Eric Carmen, the singer and songwriter renowned for hits such as “Hungry Eyes” and “All By Myself,” has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his wife Amy via his official website.
In a heartfelt statement, Amy conveyed the sorrowful news of Eric Carmen’s passing: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Carmen. He peacefully departed in his sleep over the weekend. Eric found great joy in knowing that his music touched the lives of many throughout the decades, leaving behind a lasting legacy. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we mourn our profound loss.”
Amy Carmen offered a heartfelt tribute, sharing a quote from her late husband’s song “Love Is All That Matters” and concluding with the poignant words, “Love Is All That Matters…Faithful and Forever.” Hailing from Ohio, Eric Carmen initially gained fame as the lead vocalist of the power-pop band Raspberries, known for hits like “Go All the Way,” “Let’s Pretend,” “I Wanna Be With You,” and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record).” Embarking on a solo career in the late 1970s, Carmen’s solo debut saw immediate success with his singles “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” both becoming major hits in 1976.
During this period, Eric Carmen’s songwriting talents gained recognition as other artists, including Shaun Cassidy, recorded his compositions, such as “Hey Deanie” and “That’s Rock and Roll,” both of which reached the top 10. While Carmen continued to release singles as a solo artist, he took a hiatus from the music industry in 1980.
In 1984, Carmen co-wrote the smash hit “Almost Paradise” for the “Footloose” soundtrack, performed by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson. This collaboration marked Carmen’s return, and in 1985, he reemerged with the successful single “I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips.” However, it was his contribution to the soundtrack of the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” that truly propelled him back into the spotlight. His song “Hungry Eyes” became a top 10 hit, followed by another success with “Make Me Lose Control,” which reached the top five in 1988.
In 2000, Eric Carmen joined Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for a tour. Then, in 2013, he marked his return with his first new song in 15 years, titled “Brand New Year,” which was featured in a best-of compilation released in 2014.