Carl Carlton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Carlton
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Carlton in 1968
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 21, 1953 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, soul, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1965–present |
Carl Carlton is an American singer and songwriter. He was born on May 21, 1953. He is famous for his hit songs "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama". Carl Carlton sings R&B, soul, and funk music.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Carl Carlton was born in Detroit, Michigan. He started his music career in the mid-1960s. At first, he was known as "Little Carl" Carlton. This name was used because his voice sounded a bit like Stevie Wonder, who was known as "Little Stevie Wonder".
His first songs were recorded for Lando Records. He had a few small hits in his local area, like "So What" and "Don't You Need a Boy Like Me".
Joining Back Beat Records
In 1968, a music executive named Don D. Robey signed Carl Carlton to his record label, Back Beat Records. This label had started in 1957. After signing, Carlton moved to Houston, Texas. This move helped him be closer to his new record company.
Carl Carlton's Music Career
Carl Carlton's first song with Back Beat Records was "Competition Ain't Nothing". This song became very popular in the UK. It was a big hit on the "northern soul" music scene there.
In January 1971, Carlton had another hit song called "I Can Feel It". This song made it onto the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.
Breaking Through with "Everlasting Love"
Carl Carlton became very successful in the United States with his version of "Everlasting Love". This song was originally sung by Robert Knight. In 1974, Carlton's version reached number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart.
In 1972, the owner of Back Beat Records, Don Robey, sold his music labels to ABC Records. Carl Carlton later had a disagreement with ABC Records about his music earnings. This made him stop recording new music for a while.
The Success of "She's a Bad Mama Jama"
In 1977, Carlton signed with Mercury Records, but he only released one song with them. After a few years, Leon Haywood helped him get a new deal with 20th Century Records.
In 1981, Carl Carlton released a song called "She's a Bad Mama Jama". This song was written by Leon Haywood. It became a huge hit, reaching number 2 on the soul music chart. Carlton was even nominated for a Grammy Award for this song in 1982. The song also reached number 34 in the UK.
Carlton's album, also called Carl Carlton, sold very well in 1981. "She's a Bad Mama Jama" is still a popular song today. It is often included on music collections and movie soundtracks. Parts of the song are also used in rap music.
Later Career and Gospel Music
Carl Carlton released more albums in the 1980s. He had a few smaller R&B hits during this time. After his 1985 album Private Property, he did not release another album until 1994. That album, Main Event, did not become a big hit.
In 2002, Carl Carlton appeared on a PBS TV show called American Soundtrack. He performed "Everlasting Love" on the show. His performance was also included on a live album released in 2004.
On August 1, 2010, Carlton released his first gospel song called "God Is Good". In 2011, he was nominated for a Detroit Music Award. This nomination was for "Outstanding Gospel/Christian Vocalist".
Television Appearances
Carl Carlton has appeared on several television shows:
- 1970: The Merv Griffin Show
- 1974–1982: American Bandstand (He appeared on two episodes)
- 1974–1983: Soul Train (He appeared on two episodes)
- 2003: American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love and Soul (A TV special about music)
Images for kids
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Carlton in 1968
