Carl Carlton, the singer behind the famous song “Everlasting Love,” passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 72. His smooth voice and soulful music brought joy to fans for many years and made him a lasting name in music history. Born in Detroit, Carlton started singing in church choirs, which shaped his soulful style. His journey from local performances to global fame inspired many people. Even while facing health challenges, he remained strong and passionate about music. Carl Carlton will always be remembered for his timeless songs and the happiness they brought to listeners.
Who Is Carl Carlton? R&B Singer from Detroit Roots
Carl Carlton was an American R&B and funk singer born May 21, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan. He burst onto the scene as a teen sensation, landing his debut record contract at 16 thanks to his powerhouse voice echoing Motown's magic. Famous for fusing church gospel passion with infectious funk rhythms, his music traveled far and wide across decades. Spanning over 60 years, he transformed from a silky soul singer into a disco sensation, winning massive crowds in Europe. Listeners cherish him as the artist with a cozy tone—tracks that play like lifelong buddies, packed with genuine emotion.
Carl Carlton, the singer-songwriter best known for hits "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama," has died, his son announced pic.twitter.com/70PCquLG4Y
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 15, 2025
How Did Carl Carlton Die?
Carl Carlton passed away after facing health problems for several years. He suffered a serious stroke in 2019, which affected his movement but never took away his love for music. His family shared that he fought his health battles quietly and was surrounded by loved ones in his final days. There was no sudden or dramatic cause reported. Instead, his body slowly weakened after years of health struggles. Even after the stroke, Carlton showed strong determination and returned to music in small ways. Friends remember him as positive and smiling, often enjoying music at home despite his challenges.
Carl Carlton Famous Songs
Here's the fixed version with verified hits only. Replace that section in your news:
- Everlasting Love (1974): Bubbly cover that exploded on charts, making hearts race at proms and parties everywhere.
- She's a Bad Mama Jama (1981): Funky anthem with killer bass—80s clubs thumped to its bold energy.
- Lookin' for Love: Tender slow jam that tugged heartstrings for lonely nights.
- Nitty Gritty: Early raw track from Detroit days, packed with street-smart soul.
- Competition Ain't Nothin': Punchy early single showing his youthful fire and edge.
These are straight from his discography like Everlasting: The Best Of Carl Carlton. No filler—pure classics that fans stream today.
Carl Carlton Career Highlights: From Detroit to World Stages
Carl Carlton signed his first record deal at just 16, starting his music journey in Detroit. In 1974, his song “Everlasting Love” reached the UK Top 10 and made him known around the world. Later, in 1981, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” became a major hit, climbing to No. 2 on the R&B charts. Europe became an important part of his career, with regular tours and strong fan support. Even after a fire in 2008 destroyed his early recordings, Carlton continued performing live. For nearly six decades, his energy and dedication kept audiences dancing and connected to his music.
Carl Carlton’s Impact on R&B and Funk Music
Carl Carlton played an important role in shaping R&B and funk music during the 1970s and 1980s. His songs blended smooth vocals with upbeat rhythms, making them popular across different age groups. Many artists who came later drew inspiration from his sound and performance style. His music helped bridge classic soul with dance-friendly funk, keeping the genre exciting and accessible for wider audiences.
Carl Carlton Legacy: Songs That Live On Forever
Carlton's beats bridge generations, from 70s disco kids to TikTok dancers today. Detroit calls him a true son, with streets still humming his hooks. New artists sample his funk, proving real talent never fades. No Grammys needed his chart peaks and fan love built an unbreakable hall of fame. Play his tracks loud; that's the best tribute to a voice that warmed hearts worldwide
