Joe Carroll

This article is about the jazz vocalist. For the basketball player, see Joe Barry Carroll. For the character from The Following, see List of The Following characters § Joe Carroll.

See also: Joseph Carroll

Joe "Bebop" Carroll (November 25, 1919–February 1, 1981) was a jazz vocalist, known primarily for his work with Dizzy Gillespie between 1949 and 1953. His collaborations with Gillespie include the humorous songs "Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac" and "Oo Bla Dee."

He was known for an upbeat, energetic comedic style, often employing scat singing or vocalese. Carroll recorded three albums under his own name in the late 1950s and early 1960s; the best-known, and only one to have been released on CD, is 1962's The Man With The Happy Sound.

The 1947 Tadd Dameron song "A Be Bop Carroll" (recorded by Fats Navarro) is a Christmas song with a punning reference to Carroll.

Selected discography

• Joe Carroll with the Ray Bryant Trio: Joe Carroll (Epic, 1956)

With Dizzy Gillespie

• The Complete RCA Victor Recordings (Bluebird, 1937-1949, [1995])
• Dee Gee Days: The Savoy Sessions (Savoy, 1951-52 [1976])
• Pleyel Concert 1953 (Vogue, 1953)
• Carnegie Hall Concert (Verve, 1961)