"Buddy Rich named Karen as his favorite pop drummer, and Buddy famously did not give out compliments. As an egomaniac, he might have bestowed this compliment because her style and technique is very much like his: monster chops, flash, and musicality. Oh, and she sings at the same time! Because she was such an amazing singer (coupled with a healthy dose of sexism), she was muscled off her instrument of choice and into the role of singer and frontwoman for The Carpenters. The hits followed and so did her tragic demise. First and foremost, Karen was a wildly talented drummer, and sadly she was never afforded the accolades she deserved, or revered for the drumming talent that she was."