Soul and blues singer Barbara Carr has died at the age of 85, her family has announced in a heartfelt tribute, while other fans of the legendary singer offer their condolences online
A famous soul singing legend has sadly passed away, as her heartbroken family confirms. This is followed by tributes pouring in from across the globe for the talented star.
The family of Barbara Carr has announced that the legendary singer passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 85 in Maryville, Illinois, surrounded by her loved ones. In a heartfelt tribute, Carr’s family revealed that she died surrounded by family, and her obituary celebrated her remarkable career and lasting impact on the soul and blues genre.
The obituary traced Carr’s journey from her early days singing in church with her siblings in Missouri to her rise to fame in the soul genre. Her first solo recording contract with Chess Records in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966 marked the beginning of a decades-long career.
Throughout the 1980s, Carr released music, including her debut album, Good Woman Go Bad, in 1989, followed by Street Woman in 1992. In 1996, she signed with Ecko Records, where she released hits like Footprints on the Ceiling, The Bo Hawg Grind, If You Can’t Cut The Mustard, The Right Kind Of Love, and Bone Me As You Own Me. She went on to record nine albums with Ecko, including two best-of compilations.
In her later years, Carr received numerous accolades, including two Living Blues Readers Awards for Female Blues Artist of the Year. She also earned nominations for several Blues Music Awards, including nominations for Soul Blues Female Artist in 2013 and 2014.
Her obituary paid tribute to her not only as a professional, but also as a “devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend”.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Bill Greensmith, and her four children, including Margaret Dennis, Charlesetta Carr, Vicky Hacker and Charles (Chuck) Carr III, reports the Mirror.
“Barbara shared a loving marriage of 40 plus years with her late husband, Charles Henry Carr Jr., with whom she raised their four children. In later years, she found love again and was united in marriage to Bill Greensmith, who remained by her side,” her obituary read.
Her husband Bill left a heartfelt message on her obituary: “A wonderful lady! We made a great team!”
Her daughter Margaret also expressed: “Mum, you are the light in my life, thank you for being there for me when I needed you. My heart aches now that I can’t touch you, but we will see each other again one day. Love you always.”
Tributes have been flooding in, with St Louis Blues Society posting: “As many have already heard, St Louis has lost a legendary artist. Barbara Carr passed this week, and now that we have received a formal announcement of her arrangements, we wish to share them with you.
“Thank you, Barbara, for the decades of joy you provided to a world in need of just that. Peace to the family, friends and fans of the amazing Barbara Carr.”
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By staronline@reachplc.com (Carly Hacon, Laura Harman)
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