Picture a fearless journalist diving headfirst into Boston’s gritty underworld, armed with sharp wit and a microphone—meet Howie Carr! Born in 1952, this American provocateur has carved a name as a conservative radio host, Boston Herald columnist, and bestselling author. With a knack for exposing corruption, Carr’s tales of mobsters and political scandals have gripped New England and beyond, despite death threats and legal battles.
The Making of Howie Carr
Howard Louis Carr Jr. was born in Portland, Maine, to parents Frances Stokes Sutton and Howard Louis Carr Sr. His childhood split between Palm Beach, Florida, and Greensboro, North Carolina, before landing at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts on a scholarship. Carr’s journalism spark ignited early, leading him to the Boston Herald American as a reporter in the late 1970s. By 1980, he was Boston City Hall bureau chief, chasing stories with relentless zeal. His early career, marked by dogged reporting, set the stage for his later exposés on crime and corruption.
Howie Carr’s Unforgettable Stories
Carr’s writing blends hard-hitting journalism with a conversational, often biting style that hooks readers. His breakout book, The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century (2006), spent 11 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. It unravels the chilling saga of brothers Whitey Bulger, a notorious mobster, and Billy Bulger, a powerful politician. Carr’s follow-up, Hitman: The Untold Story of Johnny Martorano (2011), dives into the life of Whitey Bulger’s enforcer, blending gritty details with dark humor. He also penned Kennedy Babylon (2017), a juicy take on the Kennedy family’s scandals, and crime novels like Hard Knocks and Killers, which pulse with Boston’s underworld vibe. His style—witty, unapologetic, and rich with insider knowledge—makes complex crime narratives accessible and thrilling.
Carr’s radio show, The Howie Carr Show, syndicated across New England, amplifies his storytelling. Known for colorful nicknames like “corrupt midget” for Billy Bulger, he doesn’t shy from controversy, even when it drew a murder contract from Whitey Bulger himself, as detailed on 60 Minutes. His columns in the Boston Herald, three times weekly, keep his provocative voice alive.
Why Howie Carr Matters
Howie Carr’s impact lies in his fearless pursuit of truth, exposing Boston’s tangled web of crime and politics. His work has shaped public discourse, shining a light on corruption that might have stayed buried. As a National Radio Hall of Fame member and National Magazine Award winner, Carr’s influence spans media, from radio to print. Despite polarizing views, his storytelling has made him a New England icon, inspiring readers and listeners to question power.
- Born: January 17, 1952, Portland, Maine
- Key Works: The Brothers Bulger, Hitman, Kennedy Babylon, Killers
- Awards: National Magazine Award (1985), National Radio Hall of Fame (2008)
- Fun Fact: Whitey Bulger once tried to ban Carr from his 2013 trial by naming him a defense witness!
Ready to dive into Boston’s dark side? Grab The Brothers Bulger and let Howie Carr’s thrilling tales pull you in!