Legendary rock singer Eric Carmen, known for his work with the Raspberries and his successful solo career, has passed away at the age of 74. His wife, Amy Carmen, announced his death on his website, revealing that he died peacefully in his sleep over the weekend.
Carmen rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of the Raspberries, a power-pop band from Cleveland. The group’s self-titled debut album featured their biggest hit, “Go All the Way,” which is considered a classic of the power pop genre. The band’s clean-cut image and catchy melodies set them apart from the more hippie-influenced bands of the era.
After the Raspberries disbanded in 1975, Carmen embarked on a successful solo career, scoring hits with songs like “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes.” His music was featured in popular soundtracks, including “Footloose” and “Dirty Dancing,” further solidifying his place in the music industry.
In 2004, Carmen reunited with the Raspberries for a successful tour, and their live album “Raspberries Pop Art Live” was released in 2017. Carmen’s influence on rock music was far-reaching, with artists like Celine Dion and John Travolta covering his songs.
Despite his success, Carmen remained humble about his impact on the music world. In a 2017 interview, he shared a touching moment with Bruce Springsteen, who revealed that he had listened to the Raspberries while writing his iconic album “The River.”
Eric Carmen’s legacy as a talented musician and songwriter will continue to live on through his timeless music. He will be remembered for his contributions to the rock and pop music landscape of the 1970s and 1980s.
