7 Minutes with Russ Mitchell rewind: Pop star and Cleveland native Eric Carmen in 2014

Cleveland native Eric Carmen, the lead singer of the Raspberries turned successful solo artist in the 1970s and 80s, has died at age 74, according to his wife.

Carmen was known for legendary hits like "All By Myself" and "Hungry Eyes," which was featured in "Dirty Dancing."

Amy Carmen, a former 3News meteorologist, shared the news with a note posted to the singer's website.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen. Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend," she wrote. "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."


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[JULZ_RULZ]

My heart is broken💔😢 Such an amazing talent gone way too soon! I had the great fortune of talking with him on Twitter a while ago...I was telling him how I had sung "Boats Against the Current" in my cabaret shows in NYC. It was such an honor to not only speak via Twitter but also to have him "follow me" on there!! I also had spoken to his wife Amy about their new puppy they had gotten and also shared a recipe with her.
My deepest sympathy to Amy and Eric's children. May they find comfort at this time.
RIP Eric Carmen...you will live on forever because of the most amazing legacy of music you have left us all. Thank you ❤😢🎼🎤🎹🎶

[ThePeiguy]

He deserves more then 7 minutes. I really enjoy his music.

[suefields]

This one hit hard... He was so special..😢😢

[recordrabbit]

Eric Carmen RIP. Thanks for all the great music. I'll be spinning my Raspberries records today.

[brucetowell]

I played in cover bands in the late 1960's and Eric's bands were always the band we tried to emulate, Eric and I grew up in the same neck of the woods and was able to meet and chat with him on many occasions, a truly talented singer/songwriter/ musician and we here in Cleveland were proud to see his success, God Bless Eric's family in their time of sorrow.

[dalemcmillan]

Eric was a BRILLIANT SONGWRITER with a fantastic voice ❤

[carolynturk-huje]

Funny how when we are young we can't wait to be Now that I am old, how I long to be young again and experience all of Eric Carmen(The Raspberries too) wonderful songs again for the first time. Such a loss, his passing, but his legend and songs live on

[THX-kwjh]

RIP Eric Carmen. I was born in the early 60´s and his music will always be part of the Soundtrack of my Life.

[tonybonnici]

If you're a young musician and want a master class in writing a power pop tune sit back and listen to Go All The Way.... Brilliant!!!! I am so sad to hear of the great man's passing. RIP... From Melbourne Australia

[StillYHWHs]

Even as a little girl. I understood this song, clear as day. The moment I heard it.

[flitebiscuit]

This has hit me hard. My favorite male singer songwriter died unexpectedly. Have all of his records.

[sjxveru]

Honestly, i feel like i have waited to hear Eric speak about his music and career since 1972.
❤Great Interview
🏆🎯🌟👑

[conniedebruyn]

Such a tragedy to lose this legendary man at still this age rather young. He was the most underrated performer in the music industry and had so many great songs. RIP Eric Carmen. Even though you’re not physically here anymore, your music will always live on. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out with my deepest prayers.

[conuregirl]

Eric Carmen brought a lot of musical joy to my life. I loved that rock n roll life in Cleveland. Thank you, Eric, and RIP.

[bar-jean]

Huge, huge loss. Adored this guy and his music.😢😢😢

[msbadkittie]

thank you for posting this. what a great interview.

Eric Carmen was truly one of the great pop song writers of a generation. RIP Mr Carmen 🙏🏻❤️

[supanova]

My 5yr old and 8yr old kids know of Eric Carmen. Hungry Eyes. Lose Control. All by myself.
My 5 yr old son said it best…”we will always have his music. Just like Freddie Mercury. We listen to We Are the Champions all the time”
We will always have his music.

[davidramirez]

Very nice guy, he made people happy. RIP.

[Kathy]

Husband and I were just watching Eric performing at the House of Blues on You Tube. What a nice nice guy. I followed him on X and he was always so nice. We are all getting up there in age but it was tough to learn he had passed. I turn 71 in a few weeks. Such a joy to listen to music I grew up on.

[loribradley]

Amazing artist, songwriter and singer! Thank you for all the incredible music.