Biography

Born in Southern California on March 2, 1948, Larry Carlton picked up his first guitar when he was only six years old. After being introduced to the music of jazz superstars (such as Barney Kessel, Wes Montgornery, and John Coltrane) in junior high school, Larry was hooked. He established himself from his very first recording in 1968, With A Little Help From My Friends (Uni), which showcased his trademark “sweet” sound for the first time. As they say, the rest was history.

Since the, Larry Carlton has received four Grammys, nineteen Grammy nominations, and numerous other prestigious awards. His studio credits include musicians and groups like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and dozens of others. He went on to perform with the Crusaders and then with the multi platinum jazz super group Fourplay. With 30 albums, television themes, and film soundtracks to his credit and having performed on over 100 albums that have gone Gold or Platinum, Larry Carlton has set a standard for artistry that spans three decades.

More recently, Larry Carlton received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player magazine at the historical Ryman Auditorium in 2008. He was also presented the “Titan of Tone” award from Premier Guitar Magazine at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Larry’s received his two most recent Grammy nominations in 2009: “Greatest Hits Rerecorded – Volume One” (released by 335 Records) was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album and “Fortune Teller” from Fourplay’s Energy was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

After conversing about the limits of the already-established record industry, Carlton, along with manager Robert Williams, founded 335 Records. With 335 Records, Carlton and Williams continue to live out their dream of creating and delivering music to their fans their way.