Anderson died on February 23 after a battle with leukemia; he had been on tour playing his signature role, that of Judas in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He performed the role on Broadway, in Los Angeles, and in the film version directed by Norman Jewison. A multiple Golden Globe nominee and the recipient of Photoplay magazine's Gold Medal and the NAACP Award for Theater, Anderson performed with Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, and Kenny Loggins during his career, and he produced the hit single "Friends and Lovers" with Gloria Loring. His other theatrical credits include Play On! and Beggar's Holiday.

The May 10 memorial service will be open to the public but seating is limited. Monetary donations to the Carl Anderson Fun will be accepted.