By Todd Camp
Larry Carter
Details: Born in Big Spring, Texas, this 71-year-old is currently retired. His entire working career was spent in radio and television, including 26 years at NBC in Burbank, Calif. During that time, he built sets for The Tonight Show, Days of Our Lives, “and about a million Bob Hope Christmas Specials and game shows,” Carter says.
Chops: Starting in a boy’s choir in the sixth grade, he appeared in several musicals in college while pursuing a degree in theater and speech at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.
Most memorable performance: Carter says he’ll never forget his debut with Turtle Creek Chorale in 2009. The concert was called If Music Be the Food of Love and it particularly hit home after his 20-year-old grandson was killed by a drunk driver the month before the opening.
“Music, for me … was indeed the ‘Food of Love.’ My Turtle brothers wrapped their arms around me and have never let me go. I am forever indebted to them for keeping me sane and grounded during the darkest time of my life.”
Favorite song performed: It’s a song that, unfortunately, is sung too many times at funerals of Chorale members, “… and a song that will also be sung at mine: ‘Majesty and Glory of Your Name.’I still cannot make it through without tears,” he says. “Mostly tears of joy at the sound and the total commitment from us all. It’s one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard.”
What draws him to Turtle Creek Chorale: After sitting in the audience for three years, Carter finally decided he had to sing. “Celebrating my membership in Turtle Creek Chorale and celebrating the life of my grandson, Josh. That’s my commitment … and what keeps me coming back day after day, week after week, year after year.”
Fun Fact Most Don’t Know About You: During his tenure at NBC, Carter made several appearances on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno playing former FBI head J. Edgar Hoover … in drag! He also appeared as the Queen Mother of Eng