Carlene Carter

Carlene Carter is a Grammy-nominated country and Americana singer-songwriter who blends classic roots with fearless creativity. Born September 26, 1955, in Nashville, Tennessee, she’s the daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, and granddaughter of “Mother” Maybelle Carter—making her a third-generation member of the legendary Carter Family.

She began her recording career in 1978 in England, releasing her debut Carlene Carter, followed by Musical Shapes in 1980, experimenting with rock and pop sounds. After returning to Nashville in the 1990s, she scored her biggest country hits: “I Fell in Love”, “Come On Back”, and “Every Little Thing”, earning a Grammy nomination and ACM recognition in 1991.

Known for her blend of tradition and innovation, Carter’s 2014 album Carter Girl honored her family’s legacy by reworking songs from three generations of Carters, produced by Don Was to critical acclaim. She continued evolving her artistry with the 2017 collaboration Sad Clowns & Hillbillies alongside John Mellencamp.

A dynamic performer, Carter has co-written songs for artists like Emmylou Harris “Easy From Now On” and The Doobie Brothers “One Step Closer”, performed in West End theatre, and hosted TV shows on VH1 and TNN. She remains a vibrant force in Nashville, curating songwriter showcases at the Bluebird Café and keeping the Carter legacy alive.

With over a dozen albums spanning five decades, Carlene Carter has forged her own path—rooted in heritage but unafraid to chart new territory, making her one of the most original voices in modern country music.