Former Raspberries Lead Singer & Later Solo Star Eric Carmen Dies
Eric Carmen, the singer known for iconic songs such as “Hungry Eyes” and “All by Myself,” has died. He was 74 years old.
Much-loved singer-songwriter Eric Carmen has died, aged 74. A classically trained pianist, Carmen was best known for his hit song ‘All By Myself’ – which turned Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 into a chart-topping power ballad. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Zjl355T8Wv
— Classic FM (@ClassicFM) March 12, 2024
Carmen was born on August 11, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in the suburb of Lyndhurst, where his passion for music developed at a young age.
Carmen’s aunt, Muriel Carmen, was a violinist in the Cleveland Orchestra, and she gave him lessons when he was only six years old. He learned how to play piano at the age of 11. He taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 15.
Carmen sang and played piano in rock bands during his high school years. While music was always part of his life, he became more serious about it while attending college.
Carmen Joined The Raspberries In 1970
While in college, Carmen joined a band called Cyrus Erie. After that group disbanded, he teamed up with Wally Bryson, Jim Bonfanti, and Dave Smalley to form a rock band called The Raspberries in 1970.
Carmen served as the band’s lead vocalist, and wrote or co-wrote all of their songs.
The Raspberries released four studio albums over the course of their run together. They also had several hit singles, including “Go All the Way,” “I Wanna Be with You,” and “Overnight Sensation.”
The Raspberries disbanded in 1975, after a five-year run.
Though the group did reunite a few times over the years. Carmen and the other members of the original group teamed up for a reunion tour which ran from 2004-2005.
Eric Carmen Went Solo & Experienced Even More Success
After leaving the Raspberries, Carmen kicked off his solo career. This venture was even more successful for the talented vocalist and musician.
Carmen released six studio albums over the course of his career. He was known for creating some of the biggest hits of the 1970s and 1980s, including “All by Myself,” “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” “Hungry Eyes,” and “Make Me Lose Control.”
Carmen also recorded a duet called “As Long As We Got Each Other” with country artist Louise Mandrell.
Many of Carmen’s songs were featured in films. “Hungry Eyes” was used in Dirty Dancing, and he wrote the love song “Almost Paradise” for the original Footloose movie. He earned a Grammy nomination thanks to the latter song.
Carmen remained active as a performer in the later years of his life, though his last album was released in 2000.
Eric Carmen’s Wife Releases Statement About His Death
Carmen’s wife, Amy, released a statement on his official website in March 2024 announcing his death at the age of 74. She did not share her husband’s cause of death or the specific day of his passing.
The statement read:
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen. Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy.”
Carmen was married twice before. First, to Marcy Hill from 1978-1979. He married his second wife, Susan Brown, in 1993. They shared two children, Kathryn and Clayton. They divorced in 2009, and Carmen married Amy in 2016.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carmen’s family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace…