U.S. soul musician and ‘Patches’ singer Clarence Carter dies aged 90

American soul and blues musician Clarence Carter has died at the age of 90. According to multiple news outlets, including The New York Times, the cause of death was pneumonia.

He was known for his raspy, emotional vocals, with his biggest songs including the 1970s hit ‘Patches’, which won a Grammy Award and reached number four in the Irish charts, as well as ‘Strokin’’ and ‘Slip Away’.

The news was shared by FAME Recording Studios & Publishing Co. via Facebook.

“The contributions Clarence made to FAME, the Muscle Shoals Sound, and American music simply cannot be overstated.", the label said. "Beyond being one of the most distinctive and soulful voices in music history, he was also a remarkably tasteful guitar player and an exceptional songwriter who penned many of his own hits. He did all of this while being blind from the age of one.”

“Clarence Carter leaves behind a legacy of timeless music, unforgettable performances, and a friendship we will always cherish. We extend our love and prayers to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”

Carter was born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1936. He began his music career with the duo Clarence & Calvin and later the C & C Boys during the early 1960s. After his bandmate was injured in a car crash, Carter continued as a solo artist. His first commercially successful hit was ‘Tell Daddy’, which reached number 35 on the Billboard R&B charts.