Music legend Carl Carlton has died at the age of 72.
The Grammy-nominated R&B and soul singer was famed for his hit songs such as She’s a Bad Mama Jama and his cover of Robert Knight’s Everlasting Love. She’s a Bad Mamma Jama won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1982.
Carlton’s death was announced on Sunday (December 14) by his son Carlton Hudgens II. Paying tribute to his famous dad, he wrote on Facebook: “RIP Dad, legend Carl Carlton, singer of She’s a Bad Mama Jama. Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.”
In a separate post, he added: “R.I.P. Dad. You can finally rest now. Always love you”.
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
No official cause of death has been revealed at this time. It comes six years after the musician suffered a serious stroke which led to ongoing health complications.
But he stayed positive and in November 2025, he told fans that he still had the desire to resume his music “one day soon, God willing.” He said he was “still optimistic” about his career.
She’s a Bad Mama Jama has racked up a whopping 100 million streams on Spotify. His 1974 rendition of Everlasting Love, which went to number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, has amassed over 25 million.
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
Funk group Confunkshun has released a tribute on Facebook, writing: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton. His voice, talent, and contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be a part of our lives and the soundtrack of so many memories.
They added: “Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”
Born in Detroit, he started out as Little Carl Carlton and captialised on his vocal similarities to Stevie Wonder. In his later years, he leaned more into his faith through his music.
In 2010 he released his first gospel single, God Is Good. The following year, he was nominated for a Detroit Music Award in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Vocalist category.
Carlton’s music has featured in TV shows such as Supergirl, Abbott Elementary, Fat Albert, and Undercover Brother.
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