A popular singer and Broadway performer of the 1920s and 1930s, known for his smooth, baritone voice and charismatic stage presence.
Known for his smooth, velvety voice and energetic stage presence, Earl Carroll is the iconic lead vocalist of the pioneering doowop group, The Cadillacs. With their 1955 hit single "Speedoo" (later adapted to become his nickname), Carroll's voice soared to new heights, cementing his place in the annals of music history.
Born on November 2, 1937, Earl Carroll grew up in a musical family, where he was exposed to a wide range of genres, from gospel to rhythm and blues. This eclectic upbringing would later influence his distinctive vocal style, which blended sweet harmonies with a raw, emotive power.
In the mid-1950s, Carroll joined The Cadillacs, a group of young, talented musicians from Harlem. With Carroll at the helm, the group released "Speedoo," a song that would become a staple of the doowop era. The song's success propelled The Cadillacs to national fame, with the group performing on popular TV shows and touring extensively throughout the United States.
In 1961, Carroll made the bold decision to leave The Cadillacs and join another legendary doowop group, The Coasters. During his tenure with The Coasters, Carroll contributed to several hit singles, including " Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown." His time with The Coasters further solidified his reputation as a master vocalist and performer.
In the early 1980s, Carroll took a surprising career detour, leaving the music industry to work as a custodian at PS 87 elementary school in New York City. This unassuming role would have a profound impact on his life, as he became a beloved figure among the students, who affectionately referred to him as "Speedoo." This unexpected popularity inspired author Ann Morris to write a children's book, That's Our Custodian, which helped revive Carroll's music career.
Carroll's music career experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s, with the singer becoming a mainstay of the PBS series honoring doowop, hosted by Jerry Butler. He continued to perform until the early 2010s, when health issues forced him to retire. Earl Carroll passed away on November 25, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and unforgettable performances.
Earl Carroll's contributions to doowop and rhythm and blues cannot be overstated. His voice and stage presence influenced generations of musicians, from The Temptations to The Beach Boys. Today, Carroll's music remains a testament to the power of doowop, an era that paved the way for the development of rock and roll, soul, and Motown.
Earl Carroll's life and career serve as a poignant reminder that success is often a journey of unexpected twists and turns. From the heights of fame to the humblest of roles, Carroll remained true to his art, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and delight music lovers for generations to come.
Born in 1886
A legendary performer who charmed audiences with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, starring in the first "talkie" film, The Jazz Singer, and popularizing jazz and blues music.
Born in 1892
A popular entertainer of the 1920s-1940s, known for his charismatic stage presence, catchy songs, and comedic timing, starring in films, Broadway shows, and radio programs.
Born in 1878
A legendary entertainer who wrote and performed iconic patriotic songs, including "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There," and was a pioneer of American musical theater.
Born in 1888
A legendary composer and pianist who wrote over 1,500 songs, including iconic American standards like "God Bless America" and "White Christmas", shaping the Great American Songbook.
Born in 1898
A renowned pianist and composer who blended jazz and classical music to create iconic works like "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris", leaving a lasting impact on American music.
Born in 1891
A legendary composer and songwriter behind timeless Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals, crafting witty, sophisticated, and romantic songs that have become jazz standards.
Born in 1902
Pioneering creator of iconic American musicals, blending music, dance, and drama to craft timeless classics like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music.
Born in 1895
Wrote witty, romantic, and poignant lyrics for Broadway musicals, collaborating with Richard Rodgers to create iconic shows like Oklahoma! and South Pacific. 42
