"After a long hot tour of the South States in April/May (1971), (the) CARPENTERS finally reached home base, their beautiful home in Downey. Karen's first thought after greeting Mush and Lady (Karen's dogs), was to take a dip in their pool, but Richard just wanted to sit down, relax and listen to records. But they were faced with business meetings and a very busy TV schedule. By 8:30 a.m. the day after they arrived home, they were at the NBC Television Studio getting made-up for the taping of their first show "Make Your Own Kind of Music."
This was THEIR show - an hour long variety production, scheduled to air July 20th. Watch your TV Guide or local newspaper for time schedule. It will replace the Don Knotts show so it might be in the same time slot. (Don will make a few cameo appearances on their show.)
Richard and Karen waiting between takes on the show set (Photo courtesy of Tom McKenzie)
To Karen, TV taping is a drag when not on camera. Ambitious young lady that she is, she hates to stand around and wait. If you've ever visited or read about TV tapings, you know there is scads of waiting time while lights are changed, sets are re-done, hair is re-styled for a new scene, make-up is touched or entirely re-done, etc. Then there is rehearsing! Lots of rehearsing! The same song over and over again and again. Not because THEY need it, but because the cameramen need to get their shots just right for every movement.
They did eight shows in eight days time, working long and wearisome hours to accomplish this incredible feat. But at long last it was finished and they were able to leave on a well-deserved and much needed vacation - almost."
~
From the Carpenters International Fan Club Newsletter #3 - July
1971.