It breaks my heart he had to become a janitor he should have retired a millionaire he got robbed by white record exec. As did so many ! Smokey Robinson beat the system he rich as fuk & deserves every penny & more

One of the best lead singers ever rich voice esp in mid 50s with Cadillacs

That’s beautiful!!!! A living legend working at a school. You tell he was amazing with the children. Rest In Power Mr. Earl

From Rock Star to Janitor. Earl Carroll was a REAL Man. He accepted the hand he was dealt - and RAN with it! God only knows how many thousands of New York City children Earl Carroll touched at PS 87 - beside the millions of us who dug his vocal styling as lead singer of one of Rock & Roll's greatest vocal groups, The Cadillacs. Lord Bless you, "Mr. Earl".

RIP Speedo. We miss you.

What a beautiful person! This brought tears to my eyes! R.I.P. Earl.You will always be remembered!

Beautiful, thanks Speedo what a message for those kids then.

I heard that Pookie Hudson of the Spaniels also worked as a custodian in a public school to survive since the record company's screwed these early artists out of so much money in royalties

We love SPEEEDOOOO! He may be gone but his voice and his music lives on!

What a great story...tears to my eyes...he was a model of human excellence...The kid's will always let you know who the good guys are...RIP MR. EARL CARROLL

I sang with Yesterday's News and knew Earl. We did many shows together. He was not only a legendary singer, but a wonderful, warm human being. He is missed, for sure.

RIP

Amazing how one man can impact so many people by simply showing pure kindness and love while he worked. Graduated in '97 and I teared up when I watched this. RIP Earl! Thank you for the candy and conversations.

Earl, you were so great to us at PS87. Thank you for the candy, the advice and the love. I graduated in 1997 and I will never forget you.

What an awesome person! Heard the story on him on NPR yesterday and listened to it several times. Butcher or baker or candlestick maker, he showed how important it can be to apply yourself and personality into whatever you do.

So sad that he passed..... Who is the person that posted this video though?

A commanding presence and wonderful vocalist. We applaud you, "Speedo". Rest well, friend.

A wonderful man. So honored to have known him. R.I.P. Earl.

Good song, Good man.

TOUCHES MY HEART TOO!! WHAT A GUY

You were so lucky to be in school with him!

Loved Earl! He was so nice to all of us! PS87 class of 1998!

This touches my heart,One Of my Karaoke songs,,Bless you Earl Dz from the Bean

check out his versatility,hearing Earl Carroll singing his rendition of this great song was a treat..His improvisation is a true testament to the doowop vocalist who practiced endlessly to acheive a perfext sound..from Gloria ,,,to thats what freinds are for,,spanning3 decades ,,still sounding sharp,,Wish I sounded that good on karaoke nite,,Dz from the Bean

what a top geezer! makes me ashamed of every mean and unworthy thought i ever had.

I love Earl "Speedo" Carroll ! Every time I listen to his signature song, it reaches into my soul. Just like his life, it is unassuming but with a deeper power stronger than kings and potentates.

He didn't think it was beneath him to work as a custodian, when his career faced some hard times. He didn't go crazy, or kill himself with drugs and booze, like so many singers. He became admired and love at the school he worked at, and in a way it helped his career. He outlived many of the singers of his day, and that's says a lot about his character. He didn't let the business take over him and change him. He stayed true and he was rewarded for it with long life and a fulfilled career.

In a business where people have egos and are so full of themselves, even the ones who have no talent, it's good to know there are some down to earth people like Earl Carroll, who just loves to entertain people, and has no ego whatsoever. He does what he does best, and don't have to brag or boost. He truly seems like a cool, down to earth person, and I admire him for that, as his talent. We need to recognize people like him more, for his talent and for being a humanitarian.

Mr.Earl, You're the best lead singer in history!!!You and the Caddilacs have given me many,many good feelings through the years and you are very much appreciated.Joe R

Earl is the Greatest,Nicest person you can ever meet.

new york city, upper west side 78th street. I went there during the time he was doing his thing. go Earl!

New York City, Harlem area.

OMG! this was my graduation!! Earl was the best! he used to go to my parent's laundry, so yeah, i knew he was someone big when he would come in with his fabulous costumes=) thanks so much for posting this!

Hey! I posted a link to this video on the P.S. 87 facebook group I created. It's gotten pretty big--check us out if you haven't already. Thanks for uploading this! ~Johanna, P.S. 87 Class of '99