Clarence Carter: Soul Music Legend Dies at 90, Here's His Profile

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Clarence Carter, an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer passed away at the age of 90 in May 2026.

The passing of Carter, widely known for hits like "Slip Away," "Patches," and "Strokin'," was first announced by FAME Recording Studios in Alabama, where Carter began and developed much of his music.

The announcement was made on Thursday morning, May 14, 2026, although some reports have varied as to the date of his death, including May 13 or 14, 2026.

His passing marks the end of an era for an artist who dedicated his life to music.

Clarence Carter's death was reportedly due to complications from pneumonia.

Additionally, several sources also stated that he had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and sepsis.

Bill Carpenter, a spokesperson for his ex-wife, singer Candi Staton, confirmed that Carter died of natural causes.

🕊️ Clarence Carter, the legendary blind soul singer behind countless R&B classics, has died at 90. https://t.co/T4ZXFwmhVp pic.twitter.com/os7tKkac3l

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 14, 2026

Clarence George Carter was born on January 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA, blind from birth.

His physical limitations did not hinder his love of music; he taught himself to play guitar from an early age.

He received his formal musical education at the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Alabama State University in August 1960.

Carter's professional music career began with a duo with his friend, Calvin Scott, known as Clarence & Calvin or the C & C Boys. They recorded several singles in the early 1960s, laying the groundwork for their early career in the music industry.

However, after Scott was seriously injured in a car accident, Carter decided to pursue a solo career, a decision that paved the way for even greater success.

With his determination and talent, he broke into the R&B charts in 1967 with his self-penned song, "Tell Daddy."

1968 marked a turning point for Clarence Carter with the release of "Slip Away," an instant hit and a huge hit.

The single sold over a million copies, peaking at No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 6 on the US pop chart.

This success was followed by other hits like "Too Weak to Fight" that same year and "Back Door Santa," a unique Christmas song that became a timeless classic.

Carter's popularity peaked in 1970 with "Patches."

This heartfelt song, telling the story of a poor boy forced to grow up after his father's death, reached No. 4 in the US and No. 1 in the UK. 2 in the UK.

"Patches" not only won over listeners but also earned a Grammy Award for its songwriters, Ronald Dunbar and General Johnson, in 1971, demonstrating the immense impact of Carter's music.

In 1986, he again captured the spotlight with "Strokin'," a song that became a late-career phenomenon.

The song was even featured in the popular 1996 film "The Nutty Professor."

Clarence Carter recorded many of his biggest hits at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a place that also witnessed the birth of other soul legends.

Throughout his illustrious career, he released 22 studio albums and received two Grammy Award nominations, a testament to his dedication and invaluable contributions to the music world.

Carter's music is known for its unique blend of blues, country-soul, gospel spirit, and down-to-earth humor.

On a personal level, Carter was married to fellow soul singer Candi Staton in the 1970s and had a son, Clarence Carter Jr. He remained active on stage well into his 80s, demonstrating an unwavering passion for music.