Biography
Since
early childhood, Brent Carter has had only one desire, to entertain (as the photograph
below suggests!). At an early age, Carter went about the work of developing his
professional craft. A native New Yorker, Carter attended the Performing Arts High
School of New York, alongside the likes of Wesley Snipes and Esai
Morales, where he studied acting and learned to develop and utilize his voice
to its fullest potential.
Early on he landed the role of Gabriel in Broadway's Shenandoah. Perpetually honing his talents, Carter has performed at the world renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem, garnered a spot on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight show, and appeared on Vibe. Soon Carter's rich, melodious voice was in demand, both in the studio and on the road. He toured with BeBe & CeCe Winans, B.B. King, and Regina Belle, magnificently replacing Peabo Bryson in the A Whole New World duet.
His silken clarity often brings the crowd to its feet. Carter has also provided background vocals for other singers, including Chris Walker, Malira, and Phil Perry. A crooning balladeer and a gutsy vocalist, the strength, depth and range of Carter's voice has enabled him to record with several artists on just as many labels, including the German soul and funk band Chilly bob, funk guitarist Jeff Tamelier, legendary bass guitarist Francis Rocco Prestia, and the stylish guitarist Mark Whitfield.
In
1995, Carter became lead singer for Tower of Power. T.o.P. recorded three
albums/CDs during Carter's 5½ year tenure with the band—Souled Out, Rhythm & Business, and Soul Vaccination: Tower of Power Live.
When not in the studio, Carter toured the world with T.o.P., bringing good old-fashioned
soul music to sold out (and souled out!) audiences. He has performed in virtually
every corner of the globe: Canada, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Israel,
Jamaica, Bahamas, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Germany, England, France,
Holland, and 38 states in the USA, including Hawaii.
Carter's ability to effortlessly switch gears--from a romantic serenade, to sho'nuff funk, to deliciously smooth grooves--is what distinguishes him from other vocalists. And it is that chameleon-like quality, to readily adapt to and influence the audience's vibe, that allows Carter to grab hearts. His voice wraps itself around the audience's collective heart and won't let go until a transformation has taken place. It is virtually impossible to walk away from an evening with Brent Carter and not know you have been touched.
Photo credit, top: John K. Hannah.
Photo credit, bottom: Brent's personal archives.