Aaron Carter was a pop star known for songs including “Aaron’s Party,” “That’s How I Beat Shaq.”
- Died: November 5, 2022 (Who else died on November 5?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Lancaster, California at the age of 34.
- We invite you to share condolences for Aaron Carter in our Guest Book.
Musical career
Carter was the brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. He was just nine years old when he began performing professionally, singing as an opening act for his brother’s group. Within months, he had released his debut single, a cover of “Crush on You” by the Jets, and his self-titled debut album. It was more popular overseas than in the U.S., especially in Scandinavia, but Carter would make a splash at home with his follow-up in 2000. His album “Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It)” was a top-five success, spawning singles with the title track, “That’s How I Beat Shaq,” “Bounce,” and a cover of Bow Wow Wow’s “I want Candy.” Carter had become a tween idol, and he began guest starring on TV shows including “Lizzie McGuire,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “All That.”
Although Carter’s subsequent albums couldn’t retain the popularity of “Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It),” he remained in the public eye as he continued releasing music as well as acting, appearing on Broadway in “Seussical” and off Broadway in “The Fantasticks.” He became a reality TV star, appearing with his siblings on “House of Carter” and competing on “Dancing with the Stars.” Carter’s personal life became increasingly tumultuous in the years after his early popularity. He struggled with substance abuse and had public feuds with his brother as well as their sister, Leslie Carter (1986–2012).
Notable quote
“I have such a young fan base. A lot of my fans are starting to have kids now too, and they get their younger kids into me too. Realistically, I was the first album for a lot of kids. Even 20 years ago, I had fans when I was 12 years old that were 4 or 5 years old. I had fans when I was 16 years old that were 4 years old.” –from a 2016 interview for Esquire
Tributes to Aaron Carter
Full obituary: The New York Times
