She began her classical training in piano at age eight, but by high school decided to become a jazz pianist.

"[1] In the following year her trio, which featured Chuck Wayne on guitar and Clyde Lombardi on bass, worked briefly with Benny Goodman.

The decade saw her career ebb due to changing musical tastes and personal concerns.

In September 1954, Carroll married jazz bassist Joe Shulman, a member of the trio.

[2] In 2011, Carroll married advertising executive Mark Stroock, a union that lasted until her death at 92.