LAMAMIMET

Clarence George Carter was born blind on January 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in music from Alabama State University. He began his recording career in the early 1960s with partner Calvin Scott before continuing as a solo artist after Scott’s accident.

Carter achieved national fame after signing with Atlantic Records, delivering a string of R&B and pop hits including "Slip Away," "Too Weak to Fight," and the Grammy‑winning "Patches" in 1970, which sold over a million copies. His earlier songs such as "Back Door Santa" also became seasonal favorites.

In the 1980s he revived his profile with the ribald single "Strokin'" and other tracks that found popularity in jukeboxes and film soundtracks, and his work was later sampled by hip‑hop artists. He remained an influential figure in Southern soul music throughout his career.

Clarence Carter died on May 13, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving a legacy of emotionally resonant and often playful soul recordings.