Eric Carmen was the frontman of the band The Raspberries, and was known for his solo hits All by Myself and Hungry Eyes. The latter was featured in the iconic ‘80s film Dirty Dancing and reached No 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Eric’s wife Amy shared the sad news of the singer’s passing on Monday 13 March with a message on his website.
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Amy wrote:
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.
Messages of love for the singer have since flooded in. Let’s take a look at his career and the tributes devastated fans and friends have shared.
Eric Carmen’s career
Eric shot to fame as part of the pop rock band The Raspberries with the release of their hit Go All the Way. The band was formed in 1970, and enjoyed early success with other well-loved songs like Let's Pretend, I Wanna Be with You and Overnight Sensation. Eric had been classically trained in piano, but had taught himself the guitar with a Beatles chord book - and he played the instrument and sang as The Raspberries’ lead man.
After around five years, The Raspberries members decided to go their separate ways. Eric had a successful solo career, and the group reunited briefly in the early 2000s for some live performances. He also wrote for other artists such as Shaun Cassidy, whose performances of Carmen's Hey Deanie and That's Rock and Roll got into the top 10.
Tributes for Eric
Amy wrote in the announcement that it brought Eric ‘great joy to know that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy’. Indeed, many have taken to social media to share heartwarming tributes for the musician. Kiss frontman Paul Stanley was among the first. He shared a snap of Eric on X and wrote:
Awful News. Eric Carmen has died. Although known to many for writing radio hits like 'All By Myself' and others, Eric was a true rocker at heart. His voice had elements of McCartney and Steve Marriott. The Raspberries did shows with us. A killer band live & I loved their records.
One fan, @donnagatling, commented:
My heart is breaking what a singer and song writer. My condolences.
Actor Michael Des Barres also shared a tribute for Eric:
An exquisite songwriter and vocalist and performer. He loved Steve Marriott and also loved Pop music. He put the two together and created something new …RIP, Eric Carmen
The cause of Eric’s death has not yet been made public. Amy asked for privacy to give their family the space needed to mourn this ‘enormous loss’. The rocker is survived by his wife and their two children, Clayton and Kathryn.
Read more:
⋙ Colin Bennett: BBC star passed away two weeks ago, son Tom confirms his death
⋙ King Charles' close friend Captain Ian Farquhar has passed away at the age of 78
⋙ John Savident: Coronation Street actor dies at 86
Sources used:
The Guardian: Eric Carmen, Hungry Eyes and All By Myself singer, dies aged 74
Daily Mail: Eric Carmen dead at 74: Raspberries singer famous for hits Hungry Eyes and All By Myself passes away in his sleep leaving beloved wife devastated
