per Wiki:

1975 – In Playboy magazine's annual opinion poll, its readers voted Carpenter the Best Rock Drummer of the year. Apparently this greatly displeased John Bonham from Led Zeppelin as he came in second. He was quoted as saying: "I'd like to have it publicised that I came in after Karen Carpenter in the Playboy drummer poll! She couldn't last ten minutes with a Zeppelin number."

so true, but their passion for playing the drums are the same, your fans truly missed both of you.

Posted by akeem on Friday, 01/11/2013 @ 19:57pm

The most successful American music act of the 1970's, with one of the greatest female vocalists ever, who have influenced many relevant artists and over 100 million units sold. Seems like a no-brainer...and yet, nothing. Ridiculously political.

Posted by Dena on Wednesday, 04/10/2013 @ 13:18pm

Karen had the most soulful and perfect voice I have ever heard, and I am old enough to have heard ALL the greats at one time or another!! They deserve, without any reservation, nomination to the HOF. It's more than just a little disgusting that they have been overlooked for all of this time.

Posted by shosho on Monday, 06/3/2013 @ 16:50pm

Don't agree with her having the best voice, but yeah they deserve in.

Posted by GFW on Tuesday, 06/4/2013 @ 07:01am

She had the saddest voice I ever heard.

Posted by astrodog on Tuesday, 06/4/2013 @ 07:13am

I have been listening to the Carpenters since the 1970's. karen Carpenter had one of the most magnificent voices that was or ever will be recorded. It is very sad that the R and R Hall of Fame has not entered her or her brother Richard into its' "hallowed halls". Some of Richards arrangements are still being used by artists today. Regardless of whether you ever enter them or not they will alway hold a special place in my heart and extensive music collection. I miss you KC. Thank you for leaving behind your beautiful voice. Godspeed

Posted by TAN on Thursday, 05/22/2014 @ 11:06am

beautiful singing voice which kaen carpenter had. lots of good hits. always belong in.

Posted by john jarvis on Friday, 06/13/2014 @ 15:55pm

No! Karen and Richard are superior musicians when compared to most in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why would the Carpenters want to be associated with those who could not play an instrument, sing on pitch, write music, or maintain a rhythm? Most are recognized for being "infamous" instead of being an exceptional talent.

Posted by Aaron on Sunday, 08/17/2014 @ 13:14pm

Maybe I spoke to soon. Nat King Cole and Herb Alpert as well as Simon and Garfunkel and many others who were of a similar caliber and do not meet the requirements some have for what is "rock" music are in. In light of who is in the museum, Karen and Richard deserve just as much recognition. It won't happen--they were too white and too musical. It would open the door for the likes of Streisand or Williams. Unheard of!

Posted by Aaron on Sunday, 08/17/2014 @ 13:29pm

Casting my Yes for Karen and Richard Carpenter. They were a staple on my father's garage and workshop radios growing up. Karen had the voice of an angel and their songs could mesmerize me.

Posted by Worm on Thursday, 10/2/2014 @ 09:09am

Have just been sifting thru all the comments. Somebody actually posted what I would call a full-blown disertation on history and origins of rock 'n rock music beginning in 1916 up to modern day. If you have an hour to waste (spare?) you can find it here. A few years back I myself made several posts saying why The Carpenters should not/would not get in the RRHOF.
Basically what it seems to boil down to is either:
a.) Carpenters were not rock 'n roll ergo don't belong; or,
b.) The RRHOF is no longer a "rock" only institution, and The Carpenters indeed meet the current criteria.
There is another argument, which I dismiss as being apologist - those who want to insist Richard and Karen were really truly rockers, "soft rock" was their genre. Forget this last, it is both lame and foolish. There is no option c.).
Although I once voted No, I now vote Yes. Like Worm, my father also listened to a radio station that played a lot of Carpenters songs. It was good stuff. Karen surely had an angel's voice. Should angels deign (condescend?) to be in the rats nest we call the RRHoF? With apologies to heaven, I vote Yes.

Posted by Telarock on Saturday, 10/18/2014 @ 21:52pm

Frank Sinatra and Benny Goodman (both already mention above) and some others for doping swing would be a shoo in for the Rock and Roll hall of Fame most sooner than anybody for being an influence. Putting the Carpetners (whom I do like, and I would sing for Nixon too being from his home town born and raised) in there would be antithetical, like putting Debbie Gibson or Taylor Swift. (Both of whom I also like.)

What I'M still surprised is why the Moodies or Melanie ain't it yet.

Posted by Steve Carras on Sunday, 12/21/2014 @ 19:57pm

So you posters say that the Carpenters are not rock so shouldn't be inducted.... I never heard any rock n roll from Robert Johnson. In general this misogynistic attitude really is so stupid. Petula Clark, Sonny and Cher/Cher, The Carpenters. All were huge in their day and did influence the advancement of women rock n rollers today. Just because they are overlooked and forgotten. And that is very sad.

Posted by Myrna on Wednesday, 07/8/2015 @ 17:58pm

Myxyz, Wikipedia pays the media that's why they called The Carpenters soft rock, that's why Jimmy Wales (The founder of Wikipedia) is worth only $ 1,000,000, Even The Black Eyed Peas is richer than him like Filipino Singer Apl.De.Ap, prounounced Apple Dee Ap. They even exposed government and private information of any not just famous but public individuals, this solves your question.

Posted by Jombee on Tuesday, 12/15/2015 @ 05:00am

I hope they don't get in. It is a meaningless honor. The very mentality that marginalized them during their careers run the RRHOF. It is a joke. Just like the Grammy, Oscars, and all the like have now been sullied by an attitude of inclusiveness and political correctness, so has The Rock and Roll Hall of fame. How can you induct Madonna and not The Carpenters? Madonna was a better singer than Karen Carpenter?! Had more innate talent? Give me a break! "Musical excellence is the essential qualification for induction." LOL!!

Posted by Tom on Friday, 03/18/2016 @ 15:10pm

Yes, Madonna has more talent than Karen Carpenter. "I hope they don't get in." Good thing we both agree!

Posted by Gassman on Friday, 03/18/2016 @ 17:10pm

The Carpenters??? Are we talking about the ROCK N ROLL HOF here? Did the Carpenters ever make a rock n roll song?? They should be in the "Top 40" HOF!! Not the RnR HOF!

Posted by Tom NJ on Thursday, 05/5/2016 @ 13:45pm

There are plenty of acts in the hall of fame that are not considered "rock and roll", but are musical legends, and The Carpenters definitely fit this bill. Karen's voice, and their place in music history as the biggest brother and sister act of all time should be enough. By the way, Karen was a consumate drummer, and Buddy Rich considered her his favorite jazz drummer!

Posted by Daphne on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 22:49pm

I grew up with The Carpenters, they had the most beautiful songs, lyrics none could beat and the arrangements were done to perfection. Karen's voice was like an angel from Heaven. Why hasn't this incredible duo made it to the Hall of Fame before now, it's beyond me. Some say they don't belong there yet rappers do that's Rock & Roll? I think not !
They, Richard & Karen, had the bests songs ever written before or since. This is a complete travesty of justice, that should be rectified ASAP. Let's do it while Richard is still alive shall we?!

Posted by Therese Barnard on Wednesday, 06/14/2017 @ 13:28pm

The Carpenters being inducted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is really not that important. What I think is important is for them to be honored at the Kennedy Center.

Posted by RRHOF Judge on Thursday, 07/13/2017 @ 22:08pm

A couple of their songs were rock, specifically "Good-Bye To Love and "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft", which was (dare I say it?) prog rock. And the hall has already inducted the likes of The Bee Gees, ABBA, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, etc., who are just as far from rock musically as they are. Stevie Nicks will probably be this years "let's get a woman in" nominee, but if their looking for another, there's no better voice. That being said, while I am a fan of them, I won't lose any sleep if they are never in the hall because they are pretty far away from rock. My pet cause right now is getting The Moody Blues (who are rock) nominated.

Posted by Michael McNeely on Tuesday, 10/3/2017 @ 16:20pm

A couple of their songs were rock, specifically "Good-Bye To Love and "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft", which was (dare I say it?) prog rock. And the hall has already inducted the likes of The Bee Gees, ABBA, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, etc., who are just as far from rock musically as they are. Stevie Nicks will probably be this years "let's get a woman in" nominee, but if they're looking for another, there's no better voice. That being said, while I am a fan of them, I won't lose any sleep if they are never in the hall because they are pretty far away from rock. My pet cause right now is getting The Moody Blues (who are rock) nominated.

Posted by Michael McNeely on Tuesday, 10/3/2017 @ 16:22pm

Absolutely, the Carpenters should be in the Hall of Fame. A dozen top ten hits over 30 million records sold should qualify on its own, but what gets them in for me is Karen. Nearly every young girl who group up in the 70s wanted to sing like her. Her influence is still felt today and there has never been a smoother female vocalist since. Oh, and she passed away at just 32 years old, there were more hits than we never got to hear.

Joan Baez was inducted this year and not many would classify her as a rock star.

Posted by Mitch Beverly on Monday, 12/11/2017 @ 01:27am

I was originally in that category of "I like the Carpenters but they're not rock" category until I heard their first album "Offering". It was not quite the same as their later style. Richard and lyricist John Bettis wrote all but a couple songs, and two of the covers were of The Beatles and Neil Young. They didn't really focus exclusively on Karen's voice and were more of a harmony group. The sound was a combination of overdubbed Mamas and Papas style harmonies and jazzy, almost prog rock arrangements. And Karen actually played drums on every track, so this album had a lot more of rock's DIY ethos than later releases. And, from the hit portion of their career, the songs "Good-Bye To Love" and "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" qualify as rock songs even if nothing else does. No, they're not really rock, but they're not traditional pop either. They're somewhere in between, the same in between as acts who have been inducted into the hall, such as James Taylor, Neil Diamond, The Bee Gees, Madonna, etc. And if the Hall is going to continue to use such an expanded definition of Rock 'N' Roll, why not?

Posted by Scotty Mac on Wednesday, 02/21/2018 @ 21:28pm

I don’t think they’ll ever get in. But it’s pretty doubtful since there are actually a significant amount of names who cited them as one of their influences.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 07/25/2018 @ 14:00pm

Not likely they will get a nomination, as there is a backlog of more deserving acts.

Posted by Mark on Wednesday, 07/25/2018 @ 16:15pm

Not likely they will get a nomination, as there is a backlog of more deserving acts.

Posted by Mark on Wednesday, 07/25/2018 @ 16:16pm

This is a group 23 years after their eligibilty that I would be shocked that they ever get on a nomination list Karen certainly had a beautiful voice and Richard had his chops,I couldn,t have seen them going in the year the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin got in but like I said I could be surpised if they ever got on a nomination list and I would be glad if they got at least a chance.

Posted by Dan L on Sunday, 09/16/2018 @ 18:30pm

Seriously Rock and roll hall of fame is essentially the popular music hall of fame and that's fine. They can go in as can any one from any genre of popular music.

Posted by David on Tuesday, 07/16/2019 @ 10:58am

I'm shocked that they aren't in.

Posted by Liam on Sunday, 12/1/2019 @ 15:55pm

Richard and karen carpenter were the best band ever! They are in the top 10 of the best bands next to the beach boys. The Beatles Elvis! If they never get in the rock and roll hall of fame shame on them because richard deserves all the accolades

Posted by Linda Lopez on Sunday, 12/1/2019 @ 20:51pm

When I'm reminded that there are groups and artists with a couple of songs, or a couple of albums, who are in the HOF, but The Carpenters are not, or it took decades for RUSH to be inducted, or STYX still isn't, it confirms to me that the powers that be (those who decide such matters) are oblivious to the love that the public has for these groups. Sorta like the Oscars often going to films that no one is going to see.

Posted by Pete Hetherington on Sunday, 01/12/2020 @ 16:59pm

I suppose if the best female vocalist to date, coupled with the best arranger/producer to date, resulting in sales of some 150 million records to date (and counting) doesn't cut it, then nothing ever will! Karen was an excellent drummer. Wait, a drummer? What does a drummer do but create rhythm? Is their music too sophisticated to be called Rock? Does music have to be 'dumbed-down' to qualify as Rock? Thump ... thump ... thump ... only qualifies as Rock? The innovation of the power ballad and innovative use of overdubbing vocals was certainly quickly copied by other Rock artists. All I can say is they better take their rightful place in the Hall of Fame soon or we need to start a new Hall of Fame that is more inclusive. The choice belongs to the current R&RHoF!

Posted by Gary C. on Thursday, 06/4/2020 @ 12:22pm

Hard to say "yes" and hard to say "no"...Their super smooth super mellow pop sounds certainly don't fit the Rock and Roll or R&B mold, and some people might ask "what's next, Eydie Gorme and Barbara Streisand?" however, they do deserve in. They were the biggest of their variety of pop. They crafted some damn fine songs themselves without all the extra people that are required to make today's music. And... they have countless fans in the rock world. There are a few country acts who influenced the rock world that are in...The Carpenters did the same. Put them in. Let's not forget to mention that Karen is perhaps in the top three voices in the world of popular music of any genre (Linda Ronstadt is the best IMHO). The tribute album "If I Were a Carpenter" is a great listen. Of course not as good as the original, but a worthy disc.

Posted by Tom Fletcher on Wednesday, 10/21/2020 @ 21:47pm

Karen had a gorgeous instantly recognizable voice. She also played drums (which as a woman I was discouraged to play). Typical of Rolling Stone mag/ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to NOT induct women. Think of others like Carly Simon, Carole King, Pat Benatar, Olivia Newton-John, Tina Turner, and the Go-Go's. All are listed as influences by other artists.

Posted by Cathy on Saturday, 11/14/2020 @ 17:58pm

No Carpenters??? What a travesty! BEST GROUP EVER!!!!

Posted by Debra on Tuesday, 12/8/2020 @ 05:05am

the carpenters one of the best soft rock acts, you must enter

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 01/16/2021 @ 18:32pm

I've already commented on The Carpenters, but I have to make a general comment here since there seems to be no place for general comments about your site, not related to a specific artist already in your database. Gallery featuring Jim Gold is not in your database at all. Their first recording was in 1972 so they are eligible. And they had three hits.

Posted by Mike on Wednesday, 03/31/2021 @ 15:26pm

With some of the CRAP several of the musicians who've been inducted have produced, it's a travesty great musicians are passed over.
The Hall of Fame is political BULLSHIT.

Posted by Christopher on Sunday, 04/4/2021 @ 11:26am

Of course The Carpenters belong in The Hall. It's evolved into performers that were/are iconic in the modern music of the era that they were from. The Carpenters, especially Karen Carpenter was iconic and uniquely musically talented/gifted. ... "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive." - Sir Paul McCartney ... Enough said, induct The Carpenters!

Posted by Dave on Friday, 04/23/2021 @ 13:53pm

Please the Carpenters deserve full infuction
Go to the Greatest hits. Listen to that voice. I was a close friend of Herb Reed from the Platters And went to 90 induction with him. Their music was similar please consider the Carpenters but listen to threir greatest hits first.
Please before Richard Passes.
Sincerely
Kevin J Boda

Posted by Kevin J Boda on Monday, 05/10/2021 @ 07:28am

Since the Rock HoF is barely about Rock music anymore the excuse that they are not rock does not fly anymore. Rap is not rock music, Madonna is not Rock music, Bonnie Raitt has never written a good song in her life and plays a decent guitar but her political affiliations were enough to get her in (I like her but not a HoF career). The people who run the Hall of a bunch of elitist prats who probably scoffed at many of the same groups they currently get their panties all twisted up over. There is no doubt they belong in the Hall.

Posted by Mike on Tuesday, 06/29/2021 @ 14:53pm

By its own definitions. Rock and Roll is both diverse and all encompassing. It's influences and creation. A mix of Jazz and Blues and defined as unique . So by the quality and uniqueness of the Carpenters . They more than qualify for induction . On these qualities alone . To deny them inclusion and induction is tantamount to denying day follows night. Karen's voice and Richards arrangements. Don't need any club med or awards show . To justify there amazing achievements.

Posted by anthony vizena on Wednesday, 07/7/2021 @ 06:52am

Truly,

I love Karen's voice. I love their songs. I truly believe their contributions to the music industry is so great and their accomplishments are hard to dismiss from the Rhof committee.
Please induct them. I've waited since day one of the halls opening and seeing Richard accept the award for his sister's would be so amazing. Nominated as best drummer in 1975 out passing John bohdam of zeppelin.
Karen's voice is rank as one of the greatest female artist of all time.
They sold more albums in 70s than any other group.

Posted by Bob fausnaught on Wednesday, 08/11/2021 @ 23:36pm

The Carpenters deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Several reasons #1. Karen's voice - one of the best if not the best female pop vocalist! #2. The Carpenters totally changed the music of the 70's & isn't that what the Rock an Roll Hall of Fame wants - people/acts/musicians that influenced music. Well besides the Beatles tell me another group that made such a Hugh impact on the style of popular music!! #3. The Carpenters introduced the first Fuzz Guitar solo into a pop song now called a POWER BALLAD, now it is common place! Finally one of the first groups to use music videos to sell/promote their songs.. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THESE THINGS ARE WHAT THE HALL OF FAME IS LOOKING FOR IN THEIR INDUCTEES. Most of the inductees don't have half of these qualifications and your going to snub the Carpenters who have all your requirements. WAKE UP & INDUCT THE CARPENTERS!!!!

Posted by Deanne on Monday, 09/6/2021 @ 17:19pm

R&RHOF inducts James Taylor and finally The Moody Blues whose music arrangements were fabulous. Yet the HOF continues to ignore one of the most influential figures in music and who have sold and will continue to sell millions records for a long time. Their music is timeless and Karen's voice is greater than most of all the women already in the HOF. If I was a HOF member, I would be embarrassed by this tragic oversight of exclusion. Can you really justify their exclusion from the HOF when in fact they sold more records in their era than almost all other inductees.

Posted by Majormike on Friday, 12/17/2021 @ 23:54pm

R&RHOF inducts James Taylor and finally The Moody Blues whose music arrangements were fabulous. Yet the HOF continues to ignore one of the most influential figures in music and who have sold and will continue to sell millions records for a long time. Their music is timeless and Karen's voice is greater than most of all the women already in the HOF. If I was a HOF member, I would be embarrassed by this tragic oversight of exclusion. Can you really justify their exclusion from the HOF when in fact they sold more records in their era than almost all other inductees.

Posted by Majormike on Friday, 12/17/2021 @ 23:55pm

There is still that stupid debate that if it is rock or not rock, rock and roll is a before and after of popular music, now the pop genre was born from rock and roll in the 50s unlike traditional pop, and carpenters was born in the rock era, they were a mix of easy listening, pop and rock, their genre was pop/soft rock/adult they deserve to enter they were successful, many of their influences are rock acts like the beatles beach boys and r&b as groups motown, and influenced rock and pop acts

Posted by nick on Wednesday, 01/19/2022 @ 19:19pm

If they really are the complete opposite of how rock should be then they really made an impact in the Music World. 70s was the decade full of diverse music genres: Rock, Pop, Disco, Soul, Electronic, Punk etc and Carpenters really standout in the early 70s for Pop. If they don't deserve as Performers how about Musical Excellence awardee?

Posted by chuvakla on Tuesday, 01/25/2022 @ 00:00am

Not only did Karen Carpenter have a great natural singing voice singing voice her and her brother composed the songs. Not only did Karen Carpenter sing the songs but she also played the drums while doing so and there was really no one in her class at the time that would do that she was before her time they are great hits they were clean American pop and rock stars. The carpenters are timeless and is clean cut American a as you can get other than The Beach Boys. There's no doubt that they definitely should be in the rock and roll hall of fame without a doubt you can't exclude a band like the carpenters. Is natural talent.. Is clean cut American clean pop rock should be in the hall of fame. Is definitely before Eminem or Dolly Parton

Posted by Gregory Aloisi on Sunday, 02/6/2022 @ 09:24am

The two Artists who belong more than any other who have NOT already been inducted (IMO) are (in order) Blood, Sweat & Tears (a messy proposition for sure, but the quality of their music isn't one of those messes) and The Carpenters. But as someone already pointed out, musical talent is a critical liability when the music journalism criticism under examination is funded by people who hate musicianship in the first place. I.E., underground Rock press. Zappa nailed them dead to rights, again, IMO.

Posted by RTM on Saturday, 05/7/2022 @ 19:12pm

Let's talk Carpenters induction. You have the great and legendary Karen Carpenter. Also is considered best female drummer ever. She is in the music recording world considered the Voice. To quote the Beatles Paul McCartney "she had "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive". She has been called "one of the greatest voices of our lifetime" by Elton John. Lets just say...there are the legends and famous female singers....and then there's Karen Carpenter. You can hear Karen's influence on such singers as Gloria Estefan and Shania Twain. You can hear echoes of Karen in such hits as Madonna's "Crazy for You" and Beyoncé's "Halo." But you can't really say, after all this time, that anyone has replaced Karen Carpenter. They have sold between 150-200 million records. Richard Carpenter is a genius arranger and producer. What more do they need ? This all was done in 14 years.

Posted by KJB on Friday, 12/23/2022 @ 17:22pm

I always thought The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is about musical excellence, not just literally rock and roll as a genre of music. It should house representation of the best of the best. Period. It's big enough to hold the truly best of every genre. How can it not include The Carpenters? They were instrumental in moving American music forward in a way no other band was capable of doing at that time. Karen Carpenter's drumming was unmatched even by Zeppelin! Where is the line that separates who is indicted and who isn't? I guess I don't know what exact criteria must be met. But I'm sure there are some who've been inducted, who barely made the cutoff. Just saying......

Posted by K. Colljns on Saturday, 01/28/2023 @ 07:59am

I was around in The Carpenter's heyday and saw them several times on music/variety shows. Generally Richard was behind the piano and Karen was just there singing. I never saw her behind the drums.

Am sure she was a terrific drummer, but never saw her drum when they were on TV.

Posted by Paul in KY on Sunday, 01/29/2023 @ 09:22am

The early days of the R&RHOF were all about Rock & Roll music,but it has changed over the years.
Since then,they have inducted many artists who are the farthest from Rock & Roll.That being said,it might be time for those living artists who are in the hall and are on record saying that Carpenters influenced them speak up.Might be the only way they get their deserved honor.And with many others who posted earlier,please do it while Richard is still around to accept.

Posted by Tom Dinder on Sunday, 03/5/2023 @ 06:33am

Yes for me but they are not likely to be inducted in the future.

Posted by power on Sunday, 06/4/2023 @ 09:13am

How do you include country and Dolly Parton and not induct The Carpenters who dominated the Billboard charts in the early 70s? Karen Carpenter had arguably one of the best voices of her generation. The Rock and Roll HOF has broaden its umbrella so wide that it is no longer a rock and roll institution. Get over yourselves before you become irrelevant.

Posted by John B on Monday, 01/1/2024 @ 19:34pm

Carpenters started soft rock.

Posted by Leonard on Wednesday, 01/3/2024 @ 02:24am

I was never a Carpenters but considering that artists like James Taylor, Carole King, Neil diamond, Simon and Garfunkel have been inducted they should be given consideration for induction.

Posted by Robert Brown on Sunday, 01/28/2024 @ 16:30pm

Karen Carpenter had the best voice in music and Richard Carpenter was a great arranger. Their music transcends through the generation. I heard it when it first came out and have listen to it all my life. With other soft rock musicians already inducted, it's time to induct the Carpenters into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Posted by Brian Doty on Saturday, 04/20/2024 @ 09:19am