Legendary American singer Carl Carlton, whose voice helped define soul, R&B, and funk music in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 72. His passing on December 14, 2025 was confirmed by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, in a heartfelt social media tribute. Carlton’s family noted that he fought a long, difficult battle with health issues before his death, though no specific cause has been publicly announced.

Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1952, Carlton grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues that shaped his artistic sensibilities. He began performing as a teenager under the name Little Carl Carlton, a moniker that played on vocal similarities to other youthful R&B stars of the era. Early in his career, he recorded locally appreciated singles before achieving broader attention in the early 1970s.

Carlton’s first major breakthrough came with his 1974 rendition of “Everlasting Love,” a cover of Robert Knight’s classic that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of his signature recordings. The song’s rich orchestration and Carlton’s expressive vocals helped make it a perennial favorite on radio and in compilations well beyond its original release period.

In 1981, Carlton achieved even greater mainstream recognition with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” a funk anthem produced by Leon Haywood. The track climbed the charts, helped his self‑titled album go gold, and earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. The song has enjoyed enduring popularity, frequently sampled in hip‑hop and featured in films and television, underscoring its lasting cultural imprint.

Although his recording output slowed in later decades, Carlton remained active in music through performances and occasional releases. He appeared on influential music programs such as Soul Train and American Bandstand and continued to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists for his vocal versatility and charisma. Carlton also explored gospel music, notably with the 2010 album God Is Good, reflecting a lifelong connection to his musical and spiritual roots.

Tributes following Carlton’s death poured in from fans, musicians, and media alike, celebrating his role as a foundational figure in American soul and funk. His voice and songs, such as “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” remain staples on playlists, in soundtracks, and across generations of listeners — a testament to his enduring influence on popular music. Carlton is survived by his family, including his son Carlton Hudgens II, who shared the news of his father’s passing.