Renowned music icon Eric Carmen has died. Carmen, known for leading the acclaimed 1970s group The Raspberries before embarking on a prosperous solo journey, gained fame with chart-toppers like “Go All the Way” and “Hungry Eyes.” He passed away at 74 years old.
Information regarding the musician’s demise is limited. Amy Carmen, his wife, shared on his website’s main page that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. She emphasized the significant impact his music had on countless individuals over the years, expressing his satisfaction in leaving behind a lasting legacy of joy.
According to Carmen’s biography, he was born in 1949, the same year as Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. He was exposed to the works of classic composers such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Cole Porter from an early age, influenced by his family members who were also musically inclined. Remarkably, at just 2 1/2 years old, Carmen began attending the Cleveland Institute of Music. By the age of 11, he had started studying classical piano, and by 12, he was already composing his own songs.
Carmen persisted with his classical education until around the age of 15 1/2 when a pivotal moment occurred – his encounter with the Beatles. He recalled a profound shift in his perspective after watching their movie, “A Hard Day’s Night.” Promptly, he transitioned to guitar, mastering the instrument through self-teaching. For a brief period, he navigated through different bands before eventually joining forces with fellow musicians to form The Raspberries.
Distinguished by its captivating melodies and incorporation of power chords, the band distinguished itself from the prevalent 1970s progressive rock scene. Instant hits like “Go All The Way” and “I Wanna Be With You” propelled the band to fame, yet internal pressures led to its eventual dissolution despite its success. Carmen forged ahead in his musical journey, embarking on a solo career that yielded several triumphant albums. Notably, he penned “Almost Paradise” for the original “Footloose” movie and “Hungry Eyes” for “Dirty Dancing,” further solidifying his acclaim in the industry.
In the year 2000, many years after his initial encounter with the Beatles and his own exploration of rock and roll, Carmen had the privilege of joining Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band as a member.
