George W. Carroll

George W. Carroll, of Waltham, formerly of Marblehead and Sarasota, Florida died Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 80.

Born on May 22, 1938 in Waltham he was a son of the late George W. II and Loretta (Leger) Carroll. He graduated from St. John's High School in North Cambridge and was schooled musically at Berkeley College, Saltman Conservatory and later earned his Bachelor's degree from Salem State University with a degree in journalism/communications with a minor in music. Music was in his DNA as his dad was a composer of music as well as a talented piano and reed player. His grandmother was a classically trained opera singer from England. He honorably served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

As owner of George Carroll Associates he worked as a process sales engineer for many years before retirement.

Widowed by his first wife, Marie (Messina) Carroll he later met and married Mary L. Powers on September 18, 1994 in Marblehead. They loved their time living in Marblehead before moving to Siesta Key, Florida in 1995 to enjoy a retirement. While in Marblehead the jazz-musician composed an anthem titled 'Marblehead' which was very much loved but stirred controversy amongst town officials who preferred their march of 'Marblehead Forever' be the only tune tied to Marblehead. Where words fail…music speaks and he continued to play. His tune was performed to a full house at Abbott Hall and now remains in the Marblehead Archives.

George and Mary's move to Florida enabled him to trade in retirement to continue a successful career as jazz musician and composer. He really enjoyed producing, playing and entertaining others with his music. He willingly professed his talent was a blessing from God and with over 700 tunes and twenty-two CD's published he is well-known in the music arenas. While in Boston he was a member of the 'Boston Cream Big Band' and in Florida he formed and led the 'George Carroll Big Band' and the 'Sarasota Sunsets Jazz Trio'.

In addition to his wife, Mary he leaves his children, Jennifer A. Higgins of Walpole, Lisa M. Carroll of Hingham and Gregory G. Carroll of Brockton; Mary's children, Robert J. Powers (Helen) of Salem, Richard P. Powers (Teresa) of Portland, OR, David J. Powers (Mindy) of Boca Raton, FL, Gerald M. Powers (Maryellen) of Plum Island, Catherine A. Knowlton (Dan) of Essex; brother of June Andrus of Senora, CA; also survived by 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law of Martha A. Gallagher (Gerald) of Waltham, Patricia M. Maloon of Natick and Donald F. Meade of Redondo Beach, CA; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember George's life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Saturday, February 16th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers memorials in George's name may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.

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PURE --- Mark Murphy, Englewood, NJ, September 9, 2012


It isn't every day an artist gets to name a jazz CD and write liner notes for same. But I felt inspired to do just that after catching George Carroll's performance, recorded live at the Metropolitan Room in New York. PURE is all about George's love of jazz and his creative ability to write scores for his various bands, large and small, based in Sarasota, FL.

After 20 recordings, several of which were well-received in unlikely radio markets from Australia to Monterey, CA, as well as the occasional date at renowned clubs and festivals in and around Boston, his hometown, and New York (the Iridium, Cleopatra's Needle), George ended up this summer- FINALLY- in one of New York's classiest rooms, playing and swinging the timeless jazz standards that grace this beautiful CD.

I was there at the performance (you can hear me leading the cheers, "Yo, Georgie") and it was exactly what you hear - neat, clean, one take, no false starts, no do-overs, and of course, tasty playing and singing. When George told me he had recorded the date I told him, "You should name it PURE," because that's what the show was, pure and unaffected.

George has worn many hats during his six decades of music: composer, arranger, big band leader, singer, pianist, agent, sound technician, stage hand, road manager and producer. Mostly in obscurity, always for the love of the music. I applaud George for doggedly working his craft, from the early years as a college student, then a music major at Berklee College of Music, leader of his successful Boston Creme big bands as well as businessman, husband and father.

Some splendid musicians got their start with George including pianist Alan Broadbent, guitarist John Abercrombie and saxophonist Greg Abate. George himself was offered a six month contract for an extended tour by the William Morris Agency but his family priorities scotched the deal. George stayed home, making his beautiful music in Boston and, for the past 17 years, Florida.

It is a tribute to his tenacity that he finally got to play the best room in New York - great sound, great lighting and a great performance by George and his group of pros, drummer Ralph Rosen, bassist Dave Clark and saxophonist Marc Phaneuf, all faithful pals and devotees of his jazz stylings. I told George, "I want to make music with these cats." Someday, maybe...

Hopefully, this stylish recording will widen the circle of George's audience. "
"Go, Georgie!"