Carl Anderson

Known for his emotional range and adaptability as a singer, Carl Anderson appeared in stage productions while also cutting soul, pop, rock, and fusion sessions. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, he relocated to Washington in 1969. After performing with the rock group Second Eagle, he moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s and signed with Motown in 1971.

During sessions with Stevie Wonder on material that remained unreleased, he turned to acting. He took roles in both the film and theatrical versions of Jesus Christ Superstar throughout the early and middle years of the decade while also performing at various Los Angeles nightclubs. In 1980 CBS executive Larkin Arnold placed him on the Columbia roster. Richard Rudolph helmed his first album for the label, Absence Without Love, which appeared in 1982 and drew limited notice. The follow-up, On & On, featured the single “Magic” along with the international success “It’s the Love,” a duet with Vanesse Thomas.

Two additional Columbia releases followed. The 1986 set Carl Anderson delivered his only major pop single, the number-two hit “Friends and Lovers,” shared with daytime-television actress Gloria Loring. In 1987 he collaborated with Nancy Wilson and Weather Report; their joint track “Forbidden Lover” received strong critical acclaim. He issued An Act of Love on Polydor in 1988, then Pieces of a Heart and Fantasy Hotel on GRP in 1990 and 1992. Acting work persisted through guest spots on the series Hill Street Blues and Hotel as well as a role in the motion picture The Color Purple. Anderson died of leukemia on February 23, 2004.