Carl Carlton, R&B Singer Behind ‘Everlasting Love,’ Dies at 72

December 15, 2025

Carl Carlton, the acclaimed Detroit R&B vocalist known for his hits "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama," passed away at age 72 after battling health issues stemming from a 2019 stroke. Beginning his musical journey as "Little Carl" Carlton at just 11 years old, he achieved national stardom in 1974 with his chart-topping cover of "Everlasting Love," though royalty disputes temporarily derailed his career momentum. He made a triumphant comeback in 1981 with a gold-certified album featuring "She's a Bad Mama Jama," which earned Grammy recognition and became widely sampled in hip-hop.

Who is affected

Carl Carlton (deceased)
Carlton's family members, including his son
Fans and social media users expressing grief (Jonathan and Kenneth Nero mentioned specifically)
The R&B and music community at large
Artists who sampled or were influenced by his work

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article.

Why it matters

Carlton's death represents the loss of a significant figure who bridged multiple generations and genres of Black music, from soul to funk to R&B and gospel. His recordings, particularly "She's a Bad Mama Jama," extended beyond their original era through hip-hop sampling and film soundtracks, demonstrating lasting cultural influence. His career exemplified resilience through industry challenges including royalty disputes and health setbacks, while his music catalog continues to serve as a touchstone for understanding the evolution of R&B and funk music across decades.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer