Carl Anderson
Soul singer Carl Anderson (1945-2004) was a versatile vocalist and actor, renowned for originating the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway and in the film, but he also forged a successful solo career with hits like "Friends & Lovers," blending soul, R&B, and pop, while appearing in TV and films like The Color Purple before his passing from leukemia.
He was one of twelve children in his family, which shaped his early life experiences. He attended Dunbar High School and later joined the U.S. Air Force, where he developed his musical talents. In 1969, he moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in music, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Anderson is best known for his role as Judas Iscariot in both the film and stage versions of "Jesus Christ Superstar." His portrayal of this character earned him significant acclaim, showcasing his powerful vocal abilities and dramatic presence. His performance in "Jesus Christ Superstar" remains one of his most iconic contributions to musical theater, demonstrating his versatility as both a singer and an actor.
Before achieving fame, Anderson sang with the rock band Second Eagle, which further honed his musical skills. He eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued to pursue his passion for music and acting. Throughout his career, he established himself within the genres of Adult Contemporary and R&B, contributing to a diverse array of musical projects.
Anderson signed with Motown Records in 1972 and contributed backing vocals to Stevie Wonder's landmark 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life. After Motown, Anderson signed with Columbia Records, releasing albums like Absence Without Love (1982) and On & On, which featured the international hit "Magic".
He released nine solo albums spanning soul, jazz, and pop genres. His most significant commercial hit was the 1986 duet "Friends and Lovers" with Gloria Loring, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other popular recordings include "Buttercup" (written by Stevie Wonder) and "Forbidden Lover," a critically praised duet with Nancy Wilson.
Carl Anderson's life came to an untimely end on February 23, 2004, just a few days shy of his 59th birthday, in Los Angeles, California. His work left a lasting impact on the world of music and theater, and he is remembered for his distinctive voice and compelling performances.
Carl Anderson
A1 Friends And Lovers
Featuring [Duet With] – Gloria Loring
Producer – Carl Anderson, Yves Dessca
Written-By – J. Gruska, P. Gordon
3:45
A2 C'est La Vie
Co-producer, Remix – Laythan Armor
Producer – Richard Rudolph
Written-By – M. Sembello, R. Rudolph
4:34
A3 First Time On A Ferris Wheel
Featuring [Duet With] – Gloria Loring
Producer – Misha Segal
Written-By – H. Schock, M. Segal
4:20
A4 Buttercup
Producer – Richard Rudolph
Written-By – S. Wonder
5:56
A5 Can't Stop This Feeling
Producer – Albert Phillip McKay, Erich Bulling
Written-By – M. Himelstein, T. Keane
4:03
*Friends Side*
B1 Mr. V.J.
Producer – Laythan Armor
Written-By – S. Overall
4:29
B2 You Are My Shining Star
Producer – Dean Gant, Erik Nuri
Written-By – E. Nuri, P. Henderson
6:13
B3 Just A Little Love
Producer – Laythan Armor
Written-By – C. Lieberman, L. Armor
4:49
B4 A Woman In Love
Featuring [Duet With] – Angela Bofill
Producer – Laythan Armor
Written-By – R. Brookins, T. Haynes
4:47
Label: Epic – BFE 40410
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Carl Anderson's 1986 self-titled album is a significant smooth jazz/soul release on Epic Records, notable for his hit duet with Gloria Loring, "Friends and Lovers," which reached #2 on the charts and introduced him to a wider audience, blending R&B, soul, and pop with theatrical flair from his Jesus Christ Superstar background, featuring tracks like "C'est La Vie" and "You Are My Shining Star".
The album showcases Anderson's expressive, versatile vocals, bridging his theatrical roots with contemporary R&B and soul sounds.
The album is characterized as a blend of Smooth Jazz, Funk, and Soul, often described within the "Black Contemporary" genre of the era. It features lush arrangements and polished production typical of mid-80s adult contemporary music.
It solidified Anderson's place as a solo artist after earlier work, bringing him mainstream success through the popular soap opera connection of "Friends and Lovers".
Protocol
Written-By – M. Himmelstein, T. Keane
4:05
A2 Let’s Talk
Written-By – G. Taylor
5:25
A3 Still Thinking Of You
Written-By – M. Bolton, P. Henderson
3:22
A4 What Will Happen Now
Written-By – L. Armor, P. Henderson
4:18
B1 Somebody Up There Likes Me
Written-By – L. Armor, M. Morrow, P. Henderson
3:34
B2 One More Time With Feeling
Written-By – M. Bolton, P. Henderson
4:27
B3 Love On Ice
Written-By – K. Wakefield, L. Armor, P. Henderson
3:43
B4 Girl, I Won’t Take No
Written-By – C. Lieberman, J. Van Tongeren, P. Henderson
4:10
B5 Saving My Love For You
Written-By – P. Henderson, P. McCann
3:10
Label: Epic – BFE 39889
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
Carl Anderson’s 1985 release, Protocol, is widely regarded by critics and fans as a "hidden gem" that showcased his transition from a musical theater star to a legitimate, sophisticated soul and R&B vocalist.
Critics praise Anderson’s "muscular, passionate voice" and his increased comfort in driving the music vocally compared to his earlier efforts.
The album is described as a polished, "slick" 1980s soul recording with rich production reminiscent of Narada Michael Walden or Alexander O'Neal.
Reviews highlight the album's diversity, blending "theatrically jazzy soul" with electro-funk, contemporary R&B, and powerful ballads.
Standout Tracks:-
"Can’t Stop This Feeling": Frequently cited as a highlight for its buoyant, fast-paced "electro/boogie funk" energy.
"Somebody Up There Likes Me": A rare track noted as being exclusive to this LP, making it a sought-after piece for collectors.
"Let’s Talk": Mentioned for its strong production and a UK remix that added to the album’s international appeal.
While the album was initially under-promoted—overshadowed by the massive success of his duet "Friends and Lovers" with Gloria Loring a year later—it remains highly recommended for fans of 80s urban soul.
It received a 2010 expanded reissue through FunkyTownGrooves, which included bonus cuts like the 12" version of "Can't Stop This Feeling". Current fan ratings on Discogs typically average around 4.2 out of 5 stars.