Eric Carmen has died at the age of 74 with his wife by his side after a staggering music career.
One of Carmen’s biggest hits included Hungry Eyes from the 1987 cult movie classic Dirty Dancing.
Announcing his death on his official website, his wife Amy 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."
She ended the statement with the quote "love is all that matters... faithful and forever" from his 1977 solo album Boats Against The Current.
Carmen was born in Ohio and co-founded The Raspberries in the early 1970s alongside Jim Bonfanti and Wally Bryson – later being joined by Dave Smalley after the departure of John Aleksic.
Eric Carmen has died at the age of 74
GETTY
The Raspberries released their debut album in 1971, with their song Go All The Way reaching chart success, but it was later banned by the BBC in the UK for “sexually aggressive” lyrics.
This didn’t stop the song being used elsewhere though, as it was later featured in the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack.
After a flying success and four albums together, the band broke up in 1975 which left Carmen to kick start his solo career.
All By Myself became one of Carmen’s biggest hits, and soon became one of Celine Dion’s most iconic hits when she covered it – it also went on to be used in the box office movie Bridget Jones Diary.
Eric's wife released a statement on Eric's website
Amy Carmen/Eric Carmen website
Tributes for Carmen came flooding in after the news of his death was released, with one X user commenting: “Very sad news hearing Eric Carmen has passed away at the age of 74.
“His music and legacy lives on and will continue to transcend the test of time and be forever a favorite for those who listen...”
“RIP Eric Carmen, a great songwriter and musician,” another added before a third quipped: “Awful News. Eric Carmen has died.
“Although known to many for writing radio hits like “All By Myself” and others, Eric was a true rocker at heart. His voice had elements of McCartney and Steve Marriott. The Raspberries did shows with us. A killer band live & I loved their records.”
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Eric Carmen first found fame with his band The Raspberries
GETTY
One saddened fan noted: “Devastated to hear this news. Eric Carmen & The Raspberries were 1st rock music I ever heard.
“The power chords of Go All The Way literally introduced me to rock & set me on my path. I knew Eric & did much with him during bands reunion. RIP to a true great.”
“Out in the garage reminiscing after hearing the sad news. RIP Eric Carmen,” another expressed. (sic)
