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Soul Legend Carl Carlton Dies at 72
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Born in Detroit, Michigan, Carlton's music career began in the early 1970s.
- His 1978 hit 'She's a Bad Mama Jama' brought him widespread commercial success.
- Carlton passed away on December 14, 2025, after complications from a stroke.
Beloved African-American singer, songwriter, and producer Carl Carlton, celebrated for his contributions to soul, R&B, and funk, has passed away at 72.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 21, 1953, Carlton was immersed in music from a young age. He began his professional career in the early 1970s as a backing vocalist. His self-titled debut album arrived in 1973, but it was the 1978 release of his chart-topping single, "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)," that catapulted him to stardom. The 1980s saw him dominate the Billboard charts with a blend of ballads and funk.
Carlton remained active in music until the early 2000s, releasing his final album, the gospel project "God Is Good," in 2010. He passed away on December 14, 2025, due to complications from a stroke suffered in 2019. His legacy endures through his influential music and his philanthropic efforts supporting music education and youth development in Detroit.
