American singer Carl Carlton, a defining voice of 1970s and 1980s R&B, soul, and funk, died at the age of 72 on December 14, 2025. His death was confirmed by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, who honored a life marked by perseverance and artistry. Carlton’s music bridged soul, pop, funk, and later gospel, leaving songs that “continue to resonate across generations.”
Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1953, he grew up surrounded by gospel, rhythm and blues, and the Motown sound. Performing as Little Carl Carlton, he released early singles such as “So What” and “Don’t You Need a Boy Like Me.” His first major breakthrough came in 1971 with “I Can Feel It,” which reached the Billboard Soul Singles chart and introduced him to a national audience.
His defining career moment arrived in 1974 with “Everlasting Love.” Carlton’s joyful and soulful interpretation climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a timeless classic, remaining popular through radio airplay, films, weddings, and later streaming platforms.
In 1981, Carlton embraced funk with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked).” The song reached No. 2 on the R&B chart, crossed into the pop Top 40, earned him a Grammy nomination, and helped the album Carl Carlton achieve gold status. The track later appeared in films and was sampled by hip-hop artists, proving its lasting appeal.
Health challenges, including a stroke in 2019, limited his later public appearances. Still, his gospel album God Is Good reflected a return to his roots. Remembered for “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” Carl Carlton leaves behind a legacy of soul, joy, and enduring musical connection.
