R&B legend Carl Carlton, known for his chart-topping soul hits, has passed away at 72, leaving fans mourning a true American music icon from a simpler era.
Announcement of Carl Carlton’s Passing
Carlton Hudgens III, son of R&B singer Carl Carlton, posted on Facebook on December 14, 2025, confirming his father’s death at age 72. Hudgens wrote, “RIP Dad, legend Carl Carlton, singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama.’ Long hard fight in life, and you will be missed.” The post captured the family’s grief amid Carl’s legacy in soul music from the 1970s and 1980s. Fans quickly shared condolences online.
RIP Carl Carlton 🥺🙏🕊️pic.twitter.com/1t1LrT8Wnw
— Vinyl Records🎱✝️🇧🇷👪🗽 (@j_c_domingues) December 15, 2025
Health Struggles Leading to Death
Carl Carlton faced significant health challenges before his passing. SoulTracks reported he suffered a stroke in 2019, forcing him to cancel a concert. He remained alert in the hospital post-incident. Posts on his personal Facebook page mentioned a GoFundMe campaign during that time. The National Institutes of Health notes strokes often cause lasting physical and neurological effects. His son did not disclose the exact cause of death.
Hudgens followed up on December 15 with photos of Carl with grandchildren, writing, “Pray for my daughter, she’s taking her grandfather’s death hard. Hurts me more to see her in this pain.” This highlighted the personal toll on the family.
Early Career and Breakthrough Hits
Carl Carlton began performing as a child under the name Little Carl, modeled after Stevie Wonder’s early “Little Stevie” persona. He recorded for Back Beat Records, Mercury Records, and 20th Century Records. His cover of “Everlasting Love” gained notoriety. These efforts built his foundation in soul and R&B, earning superstar status with dedicated fans despite not matching some peers’ commercial peaks.
Peak Fame with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama”
Carl’s signature hit, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” topped charts and received a Grammy nomination in 1982. The song’s enduring popularity led to samples in rap tracks years later. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Carl wrote and performed soul and R&B music that resonated widely. His work proved influential across genres, maintaining relevance long after his chart-topping days.
R&B music legend Carl Carlton has died at age 72.
He's best known for hits, “She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)” & ‘Everlasting Love’. He has sold over 15 million records worldwide. pic.twitter.com/83u1JbztgO
— music data (@music__data) December 15, 2025
Transition to Gospel Music
In later years, Carl Carlton shifted to gospel music, releasing “God Is Good” in 2010. WBLS reported his 2011 nomination for a Detroit Music Award in Outstanding Gospel/Christian Vocalist. This move reflected a return to faith-based expression, aligning with traditional values cherished by many Americans. His career evolution from secular hits to spiritual songs inspired those valuing family and redemption in entertainment.
Carl’s passing comes as President Trump leads America toward renewed strength, reminding us of cultural heroes who embodied hard work and perseverance without today’s divisive agendas.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health: Stroke Effects
Grammy: Carl Carlton Artist Page
WBLS: R&B Legend Carl Carlton Passes Away at 72