Ronald Levin Carter (born May 4, 1937) is an American jazz double bassist. His appearances on 2,221 recording sessions make him the most-recorded jazz bassist in history. He has won three Grammy Awards, and is also a cellist who has recorded numerous times on the instrument. In addition to a solo career of more than 60 years, Carter is well-known for playing on numerous iconic Blue Note albums in the 1960s, as well as being the anchor of trumpeter Miles Davis's "Second Great Quintet" from 1963-1968.
Beginning with Where? in 1961, Carter's studio albums as leader also include Uptown Conversation (1969), Blues Farm (1973), All Blues (1973), Spanish Blue (1974), Anything Goes (1975), Yellow & Green (1976), Pastels (1976), Piccolo (1977), Third Plane (1977), Peg Leg (1978), A Song for You (1978), Etudes (1982), The Golden Striker (2003), Dear Miles (2006), and Ron Carter's Great Big Band (2011).
Tap on any album for track list.
Ron Carter’s lines drive Monk’s “Well You Needn’t” on Emmet Cohen’s new release, showcasing legendary time, phrasing, and straight ahead bass playing.
Ron Carter unveils "Sweet, Sweet Spirit," a jazz-gospel album with choirmaster Ricky Dillard honoring the hymns of his childhood and his late mother.
Ron-tober returns to Birdland Jazz Club as Ron Carter presents 32 performances across four ensembles, from duo to big band, this October.
In this exclusive interview, Ron Carter reflects on his iconic bass career, his trusted gear setup, and lessons from recording over 2,200 sessions.
Marcus Miller joins the 2025 DC JazzFest lineup alongside Ron Carter, Corcoran Holt, and a stellar roster of jazz legends performing in the nation's capital.
