🎤 Remembering Carl Carlton: Soulful Voice Behind "Everlasting Love" and "Bad Mama Jama"

The world of R&B, soul, and funk has lost a cherished voice. Carl Carlton, the American singer and songwriter best known for his massive hits "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)," passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 72.

Carlton’s career spanned decades, from his start as a child singer to his success as a crossover artist, leaving behind a legacy of music that spanned genres and defined eras of soul and funk.

The Journey of "Little Carl"

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 21, 1953, Carlton began his musical journey early, performing as a child and earning the moniker "Little Carl Carlton." By the age of 15, he had already released his first single, "Competition Ain't Nothin'," in 1968.

He spent his early career navigating the R&B scene, releasing several singles that, while not always charting high on the pop charts, established him as a powerful vocalist with a strong connection to the soulful roots of Detroit music.

The Crossover Hits

Carlton's career exploded with two massive, genre-defining hits that cemented his place in music history:

1. "Everlasting Love" (1974)

Carl Carlton's most significant early success came with his cover of "Everlasting Love." This soulful rendition soared up the charts, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 11 on the US R&B chart. The track showcased his stunning vocal range and romantic delivery, successfully crossing him over from R&B into mainstream pop territory and proving his ability to deliver a timeless ballad.

2. "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)" (1981)

After navigating label changes and a royalty dispute in the late 70s, Carlton returned in the early 80s with the song that would become his enduring signature—the infectious funk-disco track, "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)." This dance-floor staple became a cultural phenomenon, hitting No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soaring to No. 2 on the US R&B chart. It was nominated for a Grammy Award and has since been heavily sampled and featured in countless soundtracks and compilations, solidifying its status as a funk classic.

A Legacy of Soul

"She's a Bad Mama Jama" was certified Gold and was the centerpiece of his successful 1981 album Carl Carlton. He continued to record and release music over the following decades, including the popular "Baby I Need Your Loving" in 1982, always staying true to his roots in R&B and soul.

According to reports, Carl Carlton had been struggling with his health in recent years, having suffered from complications of a stroke in 2019.

His passing marks the end of an era for a singer whose voice could transition effortlessly between deep soul vulnerability and electrifying funk energy. He will be remembered for the timeless joy and romance his music brought to listeners for generations.