Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Carl Gardner Obituary
Gardner's wife Veta said her husband died Sunday at a Port St. Lucie hospice following a long bout with congestive heart failure and vascular dementia.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, the Coasters had a string of hits in the late 1950s, including "Searchin'," ''Poison Ivy" and "Young Blood." Their single "Yakety Yak" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its 1958 release. It also spent seven weeks as the No. 1 rhythm and blues song. "He loved his singing," Veta Gardner said of her husband of 24 years. "That was his whole life."
The Coasters have continued to perform over the decades, with multiple changes to the lineup. Gardner has always held the rights to the group's name, and his son, Carl Gardner Jr., took over as lead singer when his father retired in 2005.
According to the group's website, the elder Gardner was born in Tyler, Texas, and moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950s. He became a founding member of The Coasters in 1955.
The Coasters had 14 songs on the R&B charts, and eight of them crossed over to the pop Top 40, according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their hits were written by the famed team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
"The Coasters' parlayed their R&B roots into rock 'n' roll hits by delivering Leiber and Stoller's serio-comic tunes in an uptempo doo-wop style. Beneath the humor the songs often made incisive points about American culture for those willing to dig a little deeper," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry on the group says.
In the 1960s, their hits were covered by The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other British Invasion bands.
Gardner had been a longtime advocate for legislation that would prevent bogus groups from using the names of famous acts like The Coasters, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Platters and many others. Florida lawmakers passed such legislation in 2007.
"He was such a humble person," his wife said. "If you met Carl, you would never know he was famous."
A viewing and funeral services are scheduled for next week in Port St. Lucie.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
334 Entries
robert bock
December 11, 2014
My grandfather managed the coasters for 15 years. Wally bock was his name. He truely loved them.
Ricki Gardner
February 1, 2014
Thought about you today, missing you so very much. Rest in peace daddy, I love you and need you so very much. Missing your smile and stories of yesterdays.
Ricki
Carole Sanders
January 31, 2014
Many happy memories from The Coasters & their iconic music. Thank you Mr. Gardner may you rest in peace.
How you can show support
sam glanville
February 20, 2013
he was awesome... that is all i have to say :)
Shirley Caldwell
November 3, 2011
I have some of your music and love it. RIP.
Mena Beard
July 19, 2011
To: Gardner Family
We know that one day soon God will take away sickness forever (Isa.33:24) My condolence.
Simone Sheckles
July 2, 2011
My Prayers and thoughts of peace are with you and your family in your time of grief.
b waddey sr.
June 27, 2011
sorry to hear about yor loss.
will keep you in prayer
from dr.fly
Katie White-Broughton
June 27, 2011
June 27, 2011
With deepest sympathy to the Gardner family. May God continue to watch over you during this time of sorrow.
Daughter of the late William White, Jr. of Tyler, Texas
June 24, 2011
To all the friends and fans of Carl Gardner I just want to say "Thank You"
for your kind support and condolences that you have sent to me and my family. Carl was a giant in the music world but very humble. he will be well remembered. I know he is in heaven.
Veta Gardner - Wife
Lady Memeh
June 22, 2011
Mr. Gardner was Truly A Gift to us all.
His music gave us Uplifting Melodies.
He was A Giant of all Times.
And thank you, Mrs. Gardner for your many
Sacrifices that was placed on you and your Family
While he was giving to the World.
I am sure there were many difficult days for you!
May God Continue to Bless you.
I remain,
Ladymemeh, Ph. D.
Roxanne Hopkins
June 21, 2011
Dear Veta & Family,
How we pray God will show himself to you all with such love as you have never known..as Carl enters the gates of Heaven singing songs of praises to the king..we love you!
The Hopkins Family
Ricki West-Gardner
June 21, 2011
Thank you for the memories, the laughs and great smile. Thank you the love you showed and the tender hugs. Thank you for being a friend. I love you and will miss you. Forever you will stay in my heart and prayers.
Your daughter, Ricki
The Biggs Family
June 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ann Marie Sparks & Jean & Ken Marinak
June 21, 2011
Veta, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. It was a pleasure to know and serve both you and Carl at our Pak Mail store in Pt St Lucie. Carl will be deeply missed by us all.
Mattie Elder
June 20, 2011
Mr. Carl Will Be Singing With The Angels May He Rest In Peace.
Mary Porter
June 20, 2011
Our prayers are with you.Look to the hills from which cometh our help, our help cometh from the Lord. With deepest.
The Brown girls;
Mary Porter, Margie Boyd, Julia Nash and Elease Hunter
Helen Horton
June 20, 2011
I would like to send my condolnces to the family. May GOD keep help your family through these troubling times.
LOVE Helen & Family
sam Loretta
June 20, 2011
Veta Gardner,
May God give you peace in this most trying time...I will miss Carl and keep him close in my heart,Now he is with the rest of The Coasters and Yhey can all be as one again!!!
If you need me for anything please call your friend.
Sam/Play It Again Promotions
Sam Loretta
June 20, 2011
Carl,The True Coaster,
My Heart is heavy Today and your passing has been more then i can take.I Love all that you have done,may you now rest in peace. I'll do all and everything in my Power to keep the Great Name of The Coasters Alive and well.
Samuel R. Loretta/Play It Again Promotions
Ann Merr
June 20, 2011
What a wonderful group...I was born in 1962 and I grew up listening to your music. May God welcome you home and may your family be comforted knowing how much your fans loved the Coasters and their music.
Brenda Harris
June 20, 2011
I met Mr. Garder in P.G, county at the fair he was so nice and he told us his history. I told him i was just born when he started. My mother love his music , thank GOD FOR SHARING Him WITH THE BABY BOOMERS. Pease be with him. Busy Bee from South Mills N.C.
June 20, 2011
Dear Veta:
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Carl. May all your beautiful memories of Carl and the joy of his music bring some comfort to you and your family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Veta, we will be making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation shortly.
Yours Sincerely,
Frank Farfan and Doreen Hardy-Smith
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bob Minsky
June 20, 2011
Dear Carl, Thank you for blessing our city, my wife Emily and my lives with your pressence and friendship over the last 20 years. You have brought entertainment and grace unlike any other.
June 20, 2011
What a wonderful memory he left us with. I enjoyed his music, and I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I’m sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
T. Gates, Stockbridge, GA
M. TERRY
June 19, 2011
I grew up listening to the coasters and other do wop groups. I still love that music to this day. The GOOD LORD is really having a good time in heaven with all the great singers that have been called home. THANK YOU MR CARL GARDNER AND THE COASTERS FOR THAT GREAT MUSIC. RIP SIR ,AND GOD BLESS THE GARDNER FAMILY. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Justin Rigsby
June 19, 2011
My brother met you and the Coasters years ago when you did a concert in Ashland,KY. Ill never forget the thrill he had when he got to warmup with the group on Up on the Roof.RIP.
June 19, 2011
"...just tell your hoodlum friends outside,
you're about to take your final ride!
Yakety yak! So long, Jack!"
Anne Burke
June 19, 2011
You will be joining all the greats in the sky who have gone before you. What a choir that will be!
R Thomas
June 19, 2011
I love your songs, so much. I grew up with them.
May the good Lord give your family comfort..
RIP
Sharon Eickhoff
June 19, 2011
I have always loved their songs and still do to this day.My condolances to his family and friends.He will be sadly missed.
George Ralston
June 19, 2011
Your music and your voice will never be forgotten. God bless you and the coasters.
Sallie Martin
June 19, 2011
May the good Lord bless the family and group.
Bettie Welch
June 19, 2011
Carl,will be missed. Love the group.
AL LLANOS
June 18, 2011
REST IN PEACE MR COASTER...YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
Donna Whitworth
June 18, 2011
I met Carl at a show in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. A PORCC show. He did such a great show. I got a picture with Porky Chedwick and Carl on the evening. He will be missed. Doo-wop Donna
Frances Scales
June 18, 2011
Family may God bless you in your sorrow and loss . Carl will now be singing and dancing in the heavenly choirs.
Louise Wyatt
June 18, 2011
I grew up in the 60's and loved the Coasters. I especially loved hearing Yakity Yak and Poison Ivy. Your loved one may be gone but he will always be remembered in music and song by thousands of admirers all over the world. May God be with you as you through this time of grief.
Joe Smith
June 18, 2011
Love his songs. They will live forever !
Delores Greene
June 18, 2011
May God's grace and mercy be with you and your family throughout your time of sorrow. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. The Coasters were one of my favorite groups when I was growing up. I loved most all of their songs; especially "Along Came Jones."
June 18, 2011
May God comfort Carl's family in their time of grief. John5:28,29. Stone Mountain, Ga.
Adrian Barnette
June 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
maudeana strumph
June 17, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
robin troyano
June 17, 2011
veta, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. it was a pleasure getting to know you and carl and being his hospice nurse. carl had a great sense of humor. i will never forget him singing a few bars of yakety-yak for me. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
nate dailey
June 17, 2011
My grandma joined him in heaven on wednesday! RIP
Bob Courtney
June 17, 2011
July 8th will be Rock & Roll Heaven night on the seattledoowop show. Hour number one is devoted entirely to Mr. Gardner (Robins & Coasters) and Harvey Fuqua(Moonglows). What a privilege to do that show. Fridays 8-10pst www.kyaradio1.com
Harvey Robbins
June 17, 2011
On behalf of the Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame of America we wish to express our condolences on the passing of a true Hall of Fame Inductee. Carl has always been one of the finest singers and a true gentleman of our era. Your music and warm memories will be with us for all time.
Harvey Robbins, President
Margaret Santoro and Brenda Sue
Executive Board
A & T Printing
June 17, 2011
Veta, we were saddened to hear of Carl's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob & Sue
Karen Wooley
June 17, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Am so blessed to have known both of you and spend time with you. God will put him to work in heaven and everyone will enjoy him singing.
Karen Wooley
Moy
June 17, 2011
What a great loss to the music world. How we look forward to the time when Carol will return to his youth and reunite with his Coasters family to sing their hits with vigor - Job 33:25. A world free from the infirmities of old age will be forever removed - Isaiah 33:24.
Judy
June 17, 2011
He is singing with the ANGELS! May he rest in peace.
June 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. The Coasters were one of my favorite groups when I was growing up. We always came to Club Med when they performed there, and were at FAU in February. They always bring happy memories. May your memories of the happy times you had with Carl sustain you at this sad time. Remember, he is only a thought away and will remain alive in your hearts forever.
Mary Lou & Steve Cannata
Port St. Lucie
Ulysses/Marcia Bowie
June 17, 2011
My husband and I were teenagers when we heard our first song by the Coasters. Mr. Gardner is one of the oldies but goodies and will live on our hearts. I'm so glad we were priviledged to enjoy is many visits with the group to Florida. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
June 17, 2011
My sympathy to the Gardner family and friends. The Coasters was a big part of my life as a teenager and even through my early years. When the group came to my home town, I worked in the club where they played...awesome. Thank you for the privilege.
Renee Williams
June 17, 2011
We have lost a legend. He will be sorely missed.
J ROEBUCK
June 17, 2011
So many songs, so much joy. There will never again be another Coasters. Godspeed, my friend!
June 17, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sarah Ellis
June 17, 2011
GARDNER FAMILY:
My deepest condolences to the family.
With music being the universal language,Mr.Gardner impacted all of humanity. I along with my friends,clearly remember singing the songs of The Coasters.Some may call the songs old,but what is old is now new,again. His voice,the music,and the songs will go on forever;and I like it.
June 17, 2011
My condolences to the family . Julie , fan in Columbus, Ohio.
Charleen Harris
June 17, 2011
When the Coasters "hit the scene", I was a preteen. That summer, when they released "Poison Ivy", my friends needled me the whole summer because I had an awful case of poison ivy. That's why I will always remember Mr. Gardner and the Coasters. God bless you, Veta and family. Mr. Gardner was a man of style. Thank you for sharing him with us all these decades.
Mary Jeffers
June 17, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Carl E. Gardner. I was a tiny tot when I used to hear of the many hit songs by the Coasters. I am also a former resident of Tyler, TX and attended Emmett Scott High of which Mr. Gardner was a graduate. Emmett Scott had the best high school band in the Texas Rose Festival Parade. If you were a Tyler resident, you knew about the East Texas Fair & the Rose Festival Parade. May God bless your dear family and thanks for the memories, Carl.
T
June 17, 2011
May GOD bless him , he was a great singer and i was a teenager at the time they were popular and they had great songs to listen too.and dance too. GOD BLESS HIS WIFE.
June 17, 2011
To the Gardner family,may the lord bless you .i am deeply sorry for your loss.May the music that Mr.gardner,produced last forever.michael mcgehee bridgeport,connecticut
Rosalie Davis
June 17, 2011
You are now Singing with the Angels in Heaven . You will be greatly missed by fans, family, friends alike. Your music will be forever in our hearts and bring memories to us on what we were doing and where we were at . May God Bless your Family during this time of sadness. But we will always have your voice in music. Thank You for all of your sweet and fun loving music.Keep a melody on your mind and a song in your heart. A Fan forever
Jeannie Perry
June 17, 2011
Thanks so much Mr. Gardner for your impact on the music world.I really enjoyed your (The Coasters) music. This was an era children today know nothing about. May God bless you.
G. and V. Holtey
June 17, 2011
To Veta Gardner, family:
I remember on a cold winter evening in Mesa, Arizona, just a block or so north of Main Street in Mesa, I convinced my than sick/tired wife to walk up from Main St., and hang around on the street near the concert a short time before the event, sorry I can't remember what year but I believe it was on the next to or last year of origional Coaster's community street concerts. I believe we meet you and Carl walking north along McDonald Dr.on way to the concert. We had a nice chat and than Carl and you had to leave Guy and Virginia's (or Ginnie's) present to get ready to come on stage as the lead act. The Coaster's, including Carl, were just Great!!! and had to perform for an extra half hour or more because the Platters were running late.Ginnie thanked me that night for dragging her along to enjoy the music. In fact: when she got back to the house today, from working at ASU, I believe she mentioned something to me about hearing that Carl had passed away today for a better life tomorrow.
I don't think Ginnie can remember much of our meeting that cold winter night in Mesa, Az, as she just lives mostly day to day these Hot Early Summer days.
As I now recall, the street concert took place around either Christmas or Valentine's Day,Virginia/Guy's Wedding Anniversary.
We left after the Platters sang a couple songs and went home about 9:30 PM that night to get rested up from a hectic week. I think we may have mentioned in walking to the scene with you all that our youngest dtr. wons a gold plated clarenet she bought from Tom ? the 1940s 2nd Clarenetist with Les Brown and his Band of Renoune.
Our Prayers go with you at this time of grief, and may The Good Lord Bless and Comfort you, and each family member who silently shares both your loss and the good Earthly memories of past. Via Con Dios.
Sincerely Guy/Ginnie ,
Paula Van Wert
June 17, 2011
He and his music will always be in my heart. God Bless.
james Hodge
June 17, 2011
thank you for what you did for rock and roll
Jessica Hart
June 16, 2011
Carl was a good story teller. He told them with truth an conviction. From how he came up with the name "The Coasters" to his battle with throat cancer. He loved God and would tell you all about it! I will always remember the week we all spent at Tunica! He showed me the original "Red Slippers from the Wizard of Oz." I had told him about how I got the name "Dorothy" in Nashville. Very much a gentleman and a friend to all. Thank you for all the great songs. What a Great Entertainer...you will be missed! My prayers are with you Veta, Carl Jr., Curly and Al.God Bless!
tina sprague
June 16, 2011
i loved his songs and he willbe missed
Bot Bagel
June 16, 2011
Thank you for sharing your God-Given gift with all humanity. You impacted the music industry on a global level and your voice will continue to bring smiles to people's faces...RIP Sir
June 16, 2011
To the Gardner Family:
You have my deepest sympathy.Being absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.
Rev.James & Debra Stone
Verona Pa.15147
Veronica DeLuze
June 16, 2011
As a teen I listened and danced to the Coasters songs. Later I listened to these songs as oldies. I will always cherish these memories. My sympathy and thoughts are with the family of Mr. Gardner.
Ollie Wester-Jackson
June 16, 2011
To the bereaved family, may the Lord continue to bless you is my prayer.
Bill Kirk
June 16, 2011
Just from an old horn player, but so sorry for your loss. Please cherish your memories. Special music from people like Carl live forerver. God be with you and your family.
Brenda McIntosh
June 16, 2011
To the Gardner Family, may God bless and keep you in this difficult time.
Jeanie Coolahan
June 16, 2011
My condolences to his family; another legend gone to the other side, may he rest in peace.
melinda james
June 16, 2011
you will be missed
Bishop Derek Eurales, Sr.
June 16, 2011
My condolences and prayers to the family. Carl Gardner made melody of praise to our Lord. Be blessed and encouraged. ....God is love. I John 4:8b
wm. kozak
June 16, 2011
To Carl Gardners' Family,
A classy guy that knew how to handle fame, wishing him well on his new journey unto Gods' paradise.
Love Kathy and Bill Kozak, Shel;ton, Ct. 06484
s gooch
June 16, 2011
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gardner. May God bless you.
Elizabeth Perry
June 16, 2011
So sorry for your lost. Carl Gardner was a great singer. May God Bless the family. The Coasters was one of my favorite groups.
Charlotte White
June 16, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lily West Milton
June 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family of Carl Gardner, I really loved the Coasters songs. Although he led a really exciting life he will surely be missed. That group was what was happening in that time. RIP Carl you and your group was the greatest.
June 16, 2011
CARL YOU WILL BE MISSED BY YOUR FAMILY & THE MUSIC FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU VETA & FAMILY=EX-SKYLINERS SOUND MAN=MR. FRITZ=BEAVER FALLS, PA.
Hermanjr Belin
June 16, 2011
May Carl rest in peace,In 1955 he And the coasters was a group that made you ware out a pair of shose"s on the dance floor. Their music was a change in changing of times it was a part of me and my alma marta Gibbs high pamplico south carolina.We love you and will surely mist you and will keep you in our hearts.Hi school graduating class presdent of 1959. HermanBelinjr
Russ Palmer
June 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy, the entertainers of yesteryear were a very important part of my life. He will be missed.
Kookie Hart
June 16, 2011
I have a 45 record of the Coasters,My Husbands name is charles, and, I remember their songs, and, often call him charlie Brown:) May He Rest In Peace.
June 16, 2011
Thanks for the wonderful music
Mary, Martinsville, Va.
Dorothy Crisp
June 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy at your loss, God Bless him and his family. Coasters one of my favorite groups in high school..
Kay Nichols
June 16, 2011
Dear Family of Mr. Carl, What joy this man brought to the music world and many many people. We just were discussing music, how I wish all kids could have and would still take to this.
RIP Mr. Carl.
Kay Nichols
Helen Eger
June 16, 2011
So glad Carl Gardner had the courage to do what he loved and do it so well! Memories return of dancing and ironing in the kitchen with Mom while we were listening to The Coasters on WTKO. What a treasure trove of music you left behind! I'm looking forward to the tribute by Seattledoowop:
Fridays 8-10pm pst www.kyaradio1.com in early July from Frisco. He'll do you proud!! Thanks, Bob!
Harriet Downie
June 16, 2011
Our deepest sympathy at your loss, his music will forever live on in our hearts and memories. Thanks for the music you gave us I still download and listen to your songs, they were all great. God Bless.
June 16, 2011
God Bless him and his family.....
June 16, 2011
Dear Veta;
Carl was known to me more than his love for music and his dear group the Coasters. It was his undying love for you!
He cherished you and clutched you as a priceless gem in oceans of struggles.
Those memories and his music will live on and on, and may you and family draw comfort in that and God's endless love and peace. Pansi Rowbotham London Ontario Canada
carolyn williams
June 16, 2011
rip mr.g
RICK BARBEE
June 16, 2011
GOD NEEDED ANOTHER ANGEL FOR HIS BAND OF GOLD ,MY HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO ARE HEART BROKEN I PRAY FOR JOY AND HOPE TO REUNITE IN THE FUTURE..I'LL SING WITH YA ONE DAY....
LORRAINE MERKLE
June 16, 2011
Met Carl on a cruise ship in 1989. He was terrific. Very friendly also.
A great lose. RIP CARL
Showing 1 - 100 of 334 results
Make a Donation
in Carl Gardner's name
How to support Carl's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carl Gardner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored