Carl Gardner (born Carl Edward Gardner; April 29, 1928 – June 12, 2011), was an American singer, best known as the foremost member and founder of The Coasters.
Gardner was born in Tyler Texas. He formed the group with Bobby Nunn in 1955, after leaving The Robins, at the behest of the songwriting/producing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Gardner’s son, Carl Jr., officially joined The Coasters in late 2005, after Gardner semi-retired, although Carl Jr. had been touring with them since at least 1998.
Carl Gardner Cause of Death
Carl Gardner, Sr. died on June 12, 2011, after suffering with Congestive Heart Failure and Vascular Dementia. (Source: Coasters Website.) His son Carl, Jr., having taken over as lead singer of The Coasters, carries on with the group. Carl Gardner was 83 years old at the time of his death.
The Coasters – Poison Ivy. Lead Singer: Carl Gardner