Introduction
David Carroll (October 15, 1913 – March 22, 2008) was a studio arranger, conductor, and musical director.
Biography
Carroll was born in Taylorville, Illinois. He wrote and recorded many songs of his own, played by musicians such as Tiny Hill, Bobby Christian, Earl Backus, Mike Simpson, Sarah Vaughan, Vic Damone and Patti Page. While Carroll was musical director at Mercury Records (1951 to early 1960s), Quincy Jones composed some songs for him.
In his later years, Carroll was associated with the Smothers Brothers. He at first traveled with them as their conductor. Later he became general music director and then general manager of the organization. In the latter post he managed television and movie appearances, recordings, publishing interests and personal appearances.
Carroll had two hit versions of "Melody of Love" in 1955, one, an instrumental, the other featuring a narration by Paul Tremaine. He is also credited with writing the advertising jingle for American Family Insurance in 1965.
Carroll died in San Jose, California at the age of 94.