comparisons to Stevie Wonder, helping cement his place in R&B history.

Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit, he began his career as a preteen under the name Little Carl Carlton, releasing early singles such as “Competition Ain’t Nothin’” and “I Can Feel It.” While those songs found limited success in the U.S., they became favorites in the U.K.’s Northern Soul scene. After breaking free from an early recording contract, Carlton signed with 20th Century Fox Records in the late 1970s.

His persistence paid off in 1981 with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s soul chart and became one of his signature songs. He followed with a reggae-infused cover of the Four Tops’ “Baby I Need Your Loving,” further showcasing his versatility.

Though his recording output slowed in later years, Carlton remained an active live performer and collaborated with legends including Smokey Robinson, Rick James, Teena Marie, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Khan. Carlton suffered a stroke in 2019 and passed away on December 14, 2025, his son confirmed. His music—especially Everlasting Love—will continue to resonate for generations. Rest in peace.