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Carl Carlton

Biography

Carl Carlton, born May 21, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American R&B, soul, and funk singer and songwriter whose career blossomed in the vibrant musical landscape of his hometown. Growing up in a family that cherished music, Carlton was exposed early to jazz, gospel, and soul, influences that would shape his signature sound. Detroit’s rich Motown tradition and the city’s dynamic music scene provided fertile ground for his early artistic development, with Carlton performing as a backing vocalist before launching his solo career in the early 1970s.[3][6]

Carlton’s breakthrough came with his 1974 cover of "Everlasting Love," which became a major hit and established him as a rising star in R&B and soul. His greatest commercial success arrived in 1981 with the Grammy-nominated single "She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)," a funk anthem that remains a staple of the genre. Throughout the 1980s, Carlton continued to chart with a blend of romantic ballads and infectious grooves, earning a loyal fan base and contributing to the evolution of funk and soul. Beyond performing, he also worked as a producer and songwriter, further cementing his influence in the industry.[3][5]

Carlton’s music is characterized by smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and a seamless fusion of soul, funk, and R&B. His work has left a lasting legacy, with his classic hits still featured in films, commercials, and sampled by contemporary artists. Though less prominent in the mainstream today, Carlton’s contributions are celebrated by fans and musicians alike, ensuring his enduring impact on American music.[3][6]

Fun Facts

  • Carlton was a regular performer on the iconic TV show Soul Train during the 1970s and 1980s, boosting his national profile.[3]
  • He began his career as 'Little Carl Carlton,' a nickname referencing his youthful start and vocal resemblance to Stevie Wonder.[6]
  • Carlton’s hit 'She’s a Bad Mama Jama' earned him a Grammy nomination and remains a widely sampled track in hip-hop and R&B.[3][5]
  • In addition to singing, Carlton has worked as a producer and songwriter, contributing to the success of other artists during his career peak.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Marvin Gaye - Major stylistic influence; Carlton cited Gaye as shaping his approach to soul and R&B. (Influence evident in Carlton's vocal style and songwriting.) [1960s-1970s]
  • Stevie Wonder - Inspirational figure; Carlton drew from Wonder’s musical innovation and emotive delivery. (Influence on Carlton's melodic sensibility.) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

  • Leon Haywood - Producer and songwriter; co-wrote and produced Carlton’s biggest hit. ("She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)") [1981]

Artists Influenced

  • Contemporary funk and R&B artists - Carlton’s grooves and vocal style have been sampled and emulated by modern musicians. (His music, especially "She’s a Bad Mama Jama," is frequently sampled in hip-hop and R&B.) [1980s-present]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition) 1981-01-01 Album
I Wanna Be With You 1975-08-23 Album
The Bad Carl Carlton 1982-10-31 Album
Original Sample, Vol. 1 2014 Album
Direkt Ins Blut 2 - (Un)plugged 2007-09-28 Album
Funky Kids' Party 2001-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) - Single Version (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))
  2. She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) - Single Version
  3. Everlasting Love
  4. She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))
  5. She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)
  6. This Feeling’s Rated X-tra (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))
  7. She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) - Single Version
  8. This Feeling’s Rated X-tra - 12" Version (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))
  9. Sexy Lady (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))
  10. Let Me Love You 'Til Morning Comes (Carl Carlton (Expanded Edition))

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #funk, #pop

References

  1. mabumbe.com
  2. blackpast.org
  3. aaemusic.com

Heard on WWOZ

Carl Carlton has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 15, 202520:17I've Got That Boogie Feverfrom Carl CarltonSoul Powerw/ Soul Sister