Clarence Carter, Southern Soul Icon, Dies at 90

Clarence Carter passed away in early May 2026 at age 90. FAME Studios president Rodney Hall confirmed the death, noting Carter died at his home in Decatur, Georgia, after a battle with stage-four prostate cancer, pneumonia and sepsis. A spokesperson for ex-wife Candi Staton echoed the diagnosis.

Paste Magazine

Born blind on Jan. 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama, Carter received a Christmas guitar, attended the Alabama School for the Blind, and earned a music degree from Alabama State College in 1960. He formed the duo Clarence & Calvin (later the C & C Boys) with fellow blind singer Calvin Scott, recording early singles at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios.

People Magazine

Carter’s solo breakthrough came with “Tell Daddy” (1967) and the crossover hit “Slip Away” (1968), which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart. 1970’s “Patches” peaked at No. 4 pop, No. 2 UK, sold over one million copies, and won the 1971 Grammy for Best R&B Song. Other notable tracks include “Back Door Santa” (1968), “Too Weak to Fight” (Gold-certified), and the 1986 novelty “Strokin’,” a jukebox staple later featured in *The Nutty Professor* and *Killer Joe*.

Deadline Hollywood

Carter’s sound was shaped at FAME Studios under producer Rick Hall, with session musicians such as Duane Allman. He married backup vocalist Candi Staton in 1970; she co-wrote “I’d Rather Be an Old Man’s Sweetheart.” Later, Carter recorded for Ichiban Records and founded his own label, Cee Gee Entertainment, in 1996.

Billboard

Carter’s blend of Southern soul, blues, and humor influenced later sampling culture—Run-D.M.C. sampled “Back Door Santa” for “Christmas in Hollis”—and kept his catalogue in film soundtracks. Critics cite his willingness to pair gritty storytelling with overt sexuality as a hallmark of modern R&B’s narrative freedom.

Clarence Carter Dies Aged 90

Rodney Hall said Carter “was more than an artist to us; he was family,” and praised his “timeless music, unforgettable performances, and friendships.” Candi Staton’s spokesperson confirmed the prostate-cancer diagnosis and the complications that led to his death. Rolling Stone and People echoed Hall’s remarks, emphasizing Carter’s four-decade relationship with FAME.

Rolling Stone

Staton later described Carter as abusive, stating, “I was angry Clarence had done me so wrong chasing women,” and recounted an IRS dispute, an overdose attempt, and infidelity that strained their marriage. These allegations provide a counterpoint to the celebratory narrative.

The Guardian

Sources differ on the exact date of death—People cites May 13, while Rolling Stone and The Independent list May 14. Cause of death is variably reported as “natural causes,” “pneumonia and sepsis,” or “stage-four prostate cancer with complications.” No official autopsy details have been released.

Express Tribune

• “I think ‘Patches’ really etched me into the music world, where people are probably going to remember me for a long time to come,” — Clarence Carter, 2010 interview

Paste Magazine

• “In 1998, he told the New York Times , “I'm determined to do what folks say I can't, and it has to do with a lot of factors, especially when you're blind.” — Clarence Carter, 1998 New York Times interview

People Magazine

• “I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be going, but I’m going to keep going until something tells me it’s time to quit or Old Man Death comes to run me down.” — Clarence Carter, 2012 Montgomery Advertiser

Billboard

• “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our dear friend Clarence Carter.” — Rodney Hall, president of FAME Studios

Clarence Carter, 'Strokin’' and 'Patches' singer breathes his last at 90

• “I was angry Clarence had done me so wrong chasing women,” — Candi Staton, Guardian interview

The Guardian

• “one of the great American songs” — William Friedkin, director

Beloved Singer Dies After Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: RIP to Clarence Carter