Carl Carlton, Voice of Joyful Soul and Funk Classics, Dies at 72

For decades, his voice filled dance floors, radios, and living rooms with warmth and unmistakable energy. Now, the world of soul and R&B is saying goodbye to Carl Carlton, who has passed away at the age of 72. Known for his uplifting sound and magnetic presence, Carlton helped define an era when music was built to move both the heart and the body. While the news of his passing has saddened fans across generations, his songs continue to echo with the same joy and vitality that made them unforgettable in the first place.

Carlton rose to national prominence in 1974 with his vibrant cover of Everlasting Love, a track that blended sweeping orchestration with an irresistible groove. The song climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced a wider audience to his expressive, soulful voice. Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit, he began performing as a child under the name “Little Carl Carlton,” recording early singles that found unexpected success overseas, particularly within the UK’s Northern Soul scene. Even in his youth, his vocal style stood out for its emotional clarity and range, often drawing comparisons to some of soul music’s most celebrated voices.

After navigating industry challenges, Carlton reclaimed momentum in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His career reached a defining peak in 1981 with She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked), a funk-driven anthem that became a cultural staple and climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s soul chart. The song cemented his reputation as an artist who could deliver pure feel-good energy without sacrificing musical depth. Over the years, he shared stages and collaborations with legendary performers across soul, funk, and R&B, earning admiration for both his talent and professionalism.

In his later years, Carlton recorded less often but remained deeply connected to live audiences, especially in his hometown of Detroit, where he continued to perform at festivals and community events. After suffering a stroke in 2019, he faced ongoing health challenges before passing away on December 14, 2025, a loss confirmed by his family. Though Carl Carlton is no longer here, his music lives on—full of rhythm, optimism, and soul. His legacy is not only found in chart positions or accolades, but in the countless moments of joy his songs continue to bring, reminding listeners why his voice mattered then and still matters now.