MUMBAI: Carlton Kitto, the Bebop jazz guitarist died today 28 November 2016 in Kolkata. He was 74 and suffering from a prolonged illness.

Born in Bengaluru, Kitto started his music career in Chennai in 1960. After moving to Kolkata in 1973, he became a part of the band, ‘Jazz Ensemble’ in ‘Moulin Rouge’, a posh restaurant in Park Street, Kolkata.

He was an instructor of jazz and classical guitar in Calcutta School of Music in the latter part of his life and Kitto had the distinction of playing along with other renowned jazz musicians like Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, David Leibman, Larry Coryell, Chico Freeman and Charlie Byrd. Also, the Bebop jazz guitarist had played for Queen Elizabeth.

He was one of the few true guitar greats to have graced Kolkata, claim a lot of musicians who have performed with him in the past.

In 2012, a documentary film was made on him named, ‘Finding Carlton - Uncovering the Story of Jazz in India’ by Susheel Kurien and it was produced by Half Diminished Films.

Check out this documentary ‘Kitto ka Kissa’, a short documentary on the musical life of Carlton Kitto as well as the jazz music scene which was prevalent in Kolkata in 1960's and 70's.

May Carlton Kitto play on in the afterlife.