Clarence Carter
PMP Network Presents
Clarence Carter, known for his distinctive voice and R&B hits, shares insights into his upbringing in Montgomery. He recounts his initial disinterest in a music career and how he eventually found his way into the industry. Carter reflects on the journey that led him to become a celebrated artist.
Clarence Carter
About Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter from Montgomery, Alabama, whose distinctive voice defined Southern soul music. He achieved mainstream success with hits including "Slip Away" (1968), the Grammy-winning "Patches" (1970), and "Back Door Santa" (1968). His later career included the provocative "Strokin'" (1986), which appeared in major films. Over his career, Carter released 22 studio albums and earned two Grammy nominations.
In this interview
- Recalls never thinking about being involved in music while growing up in Montgomery
- Discusses his initial disinterest in pursuing a music career
- Reflects on "Patches" and how people often confused it with José Feliciano
“I never thought about being involved in music”— Clarence Carter, in this interview
Since this interview
Clarence Carter died on May 13, 2026, at age 90, at a hospice facility in Atlanta, Georgia, from complications of pneumonia.
