Active in recording since the 1960s, Carrigan played in sessions with Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers (on The Gambler), Ray Stevens, Johnny Cash, and Tanya Tucker. He was part of John Denver's band for multiple albums as well as tours. Carrigan also played drums on country-themed albums by Wayne Newton, Ray Charles, and the Chipmunks (Urban Chipmunk). Early in his career, he drummed on several LPs by the Monkees and later on Michael Nesmith's solo recordings.