Music

The music industry has lost one of its most iconic voices with the passing of Eric Carmen. Carmen, who gained fame as the frontman for the powerpop band Raspberries, and later as a solo artist, died peacefully in his sleep over the weekend at the age of 74.

A Legacy of Hits

Eric Carmen will forever be remembered for his incredible talent and the profound impact he made on the music world. As the lead singer of Raspberries, he co-wrote and performed the band’s biggest hit, “Go All the Way.” Combining the guitar riffs reminiscent of The Who and the vocals akin to The Beatles, the hit faced controversy due to its suggestive lyrics and was even banned by the BBC. However, its popularity soared in 2014 when it was featured in the blockbuster film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’.

From Powerpop to Ballads

After the breakup of Raspberries, Carmen embarked on a successful solo career. He displayed his versatility and talent by shifting from rock to power ballads, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. His solo hits like “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” became instant classics in 1976, drawing inspiration from Sergei Rachmaninov’s timeless masterpiece. Carmen’s songs had a lasting impact and went on to be covered by the likes of Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John, and Shaun Cassidy.

Reigniting Charts and Live Performances

In the late 80s, Carmen enjoyed a sensational comeback with the chart-topping single “Hungry Eyes” featured in the iconic movie ‘Dirty Dancing’. Alongside this success, his piano pop sensation “Make Me Lose Control” soared to the top of the charts. Though his later years did not witness the same commercial success, Carmen continued to enchant audiences touring with Ringo Starr and the All-Starr Band.

Remembering Eric Carmen

Eric Carmen’s music has left an indelible mark on countless, deeply touched hearts. His wife, Amy, shared the tragic news of his passing, emphasizing the immense joy he felt knowing his music resonated with fans across the globe. Eric Carmen is survived by his loving wife and two children, Clayton and Kathryn.