Carl Carlton, ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama’ R&B Singer Dies at 72
Carl Carlton sold over 15 million records and earned a 1982 Grammy nomination, leaving a lasting legacy in soul and funk music.
- Carl Carlton, the Detroit-bred R&B and funk artist, died on December 14, 2025, at age 72, his son Carlton Hudgens II confirmed on Facebook Sunday.
- Best known for the hits `Everlasting Love` and `She's a Bad Mama Jama`, Carlton broke through in 1974 with a cover that peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1974, and his 1981 funk single earned a 1982 Grammy nomination.
- Carlton released eight albums, including 2010's `God Is Good`, and reportedly sold more than 15 million copies, after suffering a serious stroke years ago.
- Fans and peers on social media took to remember Carlton after his son confirmed his death on Facebook Sunday, while Billboard had not independently confirmed at press time.
- Sampling of `She's a Bad Mama Jama` highlights Carlton's cultural reach, as his recordings continue inspiring artists like Foxy Brown and Flo Milli, sustaining his influence on playlists and soundtracks.
92 Articles
92 Articles
Carl Carlton, funk legend and 'She's a Bad Mamma Jama' singer, dies at 72
The singer's son announced his death on Dec. 14. Adam Bettcher/WireImage for Starkey Hearing Foundation Carl Carlton in 2006Carl Carlton, funk and R&B singing legend best known for the hits "She's a Bad Mama Jama" and "Everlasting Love," has died. He was 72.Carlton's son, Carlton Hudgens II, shared the tragic news on Sunday via a tribute posted on Facebook. "RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of 'She's a Bad Mama Jama,'" he wrote alongside a p…
Carl Carlton, ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama’ R&B Singer Dies at 72
Carl Carlton, the Detroit-bred R&B/soul star best known for his 1981 funk hit “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” has died at 72. The singer’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, reported the news on his Facebook page on Sunday (Dec. 14), writing, “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama.’ Long hard fight in life and you will be missed”; Carlton was born Carlton Hudgens. At press time Billboard had not independently c…
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