If you belong to the radio era of the 70’s and 80’s, this news may be a heartbreaker for
you. Carl Carlton, the Detroit-bred R&B soul star best known for his 1974 funk hit
“Everlasting Love” has died at 72.
The news of Carl Carton’s death comes as a shock for the R&B music industry. His
contributions, such as “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” and “I Wanna Be Your Main Squeeze"
gave fans some unforgettable melodies.
He will always be remembered as Carl Carlton Everlasting Love singer because of his
contribution towards the impactful rendition of the 70s. This blog will cover Carlton’s
impact on American music and the lasting legacy he left behind.
What Happened to Carl Carlton?
Carl Carlton’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, confirmed the news of his father’s demise on his
Facebook page on December 14, 2025.
He also wrote, “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama.’
Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.”
However, Carl Carton’s cause of death remains unknown. The singer reportedly
suffered a stroke six years ago in 2019 and had contended with health issues since
then.
“Everlasting Love” and His Most Iconic Songs
Carl Carlton’s music legacy spans multiple decades. Born on May 21, 1953, in Detroit,
Michigan, the singer launched his career in the 1960s as Little Carl Carlton before
breaking through with “I Can Feel It.”
By 1964, he released his first singles for a label called the Lando Records.
The tracks included “I Think of How I Love Her” and “I Love True Love,” that already
became local hits. He also released the songs “So What” and “Don’t You Need a Boy
Like Me” in the following year.
In 1968, Carl Carlton signed to Back Beat Records, relocated to Houston, and released
“Competition Ain’t Nothing.”
Eventually, it topped out at No. 36 on the Billboard R&B chart and quickly became a hit
on the U.K.’s Northern Soul scene.
Carlton scored his first national hit in 1971 with “I Can Feel It.”
Later, he landed a Top 10 Billboard hit with the legendary “Everlasting Love” in 1974.
It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in November in the same year.
Carl continued releasing records into the ‘80s, and appeared several times on
“American Bandstand” and “Soul Train.“
The singer’s biggest cultural impact came in 1981 with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama.” The
track was written and produced by Leon Haywood.
Eventually, the single earned him a Grammy nomination and has since racked up more
than 100 million streams.
The song has always enjoyed a long life in popular culture. It has also been sampled by
renowned rappers like Foxy Brown, BigXThaPlug and Flo Milli.
“She’s a Bad Mama Jama” frequently appeared on soundtracks for several films and TV
shows like “Friends.”
However, his output slowed in the ‘90s. In 2003, the soul singer performed for Barry
Glazer’s TV special, “American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love, and Soul.”
It featured Aretha Franklin and other marquee R&B and soul acts. Carl Carlton’s last
album was 2010’s gospel LP “God Is Good.”
Several music lovers consider the song to be a staple sample source in hip-hop and
Soundtracks.
The Everlasting Love singer’s death has created a gap in the music world no one can fill
in the coming years.
Tributes, Reactions, and Lasting Legacy
Carl Carton’s death came as a shock to his fans, colleagues, and other celebrities from
the music world. Tributes poured in for the late singer after reports started circulating
across news portals and channels.
The band, Con Funk Shun, was among the first to react to the She’s a Bad Mama Jama
singer’s death.
In a tribute to the soul music legend, they wrote on Facebook, “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.”
DJ D-Nice also remembered the soul music legend and wrote on Instagram, “Wow...
Rest peacefully to the legendary Carl Carlton. ️ This is one of those timeless classics I
truly enjoy spinning. “She’s built, she’s stacked, got all the curves a man would like...”
Part of the soundtrack of my youth. Thank you for the music! Gone, but forever in
rotation.”
Conclusion
Carl Carlton was a soul music legend whose work touched the hearts of millions. His
powerful voice and unforgettable songs, like "Everlasting Love," continue to live on.
These tracks by the legendary singer remind us of the depth and beauty of soul and
R&B music.
As we remember his life and career, we celebrate the lasting impact he made on the
music world and the generations he inspired.