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 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Died	May 13, 2026(2026-05-13) (aged 90) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Singer Songwriter Musician Record producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1962–2026
Labels	Fairlane Records Duke Records Atlantic Records Fame Records Ichiban Records
Associated acts	Clarence and Calvin CL Boys

Clarence George Carter (January 14, 1936 – May 13, 2026) was an amazing American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was known for his soulful voice and catchy songs. Some of his most famous tunes include "Slip Away", "Back Door Santa", and "Patches". He created music that made people want to dance and feel the rhythm.

Early Life and Education

Born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 14, 1936, Clarence Carter didn't let anything stop him. He attended the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama, where he learned and grew. Later, he studied music at Alabama State University in Montgomery, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in August 1960. This showed his dedication to music from a young age.

Clarence's Musical Journey

Clarence Carter began his music career with his friend Calvin Scott. They formed a duo called Clarence & Calvin. They released their first song, "I Wanna Dance But I Don't Know How," in 1961. Later, they changed their name to the C & C Boys and released more songs. Even though these early songs weren't big hits, they were important steps in Clarence's journey.

In 1965, the duo recorded "Step by Step" at a famous studio called FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. This studio was known for its amazing sound. However, this song also didn't become a chart-topper.

Going Solo and First Hits

In 1966, after his friend Calvin Scott was seriously injured in an auto accident, Clarence decided to continue as a solo artist. This was a big moment for his career. He started recording for the Fame label. In 1967, he released "Tell Daddy", which became a hit on the Billboard R&B chart. This song even inspired another famous singer, Etta James, to record her own version called "Tell Mama".

Later in 1967, Clarence joined Atlantic Records. This led to many successful songs. "Slip Away" was a huge hit, reaching number 2 on the R&B charts and number 6 on the pop charts. It has been described as a powerful ballad showcasing his strong voice and the smooth backing of the studio band. Another hit, "Too Weak to Fight," also did very well, reaching number 3 R&B and number 13 pop. Both of these songs sold over a million copies!

At the end of 1968, Clarence had a fun holiday song called "Back Door Santa". He also toured all over the country, sharing his music with many fans. During this time, he married singer Candi Staton, and they had a son, Clarence Carter Jr., before divorcing in 1973.

"Patches" and Beyond

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

His biggest hit came in 1970 with his version of "Patches". This song was originally recorded by another group, Chairmen of the Board, but Clarence's version became a massive success. It reached number 2 in the UK and number 4 in the US. "Patches" sold over one million copies and even won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1971! It was his third song to sell over a million copies.

After "Patches," Clarence's record releases were less successful for a while. He moved to different record labels, including Fame and ABC Records, and released more albums. He was known for his songs that often told stories about love and relationships.

Later Career and Famous Samples

When disco music became popular in the mid-1970s, Clarence's style of music faced new challenges. However, he found a new audience in 1985 when he signed with Ichiban Records. He released popular songs like "Strokin'" and "Dr. C.C." in the 1980s and 1990s. "Strokin'" was known for its playful or grown-up themes and became very popular in places like jukeboxes.

"Strokin'" was even featured in movies like the Eddie Murphy remake of The Nutty Professor and William Friedkin's film Killer Joe. Another one of his songs, "Back Door Santa," had a horn part that was used in the famous Run-D.M.C. Christmas song "Christmas in Hollis". This shows how his music influenced other artists.

Clarence Carter continued to record music, releasing six albums for the Ichiban label and, since 1996, established his own Cee Gee Entertainment label. He also continued to tour regularly in the Southern states and internationally, sharing his unique sound with fans for many years.

Clarence Carter's Passing

Clarence Carter passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 90. He had been battling complications from pneumonia, prostate cancer, and sepsis. His music continues to be loved by many fans around the world.

Famous Songs by Clarence Carter

Here are some of Clarence Carter's most well-known songs:

• "Slip Away" (1968)
• "Back Door Santa" (1968)
• "Patches" (1970)
• "Tell Daddy" (1967)
• "Too Weak to Fight" (1968)
• "Snatching It Back" (1969)
• "The Feeling Is Right" (1969)
• "Doin' Our Thing" (1969)
• "I Can't Leave Your Love Alone" (1970)
• "Strokin'" (1986)
• "Dr. C.C." (1986)