Eric Carmen, who found fame as the Raspberries frontman before a successful solo career, died over the weekend at 74, his wife announced Monday.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” Amy Carmen wrote.
“Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss. ‘Love Is All That Matters… Faithful and Forever.’”
A cause of death was not given.
“Go All The Way” reached Number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 for the Raspberries, the group’s most popular single.
This came in spite of its controversial lyrics — its suggestive sexual content was banned by the BBC though it was still a hit in England.
As a solo artist, “All By Myself” reached Number 2 on the Hot 100 in the mid 1970s.
His 1987 hit “Hungry Eyes” reached Number 4 and was memorably featured in “Dirty Dancing.”
He climbed back into the top five with his 1988 hit “Make Me Lose Control.”
“Awful news. Eric Carmen has died,” Kiss’ Paul Stanley posted on X. “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.”
Celine Dion’s cover of “All By Myself” found success in the 1990s and his song “Boats Against the Current” was covered by Frankie Valli, Olivia Newton-John and Patti LaBelle.
Carmen also toured with Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band in 2000 and reunited with the Raspberries for a 2004 tour.
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