Clarence Carter, the legendary soul musician known for his raspy and emotional vocals, has passed away at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by Bill Carpenter, a spokesperson for Carter's former wife, singer Candi Staton. Carter died of natural causes on Wednesday.

Born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, Carter was a self-taught guitarist who majored in music at Alabama State College. His career spanned decades, with hits like 'Patches,' a heartfelt story about a young boy stepping up to support his family, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.

Carter's music was often characterized by its lively and, at times, provocative nature. 'Strokin',' perhaps his most infamous song, became a staple of nightclub jukeboxes despite its explicit content. Other songs, such as 'Slip Away' and 'Back Door Santa,' showcased his signature blend of soulful melodies and bold lyrics.

In later years, Carter recorded for multiple labels, including the now-defunct Ichiban Records and his own Cee Gee Entertainment. His contributions to music were profound, influencing artists across genres and generations.

“'I don't know how much longer I'm going to be going, but I'm going to keep going until something tells me it's time to quit or Old Man Death comes to run me down.'”