Carl Carlton, the Detroit-born funk and R&B singer who brought audiences two of the era’s most enduring hits, has died at age 73. His son, Carlton Hudgens II, confirmed the news on social media Sunday, Dec. 14, sharing a photo of his father alongside a heartfelt message.
“RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton singer of She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” Hudgens wrote. “Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.” The cause of death was not disclosed, though Carlton had faced health challenges in recent years, including a stroke in 2019.
Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1953, the singer launched his career in the mid-1960s under the stage name “Little Carl” Carlton. The moniker was a strategic marketing choice designed to capitalize on vocal similarities to other young performers of the era. After making waves in the local Detroit music scene, Carlton signed with Back Beat Records and relocated to Houston, where the label was based.
Carlton’s breakthrough came in 1971 when “I Can Feel It” reached the Billboard Soul Singles chart. However, his first major commercial success arrived in 1974 with his cover of Robert Knight’s “Everlasting Love.” The song climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 15 weeks, establishing Carlton as a national presence in soul and R&B music. His passionate, expressive vocal delivery transformed the already beloved song into a disco-era anthem that resonated with audiences across the country.
While “Everlasting Love” demonstrated Carlton’s vocal prowess and interpretive skills, it was his 1981 single that would cement his place in music history. “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” written and produced by Leon Haywood, became an instant sensation. The infectious funk track spent 21 weeks on American charts, reaching number 22 on the Hot 100 and climbing to number two on the soul chart. The song’s success helped Carlton’s self-titled 1981 album achieve gold certification.
The Grammy-nominated single proved to have remarkable staying power, transcending its original era to become a cultural touchstone. Hip-hop artists including Foxy Brown and Flo Milli sampled the track in their own work, introducing Carlton’s signature groove to new generations. The song also found its way into popular culture through film and television, appearing on soundtracks for “Miss Congeniality 2” and “Fat Albert,” as well as the hit sitcom “Friends.” As recently as earlier this year, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” reached number seven on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song sales chart, demonstrating its enduring appeal nearly four decades after its release.
Carlton’s career path was not without obstacles. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he navigated the complex business side of the music industry while continuing to develop his artistry. His television appearances on “American Bandstand” and “Soul Train” helped solidify his status as a prominent figure in soul and funk music. These platforms allowed him to reach audiences beyond radio, showcasing the charismatic stage presence that made his live performances memorable.
In 2003, Carlton participated in “American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love, and Soul,” a television special that celebrated the legacy of R&B music alongside luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, and Mary Wilson. The appearance underscored his continued relevance and respect within the music community decades after his initial success.
Carlton’s recording career extended well into the 21st century, though his output became less frequent in later years. His final album, “God Is Good,” was released in 2010 and marked a shift toward gospel-influenced material. The project reflected a spiritual dimension to his artistry that had always existed alongside his more commercially successful funk and soul work.
The music community responded to news of Carlton’s passing with an outpouring of tributes. Con Funk Shun, the funk group, shared a message honoring the singer’s contributions. “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton,” they 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. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”
Carlton’s influence on popular music extends beyond his chart positions and sales figures. His ability to craft songs that resonated across generations, combined with his distinctive vocal style, secured his place in the pantheon of soul and funk artists who defined an era. From the romantic sweep of “Everlasting Love” to the playful funk of “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” Carlton demonstrated remarkable versatility as both a vocalist and interpreter of diverse musical material.
His journey from Detroit’s local music scene to national stardom, and his ability to maintain relevance through multiple decades of shifting musical trends, speak to the timeless quality of his work. Carlton leaves behind a catalog that continues to inspire artists and delight listeners, ensuring that his musical legacy will endure for years to come.
