Check Out Nandi Bushell’s Cover of Karen Carpenter’s Classic “Dancing in the Street”

Nandi Bushell’s Tribute to Karen Carpenter

Nandi Bushell shared her perspective on Karen Carpenter’s legendary performance of “Dancing in the Street.” Check it out below.

Carpenter showcased the hit, taking charge of both drums and lead vocals, in front of a studio audience at Your All-American College Show in 1968. At that time, she was just 16—two years older than Bushell currently is.

“I love and respect Karen Carpenter so much!” Bushell expressed on X/Twitter. “She was such an incredible drummer, singer, and songwriter. An absolute legend! I’ve received this video more than any other, so I thought I’d give her amazing solo a try.”

Bushell’s Performance and Rise to Fame

Bushell’s rendition overlays footage of Carpenter’s original performance, allowing the two to be seen playing simultaneously. At just 14, Bushell, known for her drumming prowess, also highlights her vocal skills in this performance. Check it out below.

Bushell started playing drums at the age of five and went viral in 2020 when, at just ten, she engaged in online drum battles with Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, who even acknowledged defeat that November.

Grohl later praised Bushell, stating that watching her perform was “as inspiring as any Beatles record, any Zeppelin record, any AC/DC record, any Stones record.”

In 2021, she met the Foo Fighters during their Everlong concert in Los Angeles and received a pair of drumsticks from the late Taylor Hawkins. She will continue to pay tribute to him by performing “Learn To Fly” at the drummer’s tribute concert after his passing at age 50 in 2022.

As a social media sensation, Bushell frequently shares videos of herself performing various covers, including tracks by The Who, Metallica, Nirvana, and others. She has also released several original songs, such as “The Shadows,” “Gods and Unicorns,” and “Into the Abyss.”

In addition to her drumming and singing, Bushell recently displayed her piano skills with a gentle interpretation of Nine Inch Nails’ 1994 classic “Hurt.”

Bushell took the stage at Download Festival in June, performing John Lennon’s ‘Power To The People’ alongside Tom Morello, which you can watch below.

She is becoming accustomed to large audiences, having delivered an impressive 10-minute rock drum medley at the O2 Arena in London as part of the Young Voices youth choir tour just a few months prior.

Earlier this year, Bushell appeared on Drumeo’s YouTube channel to play along to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” despite having never heard the song before.