Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Carl Carlton
1953 - 2025
Carl Carlton
1953 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2025
Carl Carlton Obituary
Born May 21, 1953, in Detroit, Carlton began his music career in the mid-1960s under the name "Little Carl" Carlton, inviting a comparison to Stevie Wonder, with whom he shared a similar vocal style.
Carlton first broke into wider recognition in 1971 with "I Can Feel It," a song that charted on the Billboard Soul Singles chart. His 1974 disco-inflected remake of "Everlasting Love" reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing him mainstream success and a lasting favorite.
But it was the 1981 single "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)" that became Carlton's signature song, earning him a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance and later gold album status. The track has remained culturally resonant, accumulating millions of streams, being widely sampled, and appearing in films and television soundtracks.
In a career spanning six decades, Carlton continued recording into the 1990s and released his final album, "God Is Good," in 2010, which earned a Detroit Music Award nomination.
The music community quickly paid tribute to Carlton's influence after his death. Funk/R&B group ConFunkShun posted, "With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton. His voice, talent, and contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be a part of our lives." DJ D-Nice also honored Carlton's impact, writing, "Gone, but forever in rotation," underscoring how Carlton's work continues to live on through airwaves and playlists.
Carlton is survived by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, and extended family.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
29 Entries
Tony
January 5, 2026
My heartfelt condolences are offered to the family, many, many friends, and fans of Mr. Carl Carlton. Mr. Carl Carlton was the American R&B, soul, and funk singer-songwriter best known for his enduring hits "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)." May the love and many, many special memories you shared with your devoted loved one show how much your life was touched by him. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. Carl Carlton. May his music and legacy keep his memory alive forever.
Joann Williams
January 1, 2026
I will always love my mother's favorite song "She's a Bad Mama Jama" forever.
E. Wright
December 29, 2025
To the Family and Friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of such a great entertainer who will be missed. My husband is a music buff who grew up listening to good music that could make you snap your fingers and dance.
May you find comfort in knowing that those who have passed on in death, God keeps in his memory because all are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15).
Respectively,
F Peterson
December 27, 2025
A truly gifted singer and songwriter who will be forever missed and remembered with love and appreciation. Thanks for sharing your talent and life with us. So many incredible memories. May he rest in eternal peace with Jesus by his side.
How you can show support
Brian Patrick Clarke
December 27, 2025
My heart goes out to Carl's family and the friends who loved him. While I never met him, my wife and I will always hold dear the phenomenal rendition he did of "Everlasting Love", and we thank him for providing such a powerful, beautiful backdrop to the love we are fortunate to share. Thank you, Carl. May you rest in peace!
Priscilla J. Abrams Cook
December 24, 2025
My condolences go out to Karl Carlton's family and loved ones.He was a gentleman that I met at Murray Wright high school.He was in food service and I was a cosmetology student.We had many conversations together and he was always the life of the party with his beautiful voice rest in peace my friend. Sincerely, Priscilla, j. Abrams Cook.
Evalina
December 24, 2025
My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you.
Grand Master Felix mcknight
December 23, 2025
We did a lot together for many, many years.
Lauren Williams
December 23, 2025
It was a pleasure meeting you my condolences to the family. You was a sweet person and I love your music you will be truly missed rest in paradise.
Christina & Sylvester Rockhill
December 23, 2025
We also want to extend our condolences and prayers to Cousin Nita and to Carl´s children and grandchildren as well as extended family and friends and also all his fans!
Christina & Sylvester Rockhill
December 23, 2025
I just want to say we loved you "Carl Carlton and we are truly grateful and blessed to be part of your family and life and we are truly going to miss you and you´ll always live on in our hearts and memories forever may God rest your soul! " You were definitely on to something special and forever when you sang and wrote "Everlasting Love "!
Camilla R.
December 22, 2025
It was a honor meeting you! God Bles your Soul =)
Fred weems
December 21, 2025
I'm going to miss you! No more pain,debts and heart aches. (RIP) MY FRIEND!
Eric Jones
December 20, 2025
Rip Mr Carlton your music will go on forever
ULYSES MOUZON
December 18, 2025
ULYSES: FRIEND FROM GREUSEL JR.HIGH/MURRAY WRIGHT: WOW WE HAD A LOT OF FUN TOGETHER: COMPETITION AIN'T NOTHING FOR HIM: HE ALWAYS BEAT ME AT BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!! MISS YOU MUCH!!!!!!
DE
December 17, 2025
My deepest sympathy is with Carl´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. The song (Bad Mama Jam ) was one of my favorite song. I dance to that songs many of times, even if I hear it now I will get up and dance. May Almighty God strengthen and comfort you all at this difficult time.
Ruby L. Ware
December 17, 2025
I remember Carl from High school at
Murray-Wright. He had the most incredible voice, but even more so he
had a great personality and nice smile.
Rest in peace, I know you´re singing
With the angels.
Love, Ruby Ware
Janette O´Brien
December 17, 2025
He was an amazing singer and performer and will be deeply missed. I will never forget him. Rest in peace Carl, you earned it.
Jessica F.
December 16, 2025
May God be pleased with this beautiful soul as he enters eternity. May Carl's family experience the grace and comfort of God.
I met Carl in the early eighties and his soul was beautiful then.
RIP Carl Carlton
Tonvonnie Latoya Smith
December 16, 2025
I will miss you Mr carl Carlton r.i.p my heart and prays goes out of the carton family and friends
Teresa Gates
December 16, 2025
RIP Carl Carlton. My condolences to your family and all who loved you. Thank you for years of entertainment. God bless.
Sharon S. Glover
December 16, 2025
Loved his music. Will miss his songs. So sorry he is gone. Sharon S.
Mak
December 16, 2025
I´m so sorry for the loss of this talented man. I grew up listening to him. May the God of Comfort be with you during this difficult time.
RB
December 16, 2025
A talented singer, his music was enjoyed by so many. Sincere condolences to the Carlton family. May God be with you in your time of loss.
Ron Baker
December 16, 2025
I only got to meet him once at a Motown event in Detroit. He was in the audience and not a performer. I recognized him right away. I told him how much I loved his music and asked if I could take a selfie with him. He was super nice to me. I will treasure this moment and his music forever.
Bobbie Starr
December 16, 2025
Thanks for your love & passion for music. You are a kind and gentle soul who will be greatly missed.
RIP in "Soul heaven"..
Love..
Bobbie Starr
Albert Alioto
December 15, 2025
May he be blessed with "Everlasting Love."
Omar Ali
December 15, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
Juanita Linzitto
December 15, 2025
Rest In Peace!
From a fellow soul ...
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Carl Carlton's name
How to support Carl's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Carl Carlton'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 more