Eric Carmen 74 Raspberries frontman dies in sleep

Legendary musician Eric Carmen, known for Raspberries hits and solo success, has passed away at 74. Wife confirms his lasting legacy.

Eric Carmen, the iconic musician renowned for his leadership of the pop rock band Raspberries and for his solo hits like "All by Myself" and "Hungry Eyes," has sadly passed away at the age of 74. His wife, Amy Carmen, shared the heartbreaking news, stating, "Our dear, kind, and talented Eric passed away peacefully in his sleep this past weekend. It brought him immense joy to know that his music had touched the lives of so many people over the years and will be his enduring legacy." The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Born in 1949 in Cleveland, Carmen's musical journey began at the tender age of six with violin lessons. He later expanded his musical skills to include piano and guitar, eventually forming the Raspberries in 1970. The band deviated from the heavy rock trend of the early '70s, opting instead for a Beatles-inspired pop sound. Their hits, such as "Go All the Way," "I Wanna Be With You," "Let's Pretend," "Tonight," and "Overnight Sensation," garnered a dedicated fan base that included notable musicians like Kurt Cobain, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, and Motley Crue.

Following the disbandment of Raspberries in the mid-1970s, Carmen embarked on a successful solo career. His first two singles, "All by Myself" and "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again," became chart-topping hits in 1976. Artists like Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John covered his songs, further solidifying his influence in the music industry. In 1987, Carmen's track "Hungry Eyes" from the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his piano pop hit "Make Me Lose Control" reached No. 3.

In 2000, Carmen joined Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band for a tour, performing his biggest solo and Raspberries hits to adoring fans. The Raspberries briefly reunited in 2004 for live shows, culminating in a 2005 concert at L.A.'s House of Blues that was released as the live album "Live on Sunset Strip," featuring a tribute from Bruce Springsteen in the liner notes. Another reunion show, recorded at the House of Blues in Cleveland, was released in 2017 as "Pop Art Live."

Even in the later years of his career, Carmen's music continued to resonate with fans. For example, his song "Go All the Way" experienced a resurgence in popularity when featured on the soundtrack of the first "Guardians of the Galaxy" film in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Amy (whom he married in 2016), and their children, Clayton and Kathryn. As fans mourn the loss of this musical legend, Eric Carmen's legacy will endure through his timeless music, showcasing his talent and profound impact on the power pop genre.