Clarence Carter
Clarence George Carter is an influential American blues and soul singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, born on January 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was born blind but did not let this condition impede his passion for music. Growing up in a sharecropping family, he was introduced to music at an early age, with his grandmother gifting him his first guitar when he was just nine years old. Carter's early musical influences included renowned artists such as John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Jimmy Reed, which he absorbed while learning to play guitar.
Carter attended Alabama State College, where he further honed his musical skills and began to develop his own style. His career in music took off in the 1960s, when he began recording and gained significant recognition for his unique blend of blues and soul music. Some of his most well-known songs include "Slip Away," which became a major hit and showcased his emotive vocal style.
Over the years, Carter has released numerous albums and singles, solidifying his status in the music industry. He is celebrated not only for his vocal talents but also for his songwriting and production work. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the genres of blues and soul music, and he continues to be regarded as a key figure within these musical traditions.
Carter’s life and career reflect resilience and passion, overcoming personal challenges to achieve significant success in his field. His enduring influence can still be felt in contemporary music, making him a respected and celebrated artist in the American music landscape.
A Heart Full Of Song
Written-By – C. Carter, C. Wilkins 2:50
2 Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
Written-By – M. Percy 2:40
3 Come Back Baby
Written-By – R. Charles 5:23
4 I Thought It Was Over
Written-By – G. Jackson, J. Easley 2:35
5 Don't Bother Me
Written-By – J.A. Cook, C. Carter 2:55
6 All Messed Up
Written-By – C. Carter 2:47
7 Heart Full Of Songs
Written-By – C. Wilkins, G. Jackson 3:23
8 Danger Point
Written-By – B. Cauley, C. Wilkins, G. Jackson 2:48
9 Jenning's Alley
Written-By – C. Carter 6:07
10 Shoulder To Cry On
Written-By – A. Maxey, C. Carter 3:25
Label: ABC Records – ABCD-943
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Clarence Carter's A Heart Full of Song captures him in fine form, offering classic Southern Soul with signature "love-rat" narratives, bluesy grooves, and soulful guitar, featuring standout tracks like "Shoulder to Cry On" and heartfelt ballads, delivering a solid, authentic experience for fans of deep soul, even if less famous than his early Fame Records hits. It showcases his consistent ability to blend gritty emotion and smooth grooves, proving his enduring appeal in the soul genre.
The album leans into the Southern Soul sound perfected at FAME Studios, delivering raw emotion and tight musicianship. Expect classic Carter themes of love, cheating, and heartbreak, delivered with his distinctive, anguished vocals and narrative style.
The recording captures the "stylistic recording ambiance of Muscle Shoals" where much of Carter's work was produced, featuring strong instrumentation and a focus on his distinct vocals.
It's considered a solid, essential listen for soul fans, highlighting his consistent quality even years into his career.
A Heart Full of Song is a testament to Carter's enduring soul, a record that feels both familiar and fresh, solidifying his place as a master storyteller in soul music, blending danceable funk with poignant ballads.
The Dynamic Clarence Carter
Written-By – B. Foster, E. Jordon 3:05
A2 Think About It
Written-By – Don Covay 2:41
A3 The Road Of Love
Written-By – Clarence Carter 2:52
A4 You've Been A Long Time Comin'
Written-By – Barry Mann-Cynthia Weil 2:44
A5 Light My Fire
Written-By – Morrison, Densmore, Manzarek, Krieger 2:50
A6 That Old Time Feeling
Written-By – Carter, Daniel, Hall 2:30
B1 Steal Away
Written-By – Jimmy Hughes 2:37
B2 Let Me Comfort You
Written-By – O. B. Mc Clinton 2:15
B3 Look What I Got
Written-By – Charles Chalmers, Donna Rhodes 2:57
B4 Too Weak To Fight
Written-By – Carter, Jackson, Keyes, Hall 2:15
B5 Harper Valley P.T.A.
Written-By – Tom T. Hall 3:33
B6 Weekend Love
Written-By – Jackson, Chambers, Leakes, Moore 2:38
Label: Atlantic – SD 8199
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
he Dynamic Clarence Carter (1969) is a cornerstone Southern Soul album, showcasing Carter's gritty vocals, guitar skills, and versatility, blending raw blues ("The Road of Love," "That Old Time Feeling") with soulful covers like his fiery take on Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind," featuring Duane Allman's iconic guitar work, all delivered with Muscle Shoals' signature sound and backed by The Swampers. Critics praise it as a classic, full of infectious energy and essential tracks like "Too Weak to Fight," making it a must-have for soul fans, especially in remastered editions with bonus tracks.
Considered a landmark album in the genre, embodying the Muscle Shoals sound, produced by Rick Hall, it features "fatback" rhythms, punishing brass, and deep grooves, exemplified by the bluesy "The Road of Love" and "That Old Time Feeling". Allman's searing guitar solos are a major feature, especially on "The Road of Love" and "Weekend Love".
Carter successfully reimagines hits like Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind," The Doors' "Light My Fire," and Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley PTA" into sizzling soul tracks."Too Weak to Fight," "The Road of Love," "I'd Rather Go Blind," and the euphoric "You've Been a Long Time Comin'" are standout moments.
Modern reissues (like those by Ace Records) often pair it with This Is Clarence Carter, adding unreleased tracks that maintain the high standard.
The Dynamic Clarence Carter as a brilliant, essential soul record, highlighting its flawless tracklist and its demonstration of Carter's "malleable talent" as both a singer and guitarist. It's seen as a perfect entry point or a deep dive into classic Southern Soul.