Every once in a while, a seasoned artist gets a jolt of fresh recognition from an unexpected place. For San Francisco-born soul singer Cornell C.C. Carter, that moment came last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, when none other than Denzel Washington casually name-checked him on air. The Academy Award-winning actor admitted he couldn’t recall his full name, referring to him simply as “CC Carter”, but the effect was the same: a Hollywood heavyweight had just placed Carter in the cultural spotlight.
For those unfamiliar with him, Cornell C.C. Carter is no overnight sensation. He has been grafting for years, building a reputation as one of the most authentic voices in modern soul. His music blends classic R&B sensibilities with contemporary polish, earning him loyal followings across Europe, Japan, and among die-hard soul communities worldwide. Known for his silky vocal delivery and emotional honesty, Carter represents a lineage of artists who carry the torch of soul music without chasing fleeting trends.
His latest project, the single It's Over, dropped on 6 June 2025 via Expansion Records. It arrived in two forms: the original cut and a “KC Mix”, both showcasing Carter’s ability to make timeless grooves feel fresh. The single came just after his full album, Expressions of Soul, which saw its CD and LP release. The title says it all — Carter’s music is a lived expression of soul, deeply rooted in experience, heartbreak, and resilience, delivered with a smoothness that feels both classic and contemporary.
For Expansion Records, a label with a history of supporting quality soul releases, It's Over is exactly the kind of record that bridges the gap between dedicated aficionados and curious newcomers. And now, thanks to Denzel Washington’s off-the-cuff endorsement, Carter’s name may find its way to a much wider audience.
The timing could hardly be better. In a music landscape often dominated by short-lived viral hits, Cornell C.C. Carter offers consistency and authenticity. His album catalogue includes gems like One Love, Vindicated Soul, and Absolutely, all of which demonstrate a commitment to craft rather than quick trends. The Expressions of Soul album continues in that vein, delivering what fans have come to expect: heartfelt songwriting, meticulous arrangements, and a voice that resonates with maturity and depth.
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