Larry Carlton (born March 2, 1948) is an American jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, blues, pop, and rock guitarist. He has divided his recording time between solo recordings and session appearances with various well-known bands. Over his career, Carlton has won four Grammy Awards for his performances and compositions, including performing on the theme song for the hit television series, Hill Street Blues (1981).
Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Room 335, Smiles And Smiles To Go, Minute by Minute, Arcadia, CA, United States, Folsom, CA, USA, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Music Groups
Steely Dan, Fourplay, The Crusaders, Room 335, Smiles And Smiles To Go, Minute by Minute, Arcadia, CA, United States, Folsom, CA, USA, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Nominations
Independent Music Award for Best Album - Tribute
Movies
Scrooged, Carlton Lukather Band: Paris Concert, Casino Lights '99, Larry Carlton: In Concert, Autour Du Blues Meets Larry Carlton & Guest Robben Ford, Guitar Heroes, Jazz Crusaders: The Paris Concert, Arcadia, CA, United States, Folsom, CA, USA, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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Trademark
1
Gibson ES-335 signature guitar
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Fact
1
Counts jazz guitar virtuoso Barney Kessel as one of his earliest influences.
2
Larry's signature tune "Room 335" is the name of his private Los Angeles recording studio, so named because of his principal instrument, the semi-acoustic electric Gibson ES-335 guitar.
3
Played the searing guitar solo on Mike Post's Hill Street Blues (1981) theme music, winning a Grammy Award for his efforts.
4
He was shot in the neck in front of his house in 1988. Temporarily lost the use of his arm. He is a noted guitarist.
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Who's the Boss?
1984-1992
TV Series composer - 196 episodes
Electra Glide in Blue
1973
musician: guitar - uncredited
Enter the Dragon
1973
musician: guitar - uncredited
Soylent Green
1973
musician: guitar - uncredited
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
1972
musician: guitar - uncredited
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Community
2011
TV Series music - 1 episode
Grand Theft Auto IV
2008
Video Game writer: "Sneakin' in the Back" - as L. Carlton
Man on Fire
2004
performer: "The Search"
The Sopranos
2002
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Who's the Boss?
1984-1988
TV Series music - 65 episodes
Scrooged
1988
performer: "We Three Kings of Orient Are"
Olivia: Soul Kiss
1986
Video short "Soul Kiss"
Mother, Jugs & Speed
1976
writer: "Mellow Out" - uncredited
Composer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Beverly Hills, 90210
1994
TV Series 1 episode
Deadline: Madrid
1988
TV Movie
Against All Odds
1984
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Scrooged
1988
Street Musicians
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Classic Albums: Steely Dan - Aja
1999
Video documentary
Himself
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992
TV Series
Himself
The Arsenio Hall Show
1989
TV Series
Himself
Larry Carlton: Live
1987
Video documentary
Cal's Corral
1959
TV Series
Himself - Musician (1959-1972)
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1990
ASCAP Award
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
Top TV Series
Who's the Boss? (1984)
1989
ASCAP Award
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
Top TV Series
Who's the Boss? (1984)
1988
ASCAP Award
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
Top TV Series
Who's the Boss? (1984)
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2013
Grammy
Grammy Awards
Best Pop Instrumental Album
For the album "Four Hands & A Heart"
2009
Grammy
Grammy Awards
Best Pop Instrumental Album
For the album "Greatest Hits Rerecorded: Volume One."
1985
Grammy
Grammy Awards
Best Album of Instrumental Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special
$2 Million
