Cleveland, Ohio – Eric Carmen, the acclaimed frontman of the powerpop band Raspberries and a successful solo artist in the 70s and 80s, passed away at the age of 74. His wife, Amy, shared the news on his official website, mentioning that he died in his sleep over the weekend. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Carmen’s musical legacy includes hits like “All By Myself,” “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” and “Hungry Eyes.” As part of Raspberries, he wrote or co-wrote most of their songs, including their biggest hit, “Go All the Way.” Known for its mix of guitar riffs reminiscent of The Who and Beatlesque vocals, the song faced controversy due to its suggestive lyrics, leading to its ban on certain radio stations. However, it gained popularity in 2014 when featured on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” soundtrack.
Following the disbandment of Raspberries in 1975, Carmen pursued a successful solo career, focusing on power ballads rather than rock. His songs, such as “All by Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” topped the charts in 1976. Additionally, his contribution to the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack with “Hungry Eyes” brought him back into the spotlight in 1987.
While Carmen’s later singles did not achieve the same level of commercial success, he continued to tour with notable acts like Ringo Starr and the All-Starr Band. In 2004, he briefly reunited with Raspberries for live performances.
Eric Carmen leaves behind his wife, Amy, and their two children, Clayton and Kathryn. His music has left a lasting impact on fans worldwide, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the world of pop music.