Carl Carlton, the R&B singer best known for the early 1980s classic “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” has died. He was 72.
According to SoulTracks.com, Carlton’s passing follows a serious stroke he suffered about six years ago. His friends and family said, “he courageously battled to both live and thrive.”
Launching his career in the mid-1960s as “Little Carl” Carlton, the Detroit native recorded minor local hits including “So What” and “Don’t You Need a Boy Like Me” in 1965.
His first major success came with “Everlasting Love” in 1974, which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” released on 20th Century Records, became his signature song. Written by Leon Haywood, it was a smash in 1981. It reached number 2 on the Soul chart and earned Carlton a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance.