Cleveland, Ohio – Eric Carmen, the renowned singer/songwriter recognized for timeless hits like “Hungry Eyes” and “All By Myself,” has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his wife Amy on his official website. The news of Carmen’s death was met with deep sadness by his fans around the world. Amy Carmen shared the heartbreaking news that her beloved husband had passed away peacefully in his sleep over the weekend. She expressed gratitude for the joy Carmen’s music brought to countless listeners over the years, emphasizing that his musical legacy would endure. The family requested privacy as they grieved the loss of Eric Carmen.
Originally from Ohio, Eric Carmen first rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the power-pop band Raspberries, achieving success with hits like “Go All the Way,” “Let’s Pretend,” “I Wanna Be With You,” and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record).” Transitioning to a solo career in the mid-1970s, Carmen enjoyed commercial success with singles like “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” in 1976. His songwriting talents were further recognized as other artists covered his compositions, such as Shaun Cassidy with “Hey Deanie” and “That’s Rock and Roll.”
In 1984, Carmen co-wrote the hit song “Almost Paradise” for the “Footloose” soundtrack, performed by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson. Following a hiatus from the music industry, Carmen made a comeback in 1985 with the popular track “I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips.” However, it was his contribution to the soundtrack of the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” with the song “Hungry Eyes” that propelled him back into the spotlight, alongside the chart-topping success of “Make Me Lose Control” in 1988.
Throughout his career, Eric Carmen continued to captivate audiences with his music, even touring with Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band in 2000. In a display of his enduring talent, Carmen released his first new song in 15 years titled “Brand New Year” in 2013, featured on a best-of compilation released the following year. The passing of this musical icon has left a void in the industry, but his legacy will live on through his unforgettable songs and profound impact on the music world.