Sam

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Sam Carothers – bassist, BG vocals

Sam Carothers was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida.  He began his musical life as a clarinet student, but soon switched to bass.  Sam was inspired by the local live music scene and school chums Duane and Gregg Allman to continue toward a career in music.

Sam worked in the American southeast with numerous rhythm and blues groups and dance bands before arriving in Toronto.

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Sam (far right) with “The Stereos” – 1965 Belmont, North Carolina.

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Now ‘N Then / Second Line Fever is another of the several groups Sam worked with.

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Now ‘N Then / Second Line Fever – Sam (lower right)

In the above photo, you will also see Consuls drummer,  Phil Strong (top centre).

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1969 – Ron Hawkins recording with Duane Allman at FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Those sessions produced “Down In The Alley” a recording that did well for Ron. Sam successfully auditioned for Ron Hawkins in April of the following year.

For many years he worked in Toronto hotels and night clubs with artists as diverse as Ronnie Hawkins and pianist John Arpin.  Sam also toured Canada with British entertainers in “The Max Bygraves Show” playing major venues.

During this time, Sam continued his education, becoming an Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Double Bass Performance.  He is also a graduate of York University, The Faculty of Education at The University of Toronto and a career Music Educator with public school boards.

Sam has continued to work in dance bands, musical theatre and recorded music.  He recently received recognition as a “Life Member” of The Canadian Federation of Musicians, local 149.

Sam was very pleased to be invited to join “Little Caesar and The Consuls” in 2011, upon the retirement of veteran bassist Tom Wilson from the band.

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