Carl Carlton

Carl Carlton (born Carlton Hudgens; May 21, 1952 (Several sources give his birth year as 1953 He began his career in the mid-1960s as "Little" Carl Carlton.)

He was listed as one of the Cash Box Best R&B Artists of 1970 in the December 26 issue of the magazine.

In January 1971, Carlton had a hit on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart with "I Can Feel It". It spent three weeks in the chart, peaking at no. 47.

Carlton finally saw major success in the United States with a cover version of Robert Knight's "Everlasting Love". This song went to number 6 in 1974 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart, spending 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Back Beat Records owner Robey sold his labels to ABC Records in 1972. Beginning in 1976, Carlton became embroiled in a royalty dispute with ABC Records that caused him to stop recording for some time. He signed with Mercury Records in 1977, releasing You, You/Something's Wrong that same year. Carlton was unable to land a new recording contract for several years until Leon Haywood helped him get a singles deal with 20th Century Records. The track peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart. Carlton's subsequent album, Carl Carlton, went gold in 1981. "She's a Bad Mama Jama" has since become a staple of compilation albums and soundtracks and is often sampled in rap music.

On August 1, 2010, Carlton released his first gospel single entitled "God Is Good". On April 16, 2011, Carlton was nominated for a Detroit Music Award in the "Outstanding Gospel/Christian Vocalist" category.

Later life and death Carlton suffered from complications of a stroke in 2019. He died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 73. In addition to his son Carlton Hudgens II,

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103 17 12 — — 27 —

1983

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1986

— 88 — — — — — "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Television appearances YearTitleNotes 1970 The Merv Griffin Show 1974 The Midnight Special 1974,1982 American Bandstand Two episodes 1974,1981,1983 Soul Train Three episodes 2003 American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love and Soul Television documentary special