​​​Tony Carr, born George Caruana in 1927, is a retired Maltese drummer and percussionist who emigrated to the UK in 1952 to pursue his dream of breaking into the music industry. Having been spotted in Malta by the British musician and music manager Tito Burns before he left, Carr auditioned that year in London, but his breakthrough came in 1954 when he joined the renowned American jazz pop singer and bandleader Billy Eckstine for a tour in Europe. He played regularly at the Bull's Head, Barnes, accompanying the best of British and American Jazz musicians. Carr eventually became a most sought-after session player in London between 1960 and the early 1980s. John Cameron, a distinguished jazz and pop pianist, conductor and arranger, recruited Tony Carr as his first-call session player. Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Sixto Rodriguez, Donovan, Alan Price, Paul McCartney are just a few of those with whom Carr worked as a drummer/percussionist during his career.

​

 

A documentary on his life and musical career is currently in production and will be screened on 10th October 2024 at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, produced by Sugu.

​

 

​