Clarence Carter (born January 14, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama; died May 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia) was an American singer, arranger, and songwriter.

Clarence Carter, who had been blind since early childhood, taught himself to play the guitar, sang in a gospel choir, and completed a formal music education. Together with Calvin Thomas, he formed the duo Clarence & Calvin, though they did not achieve much success.

Following a car accident involving Calvin Thomas, Carter launched a solo career; in 1968, he scored two million-selling hits with "Slip Away" and "Too Weak to Fight." In 1970, he landed another hit with "Patches." At the 1971 Grammy Awards, "Patches" was named Best R&B Song.

Carter, who had recently been suffering from prostate cancer, pneumonia, and sepsis, died on May 14, 2026, at the age of 90.

Clarence Carter - Patches

Clarence Carter - Too Weak to Fight

Clarence Carter - Slip Away

 

Oh WOW. Growing up as a kid my favorite song was "Patches"
Rest In Peace Clarence Carter