Barbara Carr, a revered voice in soul-blues music whose career spanned decades, has died at the age of 85.
Carr passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Maryville, Illinois, surrounded by family, according to obituary reports.
Born Barbara Jean Crosby on January 9, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, Carr began singing in church as a child, laying the foundation for a powerful vocal style that would later define her career. She rose to prominence in the 1960s after securing a recording contract with Chess Records, where she launched her professional music career.
Over the years, Carr became a staple in the soul-blues genre, collaborating with notable artists such as Oliver Sain, Solomon Burke, Little Milton, and Rufus Thomas. Her music blended traditional blues with soul influences, earning her a loyal following, particularly in the Midwest and Southern United States.
She is perhaps best known for her hit song “Good Woman Go Bad,” released in the 1980s, which became a signature track and a regional classic. Throughout her career, Carr recorded numerous albums and singles, including a long-running partnership with Ecko Records, further cementing her place in the genre.
After taking time away from music to raise her family, Carr returned to performing and recording, continuing to captivate audiences with her gritty, soulful sound well into her later years.
Beyond her music, Carr was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Bill Greensmith, her children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Carr’s death marks the end of an era for soul-blues, a genre she helped shape with her distinctive voice and enduring influence.
