Carlton Alvin Black

Mr. Carlton Alvin Black, age 75 passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Born September 30, 1944 to Mildred Minola Burnette of Memphis, Tennessee and Warren Black of Evanston. He attended Foster Elementary, Haven Middle and then Evanston Township High School in 1962. For much of his life he and his four older cousins, the Pryor's, was raised by his grandmother, Queen Ester Black and aunts Ellen and Mildred Black. Carlton joined Ebenezer A.M.E Church at an early age and remained a member until his death. On July 1, 1965, he married Erma Michelle Frew, and to this union one daughter Carmen Lyrae was born.

Carlton enjoyed martial arts, boxing, and bike riding. His love for playing music really showed at about 22-23 years old. He was penned many songs and performed with several groups. Today, there are several modern musical groups covering the songs Black penned more than 50 years ago. In Evanston, he started with the group The Velvet-Airs, the the DuValls which later disbanded and became the Naturals. Carlton's baritone voice became the iconic opener for Patti Drew of the Drew-Vel's song "Tell Him". That same song was on the soundtrack of "The Butler", 2013 movie with Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. Another memory he likes to share is when they opened up for Marvin Gaye in Highland Park. Carlton shared a long lasting relationship with Barbara Sallis until her death.

Carlton is survived by his daughter Carmen, grandsons Drew and James of Nashville, TN, Aunt Mildred Marion and cousin Marc Marion of St. Louis, MO, Brothers Tony Moore (Betty) of Troy, OH, Charles Moore and Sister Diane Black (Mike) of Chicago, the Pryor family, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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