Lucy O'Brien

Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Author Lucy O'Brien reveals the real story of Karen Carpenter in her book; Lead Sister. All the interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.com

Karen Carpenter was one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Close to You and We've Only Just Begun. Known for her rich, melancholic voice and exceptional drumming skills, Karen helped define the Carpenters' distinctive sound. Despite their success, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, which tragically led to her death in 1983 at the age of 32.

In 2023, British author and journalist Lucy O'Brien published Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter, a biography that explores Karen's life and legacy beyond the often-simplified narrative of her as a victim. O'Brien, who began her career in music journalism in the 1980s with NME and The Guardian, is known for her work on women in music, including She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop, and Soul (1995) and biographies of Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, and Madonna. Lead Sister draws on fresh interviews with friends and collaborators, highlighting Karen’s influence as a singer, drummer, and producer. The book was named a Times Book of the Year and has been praised for its insightful and compassionate portrayal of Karen Carpenter.

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