Clarence Carter: The Muscle Of Soul

Musician and singer, Clarence Carter personified the earthy soul sounds of Muscle Shoals R&B. Combining a wicked wit with the poignancy of the blues, Carter created a signature sound, which was enhanced by his distinctive guitar style and versatility in playing the keyboards, writing songs and arranging sessions.

Clarence Carter was born on January 14, 1936 in Montgomery, Alabama. Blind from birth, his musical talents found expression very soon. Carter taught himself the guitar, being greatly inspired by blues greats, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Later he went on to major in music at the Alabama State University where he also learnt how to transcribe music in Braille.

Carter met Calvin Scott at ASU and together they formed the duo Clarence and Calvin in 1960. Subsequently known as The C & C Boys, Carter and Scott released several singles together, with the later ones being recorded at the Muscle Shoals studio of the Fame label. In 1966, when Scott, who was also blind, suffered serious injury in a car accident, Carter went solo.

Carter’s first solo release was Tell Daddy in 1967 with Fame. After recording Thread the Needle, whose popcorn-soul sound made it a minor crossover hit and The Road of Love, Cater returned to the Atlantic label, with whom he had recorded in the early years. He released Looking for a Fox, whose naughty libidinous references were to typify much of Carter’s later popular releases.

It was at this time too that Carter started creating his own sound by using his skills as an arranger and musician along with his considerable vocal talent. His emerging signature style was showcased by Slip Away, which made it into the Top 10 in 1968. This was followed by Too Weak To Fight, which also went gold. Carter ended 1968 on a high note with the raunchy Back Door Santa a national tour with Candi Staton, a soul star herself. Carter was to marry her later.

After a string of potent Atlantic releases which drew heavily on traditional blues and gospel sounds, Carter returned to the charts with Patches in 1970. A cover version of the original by Chairmen of the Board, the song went to No. 4 on the US charts and No. 2 on the UK charts. To date this remains one of Carter’s biggest hits.

Carter continued to record after this but success eluded him. He returned to Fame in 1972 with Back In Your Arms Again, moving onto ABC in 1975 in the hope of reviving his sagging career. Over the next few years Carter worked with several labels like Future Stars, Ronn, Big C and Venture without making much impact.

In 1985, Carter released the album Dr. CC with the new Ichiban label. Bringing back the deep soul sounds of his younger days, the album was well received. The hilarious and bawdy Strokin’ became such a regular on the club circuit that Carter followed it up with a sequel Still Strokin’ in 1989.

Carter carried on recording and working with the studios well into the new century. In retrospect his versatile talent is perhaps best showcased by his first two albums This is Clarence Carter and The Dynamic Clarence Carter.

TJ Grooves - Soul Music TV & Rare Soul Grooves.com