Notes from AIR FM Rainbow's tribute (by Tina Costa) to Tony Carr, who passed away recently. The tribute was broadcast on September 15, 2009 (9 to 9.30 pm). Feedback to Tina Costa at tinaco...@rediffmail.com
* * * Many of you must be aware of the demise of singer, Tony Carr of 'Cu Cu Ru Cu' fame. Tonight, I dedicate this half hour of this airtime in his honor. He may not have many songs to his credit, but whatever few songs he has sung, have remain etched in our memories all these years. Tony Carr was born on 27th October 1945. Though born in Goa, most of his life was spent in Mumbai. Chris Perry, noted for rendering music scores to many songs and noted for finding new talent, found this talent in Tony Carr and gave him an opportunity to sing his songs. Tony rendered the song 'Cu Cu Ru Cu' so beautifully, so also the other songs, 'Kalliz Boong Bang Zata', 'Madancho Soro' and 'Tum ani Aum' with Usha Uthup. For almost 28 years while in Kuwait, he performed in shows along with the Mendes Brothers. He touched many hearts with his voice during such performances. We had the opportunity of having the following personalities on air -- former Goa Speaker, dramatist, writer, singer Tomazinho Cardozo who spoke highly about Tony Carr, about how he made his name in this music field with just a few songs to his credit. Cardozo said how important it is to recognize such talent of yesteryears so that they are not lost in oblivion amongst the present generation. Singer Anthony San, saddened by Tony Carr's demise, was all in praise of this singer. He said that 'Cu Cu Ru Cu' was sung so beautifully by Tony Carr that when he tried to sing this very same song, he was unable to sing it as beautifully as Tony did. All the way from Mumbai, we got a chance to chat with dramatist, singer, producer and director, Tony Martins, who said that this was a big loss and that he will always remember the lovely songs that he left behind, especially 'Kalliz Boong Bang Zata'. In 1978, Tony Carr accompanied Chris Perry on his music tours to Bahrain and Kuwait and enthralled the audiences with his songs. His last few years were spent in Mumbai. During those years, he never missed any tiatr, more so to keep in touch with the tiatrists. Tony Carr always kept touch with his friend, dramatist and comedian, Titta Pretto. What shocked me to hear from Titta is that since the last two years, Tony Carr had spent a lonely life and wasn't keeping good health too. On 13th September 2009, we saw the end of this 'Cu Cu Ru Cu' voice. He proved that he didn't need many songs to earn him the name that he earned. He will be missed by many. May his soul rest in peace.