Carr grew up in Indianapolis and taught himself to play piano in a gently rocking blues style that was less complex than boogie-woogie piano. He also sang in a relaxed urban style. His singing and playing found rare affinity with the guitar playing of Scrapper Blackwell (1903–62); their work was especially notable for the recurring pensive quality of Carr's singing and the intimate melancholy in the songs that he wrote, often with Blackwell's aid. They recorded a large repertoire in 1928–35, making Carr one of the most popular blues artists.

Other pianists such as Bumble Bee Slim, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Walter Davis were influenced by Carr and Blackwell. Many of Carr's songs—including “How Long How Long Blues,” “In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down),” “Blues Before Sunrise,” and “Sloppy Drunk Blues”—were recorded by numerous performers for decades after he died from the effects of severe alcoholism.