The Sarasota jazz singer left a career as a schoolteacher.
By Ramon Lopez
Original Air Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Exactly a week ago, Synia Carroll passed away. The Sarasota-based jazz musician had deep ties with WSLR and the Fogartyville, our venue, where she actually sang a capella in her last local performance. WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez has this tribute.
Synia Carroll: (singing) I’ve had my share
I’ve drunk my fill
And even though I’m satisfied
I’m hungry still
To see what’s down another road beyond the hill
And do it all again
Ramon Lopez: Synia Carroll, the Sarasota-based jazz vocalist who left a career as a schoolteacher to devote herself full-time to music, died Friday, March 14 after a struggle with breast cancer. She was 67.
Empowering, entertaining, effervescent—these words only begin to describe the breath of fresh air Synia Carroll brought to the music scene.
A jazz vocalist with smooth and soulful vocals, Synia was a storyteller that captivated audiences with every inspiring performance. She energetically engaged directly with a crowd, adding her personal flair to match the mood and story of each song.
A Philadelphia native, she moved to Sarasota in 2014 where she delved into her love of music, and quickly immersed herself in the jazz scene.
Paul Wilborn said she was such an inspirational artist, such a beautiful human. Donna Slawsky said, “we will miss her gorgeous smile and energy, which gave life to Synia’s voice. Maybe she was just too good for this world.”
Pianist Simon Lasky, via Facebook, said in performance, she was a force of nature. A unique performer, powerful singer and gifted vocalist. Singer Whitney James wrote on Facebook: “Her beautiful voice was pure sunshine and her laugh was infectious. Her music and artistry lives on.”
Synia Carroll’s last local performance was at Fogartyville, a benefit for her on February 6th entitled “It Takes a Village: Benefit for Synia Carroll.” Entertainers, musicians and singers gathered in support of her journey.
Synia sang two songs: a duet with friend Brenda Watty, and she closed out the concert with this prayer meditation song.
SC: (singing) The whole wide world rebirthing into light
We’re going to find a better way
We were born into light
We will find our brighter day
RL: We hear from Carroll’s daughter, Janina McQuillan.
Janina McQuillan: This next phase of everything is unknown to me, but I wanted to say thank you because I do feel really loved and supported and held by all of you. I know that she feels that too.
RL: Synia is survived by her husband Ed Linehan who said upon her passing, “It was both way too soon and, given her health, not soon enough. As a singer, Synia was first and foremost a storyteller connecting with all of us about our lives, our challenges and our hopes for the future.”
There will be a Celebration of Life in Sarasota sometime in April, exact date and location to be determined.
SC: (singing) Here’s to life
Here’s to love
Here’s to you
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm.