Funk and R&B music legend Carl Carlton, whose timeless hits include “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” and “Everlasting Love,” has died at 72. According to TMZ, his son confirmed the news in a heartfelt message shared on social media.
On Sunday, December 14, Carlton’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, announced his father’s passing in a Facebook post. The singer was born Carlton Hudgens.
“RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” he wrote alongside a photo of the late musician. “Long hard fight in, life, and you will be missed .”
Hudgens later shared another message on Facebook Stories, writing, “R.I.P Dad, You can finally rest now. Always love you.”
From Detroit Beginnings to Chart Success
Carlton was born in Detroit in 1953 and began his music career in the 1960s. Early on, he performed under the name “Little Carl Carlton,” then shortened it professionally in the early 1970s.
His breakthrough came in 1971, when “I Can Feel It” reached the Billboard Soul Singles chart, according to Syracuse.com. In 1974, he scored a major hit with his cover of “Everlasting Love,” which climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Decades later, the song continues to resonate, amassing more than 25 million streams on Spotify.
‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama’ and a Lasting Legacy
While “Everlasting Love” cemented Carlton’s early success, he became most widely known for his 1981 funk anthem “She’s a Bad Mama Jama.” The song earned a Grammy Award nomination and has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.
The track has been sampled by numerous artists and featured in popular films, including “Miss Congeniality 2” and “Fat Albert,” as well as television shows such as “Friends,” helping introduce Carlton’s music to new generations.
According to Soultracks.com, Carlton suffered a stroke six years ago, which affected his health in recent years.
Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from fellow musicians and fans who credited Carlton with shaping the sound of funk and R&B.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton,” funk group Confunkshun wrote in a Facebook tribute. “
His voice, talent, and contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be a part of our lives and the soundtrack of so many memories. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”
Carl Carlton is remembered as a defining voice of funk and soul, an artist whose music continues to move dance floors, airwaves, and listeners decades after it first hit the charts.
