Eric Carmen, known for hit song “All By Myself,” has passed away at age of 74, his wife announced Monday.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” his wife, Amy Carmen, wrote on the singer’s website. “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.’”
Eric Carmen, Raspberries Frontman and ‘All by Myself’ Singer, Dies at 74 https://t.co/00vNDlS4TD
— Variety (@Variety) March 12, 2024
Carmen was known for his powerful presence in the early ’70s music scene with the group Raspberries, and later as a solo artist with timeless hits like “All By Myself,” Variety reported. His legacy reportedly made an impact on rock and pop music.
Carmen’s musical journey began in Cleveland where he emerged as a pop-rock icon, transcending his early image as a mere balladeer to become a figure in the band Raspberries, according to Variety. Carmen and his bandmates reportedly went against the popular music styles of their era, choosing instead to create music inspired by the Beatles. He wrote memorable hits like “Go All the Way” and “I Wanna Be With You,” which secured the Raspberries’ place in rock history, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Famous Musician Jeremiah Green Dead At 45)
Despite criticisms for their pop-oriented sound, the Raspberries proved themselves as a formidable group, sharing a kinship with bands like Badfinger and Big Star, and influencing a diverse array of musicians from Kurt Cobain to Bruce Springsteen, according to Variety. After the group disbanded, Carmen reportedly ventured into a successful solo career with hits including the “All by Myself,” and the ’80s anthem “Hungry Eyes” from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack.