American singer Carl Carlton, whose voice helped define the sound of 1970s and 1980s R&B, soul, and funk, has died at the age of 72.

His passing on December 14, 2025 was confirmed by his son, Carlton Hudgens II, in a heartfelt message shared on social media, where he mourned his father’s “long hard fight in life” and expressed deep love and pride for the music legend.

Carlton — born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1953 — began a remarkable musical journey that would stretch over five decades and touch audiences around the world.

From his earliest recordings as a precocious youngster to his iconic hits that continue to echo on radio, streaming platforms, and in popular culture, he remained an artist whose talent was both soulful and versatile. Continue reading…