Joe Carroll (singer)

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 is 1962's The Man with the Happy Sound.

The 1947 Tadd Dameron song "A Be Bop Carroll" (recorded by Fats Navarro) has a punning reference to Carroll but is a contrafact of Mean to Me.

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)