The American singer Eric Carmen, leader of the group The Raspberries before becoming known with solo songs such as ‘All by Myself’ or ‘Hungry Eyes’, has died at the age of 74, as confirmed by the artist’s own wife. “It is with immense sadness that we share the terrible news of the death of Eric Carmen,” his partner, Amy, wrote on the singer’s website.
“Our sweet, beloved and talented Eric died in his sleep this weekend. It gave him great satisfaction knowing that, over many decades, his music touched many and will be his lasting legacy,” he continued. Amy Carmen has, however, requested “respect” for the family’s privacy as they mourn the loss of the artist. “Love is all that matters… faithful and forever,” the woman finished in her brief statement, using part of the lyrics from one of Carmen’s songs.
For now, the cause of the artist’s death has not been revealed. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Carmen was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. According to Variety magazine, he began to show musical talent from a very young age: he began teaching violin lessons at the age of six and later, also piano and guitar lessons. While in high school, Eric Carmen composed and played in several rock bands, including Cyrus Erie, inspired by the name of a tractor.
Carmen became known as the leader of the pop rock group The Raspberries, a group she founded in the early seventies along with Jim Bonfanti, Wally Bryson and John Aleksic, all of whom came from several successful local bands in the city—including her Cyrus Erire. Until he launched his solo career, he was the singer and songwriter of The Raspberries, being the author of several of his greatest hits, such as ‘Go All the Way’ or ‘I wanna be with you’.
After the dissolution of the band, in the mid-seventies, Carmen launched her solo career with many other great hits, including ‘Hungry Eyes’, one of the main songs from the film ‘Dirty Dancing’.
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