The Cleveland native wrote several hits including “Make Me Lose Control,” “All by Myself,” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”
Eric Carmen, the Eighties hitmaker behind the Dirty Dancing classic song “Hungry Eyes,” has died at the age of 74.
His wife, Amy Carmen, confirmed the news on his official website. “It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” read the statement. “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.”
In a reference to Carmen’s track from his 1977 solo album Boats Against the Current, she added, “‘Love Is All That Matters … Faithful and Forever.’”
A cause of death or the date of Carmen’s death has not been given.
Carmen formed the Raspberries in 1970, and the group found success with breakout hit, “Go All the Way.” The lead singer reflected on the suggestive nature of the song during a 2005 interview with Classic Rock 81. “I always thought if it saw daylight, one of two things would happen,” said Carmen. “Either it’ll get banned because it’s dirty – then maybe people will buy the album to check it out; or if it ever gets on the radio, I think it’ll just be a hit based on the title alone.”
After the group disbanded in the mid-Seventies, Carmen launched his solo career with worldwide hits “All by Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” His 1987 song “Hungry Eyes” featured in the massively successful film Dirty Dancing.