(April 11, 2025) The bad news was posted by EA Kroll on the social media page of the legendary group The Crests of the passing of group leader and the last living original member, J.T. Carter.
It is with great sorrow that we must announce the passing of legendary bass vocalist Mr. JT Carter. Carter was the founder of the 1950’s musical group The Crests and last living original member.
Mr. Carter passed away peacefully on April 5th 2025 in California, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 83 years of age. Carter was a former 40 year resident of the Pocono Mountains in PA. Carter is survived by his wife of 50 years Leona Carter, also a musician, writer, performer and manager, a stepson and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. (June 5th, 1941 – April 5th, 2025)
JT Carter was the founding force behind The Crests, one of the first interracial vocal groups to break through in the 1950s doo-wop and R&B scene. Formed in New York City, The Crests included Carter, Talmadge Gough, Harold Torres, Patricia Van Dross (sister of Luther Vandross), and lead singer Johnny Maestro. Their smooth harmonies and crossover appeal helped usher in a new era for vocal groups.
The Crests made history in 1958 with their timeless hit “16 Candles,” a tender ballad that became their signature song and climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other hits followed, including “Step by Step,” “The Angels Listened In,” and “Trouble in Paradise,” cementing their place among doo-wop’s elite. Albums like The Best of the Crests featuring Johnny Maestro showcased their rich vocal blend and emotional delivery.
Maestro eventually left for a solo career and later joined The Brooklyn Bridge, and Carter went on to sing with The Drifters. However, by the 1980s, Carter reformed The Crests and carried the name forward, preserving their legacy across decades of performances. The Crests were inducted into both the United in Group Harmony Association (UGHA) Hall of Fame and The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
