Carl Carlton has died at the age of 72. His passing comes six years after he suffered a serious stroke. His son, Carlton Hudgens II announced his father's passing with a
touching post on Facebook.Videos by Wide Open Country
"??RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of 'She's a Bad Mama Jama," Hudgens II wrote. "Long hard fight in life and you will be missed...R.I.P Dad, You can finally rest now. Always love you."
Carlton began his music career in the 60s under the pseudonym "Little Carl Carlton." He dropped the word "little" in the early 70s after his song "I can feel it" made it onto the Billboard Soul Singles chart. However, it wasn't until his 1974 hit "Everlasting Love" that his career began to skyrocket. Even now, people continue to play that song around the world, and it has amassed north of 25 million hits on Spotify alone.
Yet, "Everlasting Love" wasn't Carlton's biggest hit. That came seven years later when he released "She's A Bad Mama Jama." The Grammy Awards nominated that track for Best Male R'n'B Vocal Performance. The song has over 100 million hits on Spotify alone. It's probably closer to half a billion once we factor in Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music, and that's only in the digital era.
Tributes Have Begun Pouring in for Carl Carlton
Following the news of his death, funk group Confunkshun released a tribute post on Facebook.
"With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton,"
the statement read. "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 was a member of the golden generation of R'n'B voices. His music touched lives around the world. His passing is the latest in a growing list of losses to the music and entertainment industry in 2025.
No one has released information regarding Carlton's funeral or service. As such, it's fair to assume the family will keep them as private affairs, with only family and close friends in attendance.
