Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

9781788708241

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Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: Yes

Format Books GB

Hardback

Format detail

signed book plates by the author

Limited edition

Release date

2023-03-02

Signed copies

Signed copies: Yes

Supplier GB

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1 / Extended format: Yes / Hardback / Signed copies: Yes

9781788708272

Extended format: No

Paperback

2024-02-15

Signed copies: No

Grantham Book Services Ltd.

Zero:0

Artist

Lucy O'Brien

Genre GB

Music

Label GB

Nine Eight Books

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A pioneering biography re-evaluating the life and legacy of transcendent musician
Karen Carpenter.


When the Carpenters first toured Japan, a journalist mistakenly referred to Karen
as the 'lead sister' of the band. This designation stuck and Karen liked it so much
that she had a T-shirt custom-made with the slogan, which she wore while
drumming on the band's 1976 world tour. The term also sums up the approach of
this biography: a celebratory re-evaluation of a pioneering woman.


As one of the biggest-selling acts of the 1970s, sibling duo Richard and Karen
Carpenter created lush soundscapes of melodic pop, producing global hits like
'We've Only Just Begun', 'Top of the World' and 'Close to You'. However, though
Karen is rightly recognised as one of the greatest singers in popular music, the
tragedy of her early death in 1983, at the age of just thirty-two, often overshadows
all that she achieved. She has long been portrayed as a victim, controlled by her
family and exploited by the music industry.


This book now seeks to reframe her life and legacy.


Through fresh interviews with friends, musicians and co-workers, bestselling author
Lucy O'Brien's fascinating profile explores Karen's contributions in the studio as a
singer, drummer, arranger and producer, as well as tracing the roots of the
Carpenters' sound and of Karen's distinctive vocals. Forty years after her death, it
also honours the lead sister's achievements in the face of her struggle with
anorexia, as viewed through the lens of new perspectives on eating disorders and
mental health.


Yet, despite the chronic nature of her illness, Karen Carpenter was, above all, a
creative, dedicated and assured artist whose music delivers an emotional
resonance that has transcended generations - and that is how she should be
remembered.


Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter

Books GB