Eric Carmen, who was the frontman of power pop band the Raspberries before going on to solo success, has died at age 74.
His wife, Amy Carmen, posted the news on the singer’s website. He apparently died this weekend in his sleep, but no location was given.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” she wrote. “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.’”
Carmen was born in the Cleveland, Ohio suburbs in 1949. He first rose to fame with the Raspberries’ breakout hit, “Go All the Way.” The band broke up, and by the mid-1970s, Carmen moved on as a successful solo artist with “All by Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” His run of hits continued into the ’80s with the song “Hungry Eyes.”
His former manager, David Spero, shared a statement after learning of his passing:
“I just heard the news that my lifelong friend and former client, Eric Carmen has passed away. His talents were world renowned and his legacy as a songwriter is known throughout the industry. His songs were done by everyone from Celine Dion to Hank Williams Jr. He will be missed. RIP Eric!”
Survivors include his wife. No memorial plans have been announced,
