Carl Carlton, the Grammy-nominated soul singer behind the disco anthem “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” has died at the age of 73, per metro.co.uk.
His son, Carlton Hudgens II, confirmed the news on social media this Sunday, paying tribute to his father’s “long hard fight”. While a specific cause of death has not been released, it is known that the singer suffered a stroke in 2019.
Hudgens II also took the opportunity to clarify his father’s legacy, noting that the singer was born in Detroit on May 21, 1952, rather than 1953 as often cited in online records.
Born in Detroit, Carlton began his journey in the 1960s under the moniker ‘Little Carl Carlton’. He eventually transitioned to his own name in 1971, the same year he secured his first national hit with “I Can Feel It”.
However, it was the mid-70s and early 80s that cemented his place in music history with”Everlasting Love” (1974) abd “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” (1981), his signature hit, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
Beyond the charts, Carlton’s music became a fixture of pop culture, appearing on the soundtracks of films such as Miss Congeniality 2 and Fat Albert, as well as the sitcom Friends.
The music community has been quick to honour the late singer. R&B group Con Funk Shun released a statement mourning the “legendary” artist: “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. Rest in power, Carl.”
Carlton is survived by his family and a musical legacy that continues to garner millions of streams worldwide.
•Featured image: Carl Carlton/Monica Morgan/WireImage
