Soul and R&B legend Carl Carlton has died aged 72, his family confirms in an emotional tribute
The voice behind one of soul music’s most enduring anthems has fallen silent. Carl Carlton, the Grammy-nominated singer best known for the timeless hit She’s a Bad Mama Jama, has died at the age of 73.
The Detroit-born artist’s death was confirmed on Sunday by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, who shared the news on social media. Posting a photograph of his father, he paid tribute with a simple but powerful message, describing Carlton as a legend and expressing love and grief at his passing.
“RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” he wrote. “Long hard fight in life, and you will be missed.”
No official cause of death has been made public. Carlton had suffered a stroke in 2019, according to music outlet Soul Tracks, and had largely remained out of the public eye in recent years.
Carlton Hudgens II later added another message, saying: “R.I.P. Dad, you can finally rest now. Always love you.” He also took the opportunity to correct public records, urging people to note that his father was born on May 21, 1952, and not 1953 as has often been reported.
Carl Carlton’s career spanned decades and crossed generations, cementing his place in the history of soul and R&B. Born in Detroit in 1952, he began his musical journey in the 1960s, emerging from a city that shaped countless legends before him. His breakthrough came with Everlasting Love, a song that would go on to become one of the most covered love songs in popular music history.
While Everlasting Love introduced Carlton to a wider audience, it was She’s a Bad Mama Jama that turned him into a cultural force. Released in the early 1980s, the track became a dancefloor staple, earning him a Grammy nomination and a permanent place in soul music’s canon. Its infectious groove and confident swagger ensured its longevity, with the song continuing to appear in films, adverts and playlists decades later.
News of Carlton’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music world. Funk and R&B group Con Funk Shun honoured him with a statement celebrating both his artistry and his influence.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton,” the group wrote. “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 extended condolences to his family, friends and fans, adding: “Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”
Throughout his career, Carlton was respected not only for his vocal talent but also for his ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his roots. His music bridged eras, appealing to both long-time soul fans and younger listeners discovering his work for the first time.
Although his public appearances became less frequent in later years, his influence never faded. Songs like She’s a Bad Mama Jama continued to resonate, regularly rediscovered by new audiences and celebrated by DJs, musicians and fans alike.
Carlton’s death marks the loss of a voice that helped define an era of American music. Behind the hits was an artist shaped by Detroit’s rich musical heritage, who carried that sound to the world and left an indelible mark on soul and R&B.
He is survived by his family, who have asked for respect and understanding as they mourn privately. As tributes continue to pour in, one truth remains clear. Carl Carlton’s music lives on, loud and unmistakable, long after the final note has faded.
