Clarence Carter, Singer Who Scored Hit With 'Strokin',' Dead at 90
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Clarence Carter, the blind Southern soul singer known for emotionally profound yet bawdy songs, died on May 14 at age 90 after battling prostate cancer, pneumonia, and sepsis.
- Carter achieved major success in the late 1960s and 1970s with hits like “Slip Away” and the Grammy-winning “Patches,” which showcased his ability to blend raw emotion with storytelling.
- His 1986 song “Strokin’” became a cult favorite despite limited radio play, selling 1.5 million copies and contributing to a late-career resurgence.
- Carter was a self-taught musician who recorded extensively at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and continued releasing music and touring into his eighties, with his last album released in 2020 and a single in 2024.
- He was married to singer Candi Staton from 1970 to 1973, with Staton later alleging domestic abuse during their relationship.