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Grammy-nominated singer Carl Carlton, best known for his hit tracks She's a Bad Mamma Jama and Everlasting Love, has died at the age of 72.
The devastating news was confirmed on Sunday by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, who shared a tribute on his father's Facebook page.
'RIP Dad, legend Carl Carlton, singer of She's a Bad Mama Jama,' he wrote alongside a photo of the late funk and R&B star. 'Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.'
Hudgens also posted a portrait of his father on his own social media, adding: 'R.I.P. Dad. You can finally rest now. Always love you.'
Carlton's death comes six years after he suffered a serious stroke in 2019, which led to ongoing health complications.
No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed, at this time.
Grammy nominee Carl Carlton, best known for his hit tracks She's a Bad Mamma Jama and Everlasting Love, has died at age 72; seen in 1970
Born in Detroit, Carlton began his music career in the 1960s under the pseudonym Little Carl Carlton.
He dropped the nickname in the early 1970s after his song I Can Feel It landed on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
However, it wasn't until 1974 that his career truly took off with the release of Everlasting Love, a song that remains a staple decades later and has amassed more than 25 million streams on Spotify alone.
While Everlasting Love helped cement his place in music history, Carlton's biggest commercial success arrived seven years later with She's A Bad Mama Jama.
The track earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, with total plays likely approaching half a billion when factoring in Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music.
Following news of his death, funk group Confunkshun released a tribute on Facebook, writing: 'With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton. His voice, talent, and contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be a part of our lives and the soundtrack of so many memories. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.'
Widely regarded as part of the golden generation of R&B voices, Carlton's music touched audiences across the globe.
No information has been released regarding funeral or memorial services, and it is believed the family plans to keep arrangements private, with only close friends and relatives in attendance.
'RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of She's a Bad Mama Jama,' he wrote alongside a picture of the late funk and R&B singer. 'Long hard fight in life and you will be missed'
'RIP Dad, legend Carl Carlton, singer of She's a Bad Mama Jama,' he wrote alongside a photo of the late funk and R&B star. 'Long hard fight in life and you will be missed' (seen in 2007)
Tributes immediately poured in across social media for Carlton as fans expressed their grief and shared their favorite memories of him.
'Favorite song by Carl Carlton - Swing That Sexy Thing! Condolences go out to his family during this difficult time,' one X user wrote.
Another shared: 'Rest in peace, Carl Carlton. Grew upon your songs. Love you, all the very best to your family and friends.'
'I remember him starting out real young and being known as Little Carl Carlton. Great talent! Rest in Power!' a third wrote.
