The R&B legend's hits also included "Slip Away," “Back Door Santa,” and “Making Love on the Dark End of the Street.” NEW YORK (AP) — Clarence Carter, the blues and soul musician and singer-songwriter with the raspy, emotional vocals whose hits included the sentimental “Patches” and the salacious “Strokin,’” has died at age 90. Carter’s death was confirmed by Bill Carpenter, a spokesman for his former wife and fellow singer, Candi Staton. Carter died Wednesday of natural causes, according to