Clarence Carter, blues and soul singer known for hits ‘Strokin” and ‘Patches,’ dies at 90

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Clarence Carter, a blues and soul singer best known for his hit song “Strokin’,” which was famously used in the movie “The Nutty Professor” starring Eddie Murphy, has passed away.

Fame Recording Studios in Alabama, the home of singer-songwriter Larry Carter, announced his death on Thursday morning. The studio shared a Facebook post saying Carter was like family to them, and didn’t share any details about how he died. He was 90 years old.

The talented musician, who lost his sight as a baby, became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with popular songs like the romantic ballad “Slip Away” (1968), “Patches” (1970), and the holiday favorite “Back Door Santa.” He continued to record music steadily through the 1990s, releasing 22 albums and receiving two Grammy nominations throughout his career.

Music

Clarence Carter is one of the most overlooked soul stylists of the modern pop era.

As a long-time music and cinema fan, I always find the stories behind the songs fascinating. Did you know that in 1970, Isaac Carter got his first award nod for a song he wrote for his ex-wife, Candi Staton? It was called “I’d Rather Be an Old Man’s Sweetheart” and was up for best rhythm & blues song. Then, the following year, he was nominated himself for a vocal performance award in the R&B category with his song “Patches” – it’s a really touching story about a son trying to live up to his father’s wishes.

In 1992, Robert Hilburn, a music critic for the Los Angeles Times, described Clarence Carter as a remarkably talented soul singer who didn’t receive the recognition he deserved.

Carter was a gifted lyricist, especially when writing about intimate themes. He didn’t shy away from explicit content, as evidenced in songs like “G Spot” and “Strokin’.” These songs are remarkably detailed in their depiction of physical intimacy. “Strokin’,” originally released in 1986, gained renewed attention in 1996 when it was featured in a scene from “The Nutty Professor,” playing as Eddie Murphy’s character drove to a date.

Growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, back in 1936, I always had a thing for music. My stepfather brought home blues records, and I was instantly hooked. I picked up the guitar and just started teaching myself. I remember lying in bed, listening to those incredible bands, and thinking, ‘That’s it. One day, I want to play like that!’ I actually told The Times that back in ’87, and it still feels true.

Music

Clarence Carter took a risk last year, and it paid off big time with his most successful album yet.

After earning a music degree from Alabama State College in 1960, he initially taught school before pursuing a full-time music career. He first teamed up with singer Calvin Scott as a duo, but their partnership ended when Scott was severely injured in a car accident. Carter then launched a solo career, recording with producer Rick Hall at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals during the height of the soul music era in the late 1960s.

Following his initial success in the 1970s, Carter found it difficult to replicate his chart-topping hits as disco became more popular. As he explained to The Times, maintaining consistent success is rare. He had a minor hit with “Working on a Love Building” in the early 1980s. Later, in 1986, he signed with Ichiban Records and released the album “Dr. C.C.,” which included the song “Strokin’.”

Music

I was so sad to hear that Afrika Bambaataa passed away. He was a huge inspiration to me and so many others – a real pioneer who helped create hip-hop as we know it. I remember learning about his amazing Zulu Nation parties in the South Bronx, and how they brought people together. He was 68 years old, and his legacy will definitely live on.

He recalled that after he finished recording the song and returned to the control room, the engineer was laughing so much he’d forgotten to stop the recording. He shared this memory a year after the song became a hit.

Clarence Carter’s last studio album, “Sing Along With Clarence Carter,” came out in 2011. However, he didn’t stop making music, continuing to release live albums and collections of his songs until 2020, and he kept performing concerts throughout the 2010s.

The singer-songwriter and Staton were married from 1970 to 1973 and have a son together, Clarence Carter Jr. He later married Joyce Jenkins in 2001 and has resided in DeKalb County, Georgia, since 1983.

As a huge music fan, I was really saddened to hear about Clarence Carter’s passing. Fame Studios put it beautifully – he left behind some truly incredible music that will last forever, and I remember being blown away by his performances. More than that, they spoke about the genuine connection he had with people, and how much he’ll be missed by everyone who knew and loved his work. Sending all my thoughts to his family, friends, and fans – he was a special talent.

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2026-05-14 23:32