Tony Carr, Maltese jazz drummer who left his mark on the international music scene, has passed away.

Born George Caruana in 1927, Mr Carr’s life and career traced an extraordinary journey from wartime Malta to the heart of London’s jazz and pop recording world, where he became one of the most respected session musicians of his generation.

Mr Carr grew up during some of Malta’s darkest years, experiencing the constant bombing of World War II. By day he sought shelter; by night, he gravitated towards Strait Street, where the sounds of jazz offered escape and inspiration. It was there that he fell in love with bebop and honed his craft, frequenting venues that would later be described as the “university” of Maltese jazz – including the Old Vic Music Hall, the Cairo Bar, the Cotton Club, Morning Star and Charlie’s Bar.

Alongside fellow musicians Frank ‘Bibi’ Camilleri and Joe Curmi ‘il-Pusè’, Mr Carr formed Malta’s first jazz trio. During those formative years, he also played with Freddie Mizzi, Sammy Galea, and Jimmy Dowling’s band, performing for well-dressed audiences in an era when local bands competed fiercely for recognition and acclaim.

In 1952, mR Carr emigrated to the United Kingdom to pursue his dream of working in music full time. He had already been spotted in Malta by British musician and manager Tito Burns, and although his initial London audition that year did not immediately lead to success, his breakthrough soon followed. In 1954, Carr joined renowned American jazz singer and bandleader Billy Eckstine on a European tour – a defining moment that launched his international career.

From there, Mr Carr became a regular presence at the legendary Bull’s Head in Barnes, performing alongside some of the finest British and American jazz musicians of the era. Between the mid-1950s and the early 1980s, he established himself as one of London’s most sought-after session drummers and percussionists.

During the 1960s, distinguished pianist, conductor and arranger John Cameron selected Carr as his first-call session player – a testament to his reliability, musicality and technical mastery. Over the course of his career, Carr worked with an extraordinary list of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sixto Rodriguez, Donovan, Alan Price, and Paul McCartney.

Despite his success abroad, Mr Carr never lost his connection to Malta, both musically and emotionally. Yet, as some have observed, his name has not always been as widely remembered locally as his achievements would suggest.

In recent years, efforts were underway to document and celebrate his legacy through a 45-minute documentary film exploring his life and career.

Tony Carr leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a Maltese musician who carried the sound of Strait Street to the world’s greatest stages and studios. His life stands as a powerful reminder of how talent, determination and love for music can transcend borders, war and time.