American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
Eric Carmen was the lead vocalist of the Raspberries and had a successful solo career with hits like 'All by Myself' and 'Hungry Eyes'. He also toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.
Eric Howard Carmen, the American guitarist and keyboardist, was born on August 11, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio. He gained initial recognition as the lead vocalist of the Raspberries.
1967
The Choir's Minor National Hit
The Choir, a band in which some future Raspberries members were involved, scored a minor national hit in 1967 with the single 'It's Cold Outside.'
1968
Release of Cyrus Erie's Single 'Get the Message'
Cyrus Erie, a band with Eric Carmen, released a single called 'Get the Message' on Epic in 1968. The band continued for a couple more years before Carmen and the band's lead guitarist, Wally Bryson, formed the Raspberries in 1970.
1970
Formation of the Raspberries
The Raspberries were formed in 1970 and became known as power pop heroes, with their frontman gaining recognition for his classic pop styles.
1972
Debut of the Raspberries
The Raspberries, a popular band, debuted in 1972, with Eric Carmen as a prominent member. This marked a significant milestone in Carmen's music career.
1975-06
Release of "All by Myself"
Within a year of the band's final album, Eric Carmen scored a No. 2 single with the song "All by Myself", which subverted Nilsson's cover of Badfinger's "Without You".
1976
Solo Career Launch
The frontman of the Raspberries embarked on a solo career in 1976, showcasing a variety of classic pop styles and establishing himself as a solo star.
1977
Release of "Love Is All That Matters"
The song "Love Is All That Matters" was featured in Eric Carmen's 1977 solo album "Boats Against the Current." The quote from his wife's announcement is a reference to this song, which reflects Carmen's enduring legacy as a balladeer and songwriter.
1984
Co-writing 'Almost Paradise' for the film Footloose
In 1984, Carmen and Dean Pitchford co-wrote 'Almost Paradise', the love theme from the film Footloose. The song, performed by Ann Wilson and Mike Reno, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1985
Release of Second Self-Titled Album
In 1985, Eric Carmen resurfaced on Geffen Records with a second self-titled album, which included the comeback hit 'I Wanna Hear It from Your Lips' that achieved success on the Adult Contemporary and Pop charts.
1987
Contribution to Dirty Dancing with 'Hungry Eyes'
In 1987, Eric Carmen's contribution to the hit movie Dirty Dancing, 'Hungry Eyes', reached number 2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and returned him to the Pop Top 10.
1988
Success of 'Make Me Lose Control'
During 1988, Eric Carmen's nostalgic track 'Make Me Lose Control' returned him to the number one position on the Adult Contemporary chart and reached number 3 on Billboard's Hot 100.
1995
Feature of 'All by Myself' in 'To Die For'
The song 'All by Myself' by Eric Carmen was featured in a pivotal scene in the 1995 Nicole Kidman-starring film 'To Die For'.
1998
I Was Born to Love You
In 1998, Eric Carmen released the album 'I Was Born to Love You,' reuniting with songwriting collaborators like Dean Pitchford and Diane Warren.
2000
Joining Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band
In 2000, Eric Carmen joined Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band on tour, where he performed his biggest solo and Raspberries hits as well as sat in with the performer whose band had provided a template for much of his musical life.
2004
Re-formation of the Raspberries
In 2004, Eric Carmen, along with original Raspberries members, re-formed the band for a series of sold-out live performances in cities across the United States. They recorded a live album of their hits at The House of Blues on Sunset Strip, in Hollywood.
2005
Live on Sunset Strip
In 2005, a concert at L.A.’s House of Blues was released as the live album 'Live on Sunset Strip,' featuring a quote from Bruce Springsteen in the liner notes.
2007-03-10
Eric Carmen arrested for DUI
Pop singer Eric Carmen was arrested for driving under the influence in Gates Mills, Ohio. He is known for writing Louise Mandrell's 1985 country hit "Maybe My Baby".
2013-12-24
Release of 'Brand New Year'
On December 24, 2013, Eric Carmen released the first new recording in over 15 years titled 'Brand New Year', which was issued as a special 'Christmas gift' to herald the arrival of a career retrospective.
2015-09
Eric Carmen charged with drunk driving
In September 2015, Eric Carmen, the author of Louise Mandrell's 'Maybe My Baby,' was charged with drunk driving after hitting a mailbox in Orange, Ohio. He registered a .23 blood-alcohol level, nearly triple the legal limit.
2016
Marriage to Amy Murphy
In 2016, Eric Carmen married his wife, Amy Murphy.
2017
Pop Art Live
A show from the Raspberries reunion, recorded at the House of Blues in Cleveland, was issued in 2017 by Omnivore as 'Pop Art Live.'
2022-03-27
Eric Carmen, Raspberries Frontman and 'All by Myself' Singer, Dies at 74
Eric Carmen, the frontman of Raspberries and the singer known for the hit 'All by Myself,' passed away at the age of 74.
2024-03-11
Passing of Eric Carmen
Eric Carmen passed away in his sleep on March 11, 2024, at the age of 74. He was known for his contributions as a singer-songwriter and musician, leaving behind a legacy in the music industry.