Eric Carmen, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for enduring hits such as “Hungry Eyes” and “All By Myself,” has passed away at the age of 74.
Amy Carmen, his wife, announced the tragic news on his official website, stating that her husband died peacefully in his sleep on March 10, 2024. His lifetime of music, characterized by its deep emotional resonance and melodic prowess, leaves a legacy that has been appreciated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Eric Carmen was born in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1949. He first gained recognition as the lead singer of the power-pop band Raspberries in the early 1970s. The band, known for hits like “Go All the Way” and “I Wanna Be With You,” encapsulated youthful emotions and love through their catchy tunes and harmonious melodies. After the band broke up in the mid-1970s, Carmen started out on his own.
Carmen’s solo career started with a bang. His debut single, “All By Myself,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and later sold over a million copies, earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
His subsequent hit, “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” highlighted his unique ability to blend classical elements with modern pop, a distinguishing characteristic of his songwriting. Carmen’s musical accomplishments continued into the late 1970s and 1980s, adding to his discography songs that other artists, including Shaun Cassidy, would successfully cover.
One of the significant moments in Carmen’s career was his contribution to the 1984 “Footloose” soundtrack with “Almost Paradise,” a joint effort with Mike Reno and Ann Wilson. His participation in the 1987 “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, particularly with the hit “Hungry Eyes,” greatly rejuvenated his career and solidified his place in the music industry. The song “Make Me Lose Control,” released in 1988, further showcased his continued relevance and adaptability to the evolving music scene.
Throughout his career, Carmen showed admirable versatility, not just through his involvement in well-known soundtracks, but also via his enduring hits that demonstrated his caliber as a lyricist and composer. His music, recognized for its emotional depth and catchy melodies, has won him a diverse audience across different generations.
Apart from his chart-topping success, Carmen’s influence also extended to live performances, which included a notable tour with Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band in 2000. His love for music was evident in the release of “Brand New Year” in 2013, his first new track in almost 15 years, featured in a best-of compilation.
In her tribute, Amy Carmen poignantly quoted her husband’s song “Love Is All That Matters,” summarizing the essence of his life’s work and philosophy: “Love Is All That Matters… Faithful and Forever.” Carmen’s message of love and his enduring musical legacy continue to inspire and touch people worldwide.
He leaves behind his wife and his two children from a previous marriage, Clayton and Kathryn.
