It wasn't a huge voice, but the quality was truly unsurpassed. And Richard knew exactly how to feature it.
My 38-year-old son says it is one of the strongest memories of his childhood Christmases. (Because his mom played it so much!) He loves it to this day.
This was co-written by Karen's brother, Richard and this was released in the year that they debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, 1970. They only had two songs released when this came out (#2 debut single "We've Only Just Begun" & #1 smash hit "(They Long To Be) Close To You"). It hit #1 on the Billboard Holiday 100 Chart in it's debut year and has been a staple every since. I've always said that Karen had one of the most purest singing voices ever!
Excellent lyrics and lovely melody + outstanding arrangement & orchestration + beautiful background harmonies + the most compellingly awesome female voice ever of Karen Carpenter = the best romantic Christmas song in the history of Christmas songs...
My favorite female voice of all time! For an absolutely stunning Carpenters Christmas song, you need to listen to “Little Altar Boy.” Nothing fancy musically, but between her voice and the lyrics I get choked up every time I try to sing along. And I’ve had the album for over 30 years!
I have such a clear memory of hearing this for the very first time. I was washing dishes in my mom's kitchen. I was looking out the window, and the neighbors had blue Christmas lights everywhere. I always had the radio on doing "chores," and I heard the first line, "The greeting cards have all been sent." It hit me like a ton of bricks. Karen's voice and Richard's masterful composition/arrangement...each time I hear it is almost as wonderful as the first.
The Carpenters' Christmas album is one of my "must listen" items each holiday season. Do yourselves a favor and get it! There's not a bad song on the record. One of the greatest Christmas LP's of all time!
The Carpenters wrote this song. Their voice teacher in college had some lyrics started & gave it to Richard & he finished the song& created the arrangements. It’s amazing & I still have the 45. Their entire album, The Christmas Portrait is fantastic & they did this TV special. Really, listen to the live performance of Christ is Born & Ave Maria. Absolutely stunning.
Richard Carpenter composed the music. Frank Pooler wrote the lyrics. Karen Carpenter once said: "'Merry Christmas Darling' I think, is a little extra special to both of us, because Richard wrote it, and the lyrics were written by Frank Pooler, the choral director at Long Beach State choir, where we went to school.
This song was uncovered for many, many years, until 1999, when Amy Grant covered it. It was also a Glee cover, but rarely anyone else has covered this song. Not too many people want to cover this song; as it is iconically Karen Carpenter.
When I was a kid, we went on a long drive and their song "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" came on the radio and I was hooked. It was so different to their usual stuff and thoroughly entertaining. (Not a Christmas song though!)
It is not Christmas until you hear Karen Carpenter sing this tune. Every Christmas song they recorded is incredible. Their are great singers then there is Karen Carpenter.
My music growing up was Van Halen, The Who, Cheap Trick but Karen Carpenter's voice always took me to a wonderful place in my heart and mind! She was wonderful!
Also, "Christmas Portrait" has re-entered the Billboard 200 album sales chart 5 times since it's release in 1978, and achieved new peak positions 4 out of those 5 times, the last time in 2020.
The great Whitney Houston, “do you hear what I hear”. Must listen Karen carpenter was a gift as well. Her voice is so soothing. We all need more of her!
She’s one of those singers, whose voices are just made for Christmas. I also love that she kind of reminds you that vocals don’t have to be about gymnastics or difficulty. Even though I enjoy those kind of singers too, lol. 😂
Oh, my God, I never thought of that. I'm a little younger than those seriously affected first hand by the Vietnam War but reading your comment I immediately realized what you're saying and it makes me love this song even more. Thank you.
A dear friend of mine who I worked with over 40 years ago tells me a story that in one of our office's grabbags, I gave her this song on a 45. To this day it is one of her favorite songs at Christmas. You never know what will make people smile.
My dad’s favorite Christmas song. He used to bring the CD with him to Christmas parties because nobody ever had this song, and he loved dancing to it with my mom. Sadly we lost him way too young. At my wedding, my mom and I couldn’t think of a song for the Mother/Son Dance. Since the wedding was in December, we danced to this in memory of my dad. Very special song for our family.
I am actually shocked that you have never heard this song before. I can’t remember a year since it came out when I haven’t heard it played over and over again on the radio. It’s become such a classic Christmas song along with Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You. I’m glad that you’re finally getting a chance to hear this beautiful rendition by Karen.
Glad you're getting to the Christmas music from some of the artists you've discovered and explored throughout the year. Billy Squire has one called Christmas Is the Time To Say I Love You.
This is a typically beautiful song by Karen. Originally it came out in 1970. I remember how often it was played everywhere. It s been a holiday favorite ever since. Her voice was so pure and Angelic.
One of the true Modern Christmas Classics. Not only a great vocal by Karen, but a great melodic tune. Right up there with "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole.
I always get mixed emotions when I hear her sing. She was a beautiful soul and was taken from us to soon. Merry Christmas Karen, and everyone listening to this now!♥️🙏🎄🎄🎄
Her voice is so calming and beautiful. Perfection. Such a great loss. Bing Crosby's White Christmas is amazing so is the movie. Thank u so much, Many Blessings
I wish Karen could’ve seen how many people grew up loving her Christmas songs and how to so many, it’s just not Christmas until you turn on that classic Carpenter’s album.
For those of us who were in the Military, and away from home, this song, when it came out was a tear maker. She was singing to US, who were away from our families. RIP Karen, you sing like an angel. Her singing their rendition of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, when they were on the Perry Como Show, is their best Christmas song, I think.
I bought both their Christmas albums ("Christmas Portrait" and "An Old Fashioned Christmas") back in the day. They are and will always be my favorite Christmas albums.
The lyrics of Merry Christmas Darling were written in 1946 by 20 year-old Frank Pooler, who in 1966, was Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and two of his students were Karen and Richard Carpenter.. When they asked him if he had any ideas for holiday songs, he gave them the lyrics to the song and Richard wrote the melody in 15 minutes. In 1970 the song was recorded and released as a single, topping Billboard's Christmas singles chart, and again in 1971 and 1973. In 1978 a new version was recorded for the Carpenters' "Christmas Portrait" album.
Very interesting. Thanks for the info
Thanks for the history lesson! Love the story.
This is all true, Richard brought it to life and Karen did what Karen does…made it a classic ❤
I saw Karen and Richard Carpenter when they were at Cal State Long Beach performing with the Choral Studies program in a beautiful Concert. It was so memorable. To this day I love this song. Thank you.
Thank you for this back story, how interesting!
Yes yes and yes. It is not Christmas without the Carpenters. Karens voice again impeccable
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Love it
No one has ever sounded like Karen Carpenter ....her voice is irreplaceable. No one has ever tried to sing her songs because they could never match the song sound the same as Karen's voice did to a song. She was in her own league. Her angelic voice was silenced far too soon. I've been a fan of hers since my teenage years from 1973. 😊❤
I don’t care what anyone says the greatest female vocalist ever Karen Carpenter
I listen 2 this spring..summer......
Gone 2 soon
100% The best...
Karen Carpenter's voice breaks my heart - So great....
I agree!
her voice IS christmas and love romance... pure, rich, warm, moving, intimate...
You know I like to I like Christmas the most wonderful time of the year but you know Christmas is red and red sovan Redd yeah ray it's sova and he could sing a song now red sing a Teddy bear Teddy bear by red Chavez So Vine
Teddy bear Teddy bear you just got a love tattoo Bart I put you in a Christmas spirit gets screwed out of the way take so screw your wife to stay red sova the song's Teddy bear by red
Pound for pound, inch for inch, year for year, genre for genre, the best female voice ever
Beautiful, but Karen's rendition of I'll Be Home for Christmas has me crying every time, so heartfelt and deep.Love this too!
me too, my second favorite christmas song of hers, after "merry christmas darling"....
Yes, Tracy! So, so true. A must listen.
Great! This one a la ready cleared out my sinuses. It hits me deep.
That and The Christmas Song. That whole album...
I agree. I’ll Be Home For Christmas is a great one off the Christmas Portrait.
This Christmas album was released in 1978. It was their 9th studio album and it went platinum.
Beautiful vocals provided by Karen, blended with a wonderful chorus of singers and a great collection of instruments. The sax a treat.
Karen never had to belt out her tunes, her voice just grabbed you with the first note of her sweet vocals. Irreplaceable. 💕
Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
This Christmas Portrait album flows from Richard C's, overdubbed and acappela version of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, right to the final song without any breaks. Choral, orchestral, piano tunes and finally... Karen's voice. I listen to it, several times each holiday season, from beginning to end. The Single... Best... Xmas album. Period !!
@@scottski51 Okay you win. Gonna load on Spotify. Lol You sold me. Merry Christmas.🎄🎁🎅☃️❄️🎶🇨🇦
HI Mary. I noticed you provide such detailed insight to every reaction that these two do. And they way you write you comments is very genuine. Where did you obtain such a wealth of knowledge? Do you make use of outside resources when you write your comments. Buckets of Fried Chicken love from the USA.
@@keithrfield Hi Keith. I do check on some of my info to get correct dates, names etc. I'm 70 so I want to make sure my brain is still transmitting correct info.
Lol. But I've loved music since I can remember and hopefully I've kept some
knowledge along the way. Fried chicken sounds great. Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁🎅☃️❄️🎶🇨🇦
@@keithrfield USA...terrible, lol.
We were so fortunate growing up during this time - no youtube, no facebook, no internet! There were a plethora of music/variety shows, especially during the holidays, so we would all sit around the TV, usually with the rest of the family, and tune in.
This was released in 1970 as a single and my boyfriend is still in Vietnam. This song always takes me back to how I felt as a teen missing my boyfriend.
When I was in college in1970, the college radio station always played this song dedicating it to “all the boys in Viet Nam”! Makes me cry to this day!!!!
The ending to the song always brings me to tears for all of the loved ones I've lost out of my life.
There was NO drama with Karen Carpenter singing. Just owning it and covering you in its warmth and beauty. No tension, no hystrionics.....just perfection.
That rich low register and her use of tiny bits of vocal fry make her so unique and special. It wasn't a huge voice, but the quality was truly unsurpassed. And Richard knew exactly how to feature it.
The Carpenters Christmas album is one of the best Christmas albums ever! You should do more of their Christmas songs from that album
True!!💖
Every Christmas...it never ages!
My husband and I found an unopened copy do that album on vinyl at an estate sale. Such a perfect Christmas album!
My 38-year-old son says it is one of the strongest memories of his childhood Christmases. (Because his mom played it so much!) He loves it to this day.
It is my favorite Christmas collection period.
This was co-written by Karen's brother, Richard and this was released in the year that they debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, 1970.
They only had two songs released when this came out (#2 debut single "We've Only Just Begun" & #1 smash hit "(They Long To Be) Close To You"). It hit #1 on the Billboard Holiday 100 Chart in it's debut year and has been a staple every since. I've always said that Karen had one of the most purest singing voices ever!
Karen Carpenter’s voice is absolutely hypnotizing
Excellent lyrics and lovely melody + outstanding arrangement & orchestration + beautiful background harmonies + the most compellingly awesome female voice ever of Karen Carpenter = the best romantic Christmas song in the history of Christmas songs...
Oh my God. She was amazing. I’ve heard this song my whole life. I never grow tired.
This is THE BEST CLASSIC Christmas Song EVER!!! IMO.
A voice of great beauty stilled far to soon. Rest in peace sweet Karen.
My favorite female voice of all time! For an absolutely stunning Carpenters Christmas song, you need to listen to “Little Altar Boy.” Nothing fancy musically, but between her voice and the lyrics I get choked up every time I try to sing along. And I’ve had the album for over 30 years!
mine as well, always has been, always will be...
Me too!!!! Karen always tugs at my heartstrings!!!
Yes! I really hope to hear a reaction on this one. This one gets to me every time. So emotional.
I have such a clear memory of hearing this for the very first time. I was washing dishes in my mom's kitchen. I was looking out the window, and the neighbors had blue Christmas lights everywhere. I always had the radio on doing "chores," and I heard the first line, "The greeting cards have all been sent." It hit me like a ton of bricks. Karen's voice and Richard's masterful composition/arrangement...each time I hear it is almost as wonderful as the first.
I think I know exactly what you mean. I feel similarly.
Karen is truly timeless!
What a sweet, heartwarming memory 💖
Carpenters best soft rock bands ever, Love Karen!!!
Rip To A Beautiful Gorgeous Woman, Karen Carpenter, We Still Miss You Always
Oh YALL!!!!!!!! I been waiting for this!!!! Couldn’t wait for you to hear Karen do her Christmas magic!! ❤❤❤
Simply BEAUTIFUL. So happy you've been introduced to it.
The Carpenters' Christmas album is one of my "must listen" items each holiday season. Do yourselves a favor and get it! There's not a bad song on the record. One of the greatest Christmas LP's of all time!
Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters is one of the greatest Christmas albums ever recorded.
The Carpenters wrote this song. Their voice teacher in college had some lyrics started & gave it to Richard & he finished the song& created the arrangements. It’s amazing & I still have the 45. Their entire album, The Christmas Portrait is fantastic & they did this TV special. Really, listen to the live performance of Christ is Born & Ave Maria. Absolutely stunning.
Richard Carpenter composed the music. Frank Pooler wrote the lyrics.
Karen Carpenter once said: "'Merry Christmas Darling' I think, is a little extra special to both of us, because Richard wrote it, and the lyrics were written by Frank Pooler, the choral director at Long Beach State choir, where we went to school.
Yes, this IS an original Carpenters Christmas song. An instant classic!
the Carpenters wrote this song and performed it, she's my number one all time female singer, Karen Carpenter 1, Julie Andrews is 1a.
Carpenters original...one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time
This song was uncovered for many, many years, until 1999, when Amy Grant covered it. It was also a Glee cover, but rarely anyone else has covered this song. Not too many people want to cover this song; as it is iconically Karen Carpenter.
Her timing and phrasing is so delicate and perfect... obviously from her musical origins in drumming. What a treasure.
When I was a kid, we went on a long drive and their song "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" came on the radio and I was hooked. It was so different to their usual stuff and thoroughly entertaining. (Not a Christmas song though!)
Yes! My favorite!! I LOVE this song and her beautiful voice!
It is not Christmas until you hear Karen Carpenter sing this tune. Every Christmas song they recorded is incredible. Their are great singers then there is Karen Carpenter.
My music growing up was Van Halen, The Who, Cheap Trick but Karen Carpenter's voice always took me to a wonderful place in my heart and mind! She was wonderful!
Also, "Christmas Portrait" has re-entered the Billboard 200 album sales chart 5 times since it's release in 1978, and achieved new peak positions 4 out of those 5 times, the last time in 2020.
If there was ever a perfect match between a voice and a song, this is it.
The Carpenters Christmas album has to be one of the top 3 all time Christmas albums
Nancy Wilson singing the Christmas Waltz will provide you a similar warm vibe
The great Whitney Houston, “do you hear what I hear”. Must listen
Karen carpenter was a gift as well. Her voice is so soothing. We all need more of her!
Beautiful. Excellent choice.
Yes, its original, Karen had such a wonderful voice... this is classic!
She’s one of those singers, whose voices are just made for Christmas. I also love that she kind of reminds you that vocals don’t have to be about gymnastics or difficulty. Even though I enjoy those kind of singers too, lol. 😂
I could feel her sorrow when she sang "I wish I were with you." That is the magnificence of her performance.
A classic Carpenter Christmas song for decades for us. SO GLAD Y’ALL CAN ENJOY THIS YEAR AFTER YEAR NOW!!❤❤
This came out when we still had so many of our boys fighting in Viet Nam. Pretty much a love song from those missing them.
Oh, my God, I never thought of that. I'm a little younger than those seriously affected first hand by the Vietnam War but reading your comment I immediately realized what you're saying and it makes me love this song even more. Thank you.
Their version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is awesome...
I agree!!!!
Hands down the most romantic Xmas song of all time. Have heard it countless times, but it never gets old.
Truly the voice of an Angel
A dear friend of mine who I worked with over 40 years ago tells me a story that in one of our office's grabbags, I gave her this song on a 45. To this day it is one of her favorite songs at Christmas. You never know what will make people smile.
One of the most phenomenal female voices that was ever recorded. Karen could have sung the Dairy Queen menu and it would have been glorious!!!
The magic of Karen's voice is her delivery sounds like she's just singing it just to you. Very personal like she's singing to a child.
Spot on
A Carpenters Christmas album to me is the best Christmas album every produced. Karen's voice=Christmas❤❤❤❤❤
This one still makes me cry! Back in the day it was about a boyfriend but today it about loved ones who’ve passed on to heaven! 😭🤧👍🎄👏🙏❤️
That has been on my “playlist” since it first came out! Definitely one of the Christmas classic songs!
My dad’s favorite Christmas song. He used to bring the CD with him to Christmas parties because nobody ever had this song, and he loved dancing to it with my mom. Sadly we lost him way too young.
At my wedding, my mom and I couldn’t think of a song for the Mother/Son Dance. Since the wedding was in December, we danced to this in memory of my dad. Very special song for our family.
Voice of an Angel!! Along with Barry, of course!
My lord that voice.......sigh......those backup vocals....sigh...every thing just so warm.
I am actually shocked that you have never heard this song before. I can’t remember a year since it came out when I haven’t heard it played over and over again on the radio. It’s become such a classic Christmas song along with Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You. I’m glad that you’re finally getting a chance to hear this beautiful rendition by Karen.
I cry every time I hear her sing, what a gift and what a loss to our world.
Glad you're getting to the Christmas music from some of the artists you've discovered and explored throughout the year. Billy Squire has one called Christmas Is the Time To Say I Love You.
Nobody can touch the talent of Karen and Richard Carpenter
Without a doubt, this is one of my top three favorite Xmas songs of all time. It's sublime, mellow and sophisticated.
This is a typically beautiful song by Karen. Originally it came out in 1970. I remember how often it was played everywhere. It s been a holiday favorite ever since. Her voice was so pure and Angelic.
This is an original Carpenters Christmas song and it is one of those that is one and done, nobody else can ever expect to do it as well.
Welcome aboard, youngsters! Karen's voice will always be appreciated!
One of the true Modern Christmas Classics. Not only a great vocal by Karen, but a great melodic tune. Right up there with "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole.
I adore this song. It’s part of our traditional holiday and has been since the early 80s.
I cannot even talk, I miss her so much. My heart is full.
Best Christmas song ever, and Karen Carpenter's voice is the best ever! ❤️
The Carpenters have the best Christmas Album. Her voice is perfect for Christmas.
I always get mixed emotions when I hear her sing. She was a beautiful soul and was taken from us to soon. Merry Christmas Karen, and everyone listening to this now!♥️🙏🎄🎄🎄
Greatest female vocalist all time.. as always RIP Karen
One of the first 45s I ever purchased in 1970. The voice of an angel
I love her voice so much, you all need to play "Solitaire" and "Goodbye To Love"
Born in 1966 this album was a Christmas staple each year growing up, nothing like the carpenters
This song is still played on radio at Christmas and still makes the Billboard Holiday Charts to this day! I love this song!
The Carpenters Christmas Album is a staple & has been my whole life! I Love it so much! 💖
When this version came out in 1970, it probably resonated with listeners who had loved ones stationed in Vietnam.
Voice of an angel! No Christmas is complete without this song.
Karen Carpenter's voice is so soothing to me, whatever she sings. This is a beautiful song.
Her voice is so calming and beautiful. Perfection. Such a great loss. Bing Crosby's White Christmas is amazing so is the movie. Thank u so much, Many Blessings
Mary had an amazing voice. Everything she sang, is sound in perfection.
A beautiful tune especially with Karen’s silky smooth voice!
An incredible soul that left us far to soon.
One of my favorite Christmas songs. Thank you for reacting. The Carpenters are awesome.
I wish Karen could’ve seen how many people grew up loving her Christmas songs and how to so many, it’s just not Christmas until you turn on that classic Carpenter’s album.
Goose bumps....my favorite Christmas song. What an incredible voice.
For those of us who were in the Military, and away from home, this song, when it came out was a tear maker. She was singing to US, who were away from our families. RIP Karen, you sing like an angel.
Her singing their rendition of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, when they were on the Perry Como Show, is their best Christmas song, I think.
This is the Carpenters' iconic Christmas song. It quickly became a classic and as such has been covered numerous times.
Makes me cry, every single time!
Of course, there is someone I have in mind...
I bought both their Christmas albums ("Christmas Portrait" and "An Old Fashioned Christmas") back in the day. They are and will always be my favorite Christmas albums.
👍🏽 what a gift her voice was
Bless the beasts and the Children, Argentina, A place to hide away...so many
The Carpenters Christmas Portrait is my favorite all time Christmas album.