Clarence Carter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clarence Carter
Carter performing in 1995
Background information
Birth name	Clarence George Carter
Born	(1936-01-14) January 14, 1936 (age 89) Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Singer Songwriter Musician Record producer
Instruments	vocals, guitar
Years active	1962–present
Labels	Fairlane Records Duke Records Atlantic Records Fame Records Ichiban Records
Associated acts	Clarence and Calvin CL Boys

Clarence George Carter (born January 14, 1936) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is known for his soulful voice and hit songs. Some of his most popular songs include "Slip Away" and "Patches". He has been making music since 1962 and continues to perform.

Early Life and Education

Clarence Carter was born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 14, 1936. He attended the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama. Later, he went to Alabama State University in Montgomery. He graduated in August 1960 with a degree in music.

Music Career Highlights

Starting with Calvin Scott

Clarence Carter began his music career with his friend Calvin Scott. They signed with the Fairlane label and released their first song, "I Wanna Dance But I Don't Know How," in 1961. They were known as Clarence & Calvin. In 1962, they released "I Don't Know (School Girl)."

The duo then joined Duke Records and changed their name to the C & C Boys. They released four more songs, but none became big hits. In 1965, they recorded "Step by Step" at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This song was released on the Atlantic Records' label, Atco Records, but it also did not become popular.

Solo Career and Early Success

In 1966, Clarence and Calvin performed regularly in clubs. After Calvin Scott was hurt in a car accident, Clarence Carter started singing on his own. He began recording for the Fame label. In 1967, he recorded "Tell Daddy." This song reached number 35 on the Billboard R&B chart. It even inspired Etta James' famous song, "Tell Mama."

At the end of 1967, Carter joined Atlantic Records. He then had a series of popular songs on the R&B and pop music charts. His first big hit was "Slip Away," which reached number 2 on the R&B chart and number 6 on the pop chart. This song was praised for his strong voice and the great music from the Fame backing band. Another hit was "Too Weak to Fight," which reached number 3 on the R&B chart and number 13 on the pop chart. Both of these songs sold over one million copies and were certified Gold.

At the end of 1968, he had a holiday hit called "Back Door Santa." He toured across the country. His backing singers included Candi Staton. They married in 1970 and had a son, Clarence Carter Jr., before they divorced in 1973.

Continued Hits and Awards

Clarence Carter continued to have hits in 1969 and 1970. Songs like "Snatching It Back," "The Feeling Is Right," "Doin' Our Thing," and "I Can't Leave Your Love Alone" all appeared on both the US pop and R&B charts.

His biggest hit came in 1970 with his version of "Patches." This song was first recorded by Chairmen of the Board. Carter's version became a number 2 hit in the UK and a number 4 hit in the US. It sold over one million copies and received a gold disc in September 1970. "Patches" also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1971. It was Carter's third song to sell over a million copies.

After these successes, Carter's later songs were not as popular. He left Atlantic Records in 1971 and rejoined the Fame label. In 1975, he signed with ABC Records and released three albums, including Loneliness and Temptation.

Later Career and New Audiences

When disco music became popular in the mid-1970s, Carter's career faced challenges. In 1985, he signed with Ichiban Records. He found new fans with songs like "..." and "Dr. C.C." in the 1980s and 1990s. The song "..." was very popular in jukeboxes. It was also used in the Eddie Murphy movie The Nutty Professor and in the film Killer Joe.

Clarence Carter's soul music also became popular with the growing hip-hop community. For example, the horn part from his song "Back Door Santa" was used in the Run-D.M.C. Christmas song "Christmas in Hollis."

Carter's recent songs continue to be popular with many fans, especially those who enjoy contemporary blues artists. He has continued to record music, releasing six albums for Ichiban and starting his own label, Cee Gee Entertainment, in 1996. He also regularly tours in the Southern states and around the world.

Discography

Studio Albums

Compilation and Live Albums

Singles