Funk and R&B Singer Carl Carlton has died at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that helped define soul and funk music for generations. Her son, Carlton Hudgens II, confirmed the news on Sunday, Dec. 14, shared a tribute on Facebook alongside a photo of his father. “RIP KAD, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of ‘you’re a bad boss Mama Jama,'” He wrote. “Fight hard for life, and you will miss it.”
In another post, she added, “RIP KADD, you can finally rest now. Always love you.” Carlton suffered a stroke six years ago, although the official cause of death has yet to be announced by the singer’s family, according to People and Soultracks.
As we mourn the loss of this amazing Music legend, here are 5 songs every R&B singer needs to know by Carl Carlton.
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty1. “I Can Hear You” – 1971
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Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1952, Carlton began his music career young, recording in the 1960s under the name Little Carl Carlton. Later he dropped the nickname and found the first success in 1971, when one could hear it “arriving on the Billboard Soulles chart. The song was a raw, emotional way of love and longing, showing the beauty, the style of the heartfelt voice that would become his signature.
2. “Eternal Love” – 1974
Carlton achieved critical success in 1974 with his cover of Eternal Love, which reached OP. 6 It remains one of the most popular versions of the classic love song.
3. “The Smokin’ Room” – 1974
That same year, the Michigan rapper would once again dominate the charts with his single “Smokin’ Room,” which reached the top 91 for four straight weeks with fans.
4. “You’re Mama Jama” – 1981
But his most famous release came in 1981 with “You’re a Bad Mother (Wrote, Wrote).” The funk anthem celebrates the confidence, beauty, and power of women, which received a Grammy nomination and later surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, according to People. The track became a cultural staple, covered by many artists and featured in similar films Loss of birth 2 and Oil Albertand TV shows like Manager’observed output.
5.
Another fan favorite, “I Wanna Be Your Main Squeeze,” leaned into playful flirtation and smooth groove, highlighting Carlton’s ability to blend romance with dance-floor-ready funk.
Following the news of his death, religions were poured out all over the world.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the famous Carlton Carlton,” Funk Group Confunkshonun 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 to so many memories.”
Fans also poured into the comments section of Carlton’s son’s post, sending their condolences.
Another fan wrote, “Sending prayers to the family. I’m sorry, I feel like my child has left … Thank you for the music, rest in Paradise.”
Another added, “I’m sorry for your loss, no loss is harder than that parent. Sending you prayers and healing. He was an icon. He was an icon!”
Although Carl Carlton is gone, his music – and the feeling it created – lives on.
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