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."
WKYC's Russ Mitchell sat down with Carmen back in 2014. You can watch that full interview here: www.wkyc.com/article/news/nat... --
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[@Aroseisarose15]

He was my first crush when I was 13 or 14. Followed the Raspberries and Eric’s solo career. He was incredibly talented. My heart hurts today.

[@larryhunter2026]

He was handsome and love his hair and voice. Go all the way was sexy, the way he sang it!!

[@glennbzt]

Eric Carmen I started my first band loving the Raspberries..yes a talented guy

[@ThePeiguy57]

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

[@THX-kw2jh]

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

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

When I heard this song, I was on the street. I climbed up one floor to a café and was happy to see cake. I stole the cakes. Afterwards I even found the key. I was able to unlock the door and eat cake more often the next time. That way I didn't starve miserably on the street. That was the time when I heard this song.

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Funny how when we are young we can't wait to be old..... 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 .........😢💔

[@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 ❤😢🎼🎤🎹🎶

[@MakeSewingStudio]

He was so sweet and approachable on Twitter (Amy too). I was just wondering when he'd return to twitter and then the next day I got the bad news. Truly one of the best talents of my childhood and a great guy on top of it all.

[@JULZ_RULZ]

@@MakeSewingStudio I I used to talk politics and music with Eric and dogs with Amy. Also gave her a recipe, too. They had just gotten a new puppy back when I had spoken with them and I had just rescued my little Yorkie. I am so sad that I'll never get to speak with him again😢

[@rosarioreside3327]

Oh my goodness you are lucky to talk with them Thanks for sharing you story I appreciated❤️😊

[@suefields4254]

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

[@mariannemaloneywitherspoon6335]

Sue, you’re right; felt like I got hit with a sledgehammer. I can’t believe he passed on … but we’ll see him again ‘on the flip side’. Thanks so very much for your post. 6:08

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Eric was a BRILLIANT SONGWRITER with a fantastic voice ❤

[@recordrabbit]

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

[@rgsxyz1105]

He had some horrid plastic surgery.......raised eye brows?

[@ZavaXavier]

You must be proud to be a heartless soulless troll at this time. ​@@rgsxyz1105

[@michaelfirman4700]

Rest easy, Eric ❤

[@tonybonnici5920]

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

[@stevenmercyhill216]

Pretty much every song, especially on that first album is a master class in writing songs, period ... a class which I studied closely when learning to play piano and write my own songs. "Don't Want To Say Goodbye", "Waiting", "I Can Remember", each one demonstrating brilliantly constructed chord progressions and gorgeous melodies. I'm from Cleveland as he was and knew Eric a little bit and got to pick his brain about songwriting, singing, etc. Very cool to hear that his reach extends to Australia!

[@conuregirl007]

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.

[@user-sj7xv1er1u]

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

[@karenk3883]

Cleveland's pride. R.I.P. Eric.

[@trink591122]

My hometown but even here in Australia I’ll always remember

[@brucetowell3432]

@@trink591122 You left C-Town for Down Under?;-)

[@flitebiscuit1592]

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

[@brucetowell3432]

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.

[@deborahkurek2988]

God Bless Eric's family, friends and fans. ❤❤ His music will live on forever

[@MalEvansUSA]

He drove drunk arrested multiple times for dui. A raging drunk and ego maniac. Out of control nut job

[@andyinoregon]

Eric's voice was Cleveland's version of Brian and Carl Wilson. He could easily have fronted a Beach Boys tribute band.

[@MalEvansUSA]

@@deborahkurek2988 his being an out of control drunk will live on as well

[@brucetowell3432]

@@andyinoregon Right Andy...but when I look back and recall all the cover tunes these guys did, do not believe he ever covered a Beach Boy recording, but I could be wrong , cause we are talking well over 50 years ago...I started to see them live in around 1967 at the earliest, and they were doing Left Banke/Beatles/The Who/...in fact they opened for The Who at Music Carnival in 1968...The Who played Magic Bus to open their set...and about a week later Eric and the guys covered that tune at Boston Ski lodge....almost perfect!! thanks for posting!

[@loribradley5634]

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

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Eric Howard Carmen, you will be missed

[@sunnystormy4973]

~ rest in paradise ~ 😔 🕯

[@martyfly8619]

How does evil in this world thrive and we keep losing legends and gentle people like Eric Carmen ? I'll never understand !

[@larryhunter2026]

I agree, maybe God has a special place for Eric. He had such beautiful hair, such a great voice!

[@gritsNgravy-fn5ic]

@marty HOW, Indeed, HOW ?? Not ashamed to say this, but I just broke down in floods of tears. HOW do we lose the VERY people that SO enriched our lives, yet, the sadness lingers, and every day, continues to grow. THANK YOU, Eric for ALL the JOY, Happinesses you gave us ALL. THANK YOU, Eric, THANK YOU !!!!

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

very nicely said, thank you and Eric worked so hard

[@StevenCarinci]

Eric led a fruitful life with a wonderful legacy. Art is long life is short.

[@dalisman]

I mean, he was getting up there, that’s how

[@melissapoole8580]

I have loved you for 36 years since I was 10 years old. I am SO sad you are gone. RIP, and thank you for some of the best songs of my younger life. You shaped many memories for me.

[@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 🙏🏻❤️

[@conniedebruyn8045]

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.

[@cdick]

Céline Dion and Mariah Carey do not cover songs from underrated songwriters.

[@djbryanladd]

I can't believe Eric left us. Rest well, thank you for sharing your gift with us.

[@laurastone6578]

I love his music. So sad on his passing. I hope he knew how loved he was. 😢

[@57highland]

Eric seemed like such a down to earth, sensible guy. I hope life was good to him, music success and fame aside.

[@Thomassina1]

Great interview Russ, Carmen is so humble and open, class act, both men.

[@JayBee3237]

Glad I found this, I don't think I've ever seen an Eric Carmen interview.

[@richalderson6069]

Ecstacy, Go All The Way, Tonight are three of my favourite songs of all time. Thanks for the great music Eric RIP.

[@davidramirez4810]

Very nice guy, he made people happy. RIP.

[@ewolfgirl]

RIP Eric 😢 I wore out his album ‘Boats Against the Current’ in middle school! Beautiful song writer 💙

[@genericman6648]

Sadly, most white fems prefer b.l.k. mails 2day.

[@user-cp2oq2ti5s]

Don't whyt gurlz prefer bahlak guys twoday?

[@margieostrander4637]

I so agree with you he should be inthe rock and roll hall of

[@margieostrander4637]

Fame

[@genericman6648]

@@margieostrander4637 Hey Mahhh-gy, don't you agree with the comment that was left above yours by "O"?

[@calvinbealer7264]

One of Cleveland Finest. RIP Mr Carmen.

[@ZavaXavier]

Such a tragic lost Eric Carmen is one of my favorite male singers/musicians/songwriters. I wish I had a chance to see him in concert. Thanks Eric Carmen for making part of my childhood in the 70s, 80s and early 90s great Rest In Paradise 🕯️🙏🏽🕯️

[@trink591122]

God bless his soul and those around him. I first saw him at the Madison Theatre concert when I was a kid. One of my favourites always.

[@bar-jean]

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

[@Kathy90277]

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.

[@gregorybaker330]

So happy to find this humble interview from a talented,amazing musician. Thanks for the memories. RIP

[@ArmandoRibeiro-pl1wu]

RIP Eric....thanks for the Music..

[@IsmJism]

This hit me hard - Saw him in '76 at St Johns University, Queens NY (Artful Dodger opened) - Then the XCELLENT Raspberries reunion in 2009 (?) - A tremendous talent - Tearing up now...

[@mikea8293]

Thanks for the great tunes Eric! You lived your dream and left us with some great music.

[@muffinman4353]

He can't hear you....

[@supanova4126]

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.

[@teresahegerich8835]

Your five year old is a true sage!❤

[@supanova4126]

@@teresahegerich8835 music is such a timeless bond between generations❤️

[@denisedivelbliss5581]

Didn't know until I saw this. So sad. Such a huge talent. Love Eric and The Raspberries. Rest in Peace.

[@user-fg7fq8yp3h]

Love Eric Carmen's music. He blessed the world with a gorgeous voice that we can listen to. God bless Eric's family.

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

He was so cute in the early seventies. His plastic surgery made him look like a totally different person. He didn't need it. He was brilliant and fine looking as he was. All By Myself is a masterpiece. Go All the Way and other hits with the Raspberries were a pivotal sound of the very early seventies...we all loved them.

[@JeanSorrell]

What plastic surgery? I'm late to the party with this,?,

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

@@JeanSorrell If you can find a very young Eric's picture, he had a very jewish nose, not the button nose he displayed at the time of all the hits in the seventies. He was a cute guy and didn't need the surgery but must have done so for professional reasons. I also think of people like Bobby Goldsboro who had a very prominent nose and had it sliced off to look almost feminine, a cute upturned nose. They do it all the time.

[@CHRISRepAZ]

Is this before plastic surgery?

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

@@CHRISRepAZ I believe he had at least two nose jobs. He had his first rhinoplasty before his string of hits in the seventies, including All By Myself.

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

@@CHRISRepAZ Go to YOu Tube: The Life & Death of Raspberries' ERIC CARMEN to see him before the nose job, then you see him with his first nose job posing with the Rasperries.

[@kimberley-xu8ff]

RIP Eric Carmen. You are now with the Rock and Roll Heaven Choir. We will have your music forever. I have some 45s, LPS that I can listen to. Now we can download. Condolences to your family, friends and fans. Love and Prayers from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦❤️🙏✝️🕯🕊

[@brianogden1789]

You gave us great songs 🎵 and lasting memories. Thanks Eric 😊

[@dgarve]

You need to have at least 7 minutes worth of outtakes. 7 minutes barely scratches the surface! RIP Eric Carmen

[@bender7565]

Very nice guy, especially for a Buckeye. I got all your vinyl, having your 1st Raspberries made me popular at parties when I was 16. Huge fan ever since.

[@123Rockchild]

He was so talented. This one hurts! 😢

[@noemibagalawis1301]

Rip idol Eric Carmen, we will be missed you. Gone too soon 🙏💔

[@ryanjoslyn]

Thank You for this. I had his greatest hits on cd, back in 1989. Great singer … he put the P in power ballad. Excellent Interview, Russ!

[@donniehiland5213]

So sorry to wake up, this morning, to hear that eric Carmen has passed. Loved his music back in the '70s. Another piece of my growing up years now gone....

[@has123456]

🇧🇷 Thanks from Brazil for all your songs, your piano, your voice and your melodies. RIP, ERIC !

[@oscardelta1257]

I don't know if Eric knew how much All By Myself impacted people. Went through the 70's making love just for fun and when the 80's came I said goodbye to old lovers and married, had children and the house with the white picket fence. The "fun" of being single and having no one to answer to was ending for me and several of my friends. Remember listening to All By Myself when it came out and I thought about how the song mirrored my life at the time. Rest in Peace. May you play your piano, guitar and sing in the heavens forevermore Eric.

[@adamfindlay7091]

This's a deep dive chat; very nice.The Raspberries: it does not get better.☮️

[@islandfocus2]

Thank you for sharing your music to the world. You will be missed but your music will live on forever. R.I.P.

[@genevievemcculloch1868]

He is loved!

[@dennyluster3089]

He left us far too soon! Eric was one of my all-time favorite musicians. I will never forget his performance in March, 1976 in LaCrosse, WI.

[@Eric-qv2rz]

I feel old 😢😢😢. Top 10 song All by Myself ""

[@ojmccaf63]

Rip Eric Carmen All By Myself was my favorite

[@imagine2010mjm]

Such a great talent! He will be deeply missed-lots of love to his family and his friends at this difficult time.

[@tonysearightinvestmenteduc2566]

All By Myself..... Don't Want To Be....All By Myself.... Anymore ❤

[@angiefernandez6378]

RIP great songwriter. Until now your Songs are my favorites : All by Myself, Love is all that Matters, Almost Paradise! And just now am learning to play in Piano "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again. Thank you for the Beautiful Songs you left behind. ❤❤❤

[@musicexpert2]

Why only give yourself 7 minutes to interview an artist and rush him? Eric was a great guy. I interviewed him (at greater length) when Dirty Dancing was all the rage . Such a great loss.

[@kell4832]

❤❤ Raspberries should do a Tribute for Eric in Cleveland Ohio and for us fans so we can come together and remember him ❤️❤️

[@francoisverkoczy5659]

Wonderful musician! Great inspiration to me! Rest in peace.

[@sherrisyria4575]

Wonderful interview! We get to see a "slice" of Eric and hear from him a bit about how he ticks! Love!

[@steely_Bob]

RIP Mr. Eric Carmen. Thanks for the great music.

[@enriquesanchez3716]

Thanks Ross for the interview.

[@barbaramoore5070]

You’ll never be forgotten….thanks for alll the great music!!

[@DinoDiRosa]

RIP Eric Howard Carmen.

[@muffinman4353]

The man with three first names.....

[@StillYHWHs]

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

[@user-wl2on1cu9v]

😅he was my favorite singer songwriter of all time..a truly such a talented guy like him deserves more appreciation for what he have done in the music industry...

[@CrownVictoria1984]

Eric Carmen was certainly not an “Overnight Sensation” 😉 RIP my friend.

[@lonibarrett]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing. Rest in peace Eric Carmen.

[@SThompsonRAMM_1203]

I just found out, only yesterday, of Eric's passing. I was 10 when I first heard "Go All the Way". Who didn't fall in love with that song. Then when "Let's Pretend" came out, it was my grade school buddies sister's favorite song. I had the biggest crush on her, watching her sing this song, and it was my favorite as well. Ah, puppy love. The one song I haven't heard mentioned in these interviews, too often overlooked, from his single outing is "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again". Just a hauntingly beautiful song of the loss of love of someone you feel you can't live without. I know, my reading the comments, we are all mourning the loss of a great singer-songwriter, and in that loss we lose a bit of ourselves. Thank you Eric for the music.

[@stevenkessinger7691]

I had an 8 trac tape deck in my hopped up , 72 mustang, . Driving around playing the Raspberries. Introduced my first GF to their music . Then they came to Omaha, Ne. And we saw them with The Who, and Wolfman Jack .They sounded fantastic, Eric hit every note. Loved the song ,, Let's Pretend , . We went back stage right after they finished hoping to meet Eric Carmen and he came out. I was enamored with his whole style. He wore a black, spandex, catsuit , with a layer shag hair cut. His hair All blown out. "You guys are beautiful" I said, not knowing really what to say to him. I remember him asking if we were brother and sister, I said, that's my Girl, then she said " Were only here because of You. Smiling from ear to ear " .these memories come flooding back with his passing. Thank You Eric for the music and the memories.

[@lastchild61trish42]

Rip Eric 🙏Great voice loved all your songs 🎵 condolences to your family.

[@heathharrison6983]

Rest easy Eric!

[@madelinehayes-jk9xl]

always. enjoyed listening to Russ Mitchell :)

[@user-hg2ll3if7r]

8:13 Too sad to contemplate, such a great performer and human being! RIP Eric gone but will never be forgotten. Your legacy will live on. Many thanks for you!! 😢

[@bbalderston125]

Awesome talent. What a great man! RIP. 🙏🏾

[@tensiacovino4676]

Such a loss.. Great talent.. his music will live on.

[@jackgilreath3113]

Cool to see that. He seemed to be a very down to Earth guy.

[@debradireen3625]

I still can’t believe that Eric Carmen is no more His songs were always present in my life. Great songwriter up there with Manilow et al. Sad news when the music fraternity is getting less and less. Much love to Amy and family and EC fans worldwide, from Melbourne, Australia, love and peace❤

[@raythackston1960]

Sad to see any person who has ruined their looks with plastic surgery. He could walk up to me and I would not know him. I am a huge Rasperries and solo music fan.

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Agreed 👍

[@tammycampbell112]

Yes, he doesn't look like himself at all.

[@timeportal8937]

@@tammycampbell112 what was the cause of death?

[@tammycampbell112]

@@timeportal8937 I don't know. He died in his sleep.

[@user-dg5jp7go5t]

A tremendous loss! A child prodigy, musical genius and he was so likeable and intelligent. Rest in music heaven EC🎵

[@mortalclown3812]

Terrific interview. Appreciate this. Rest in paradise, Eric. 💙💫🙏

[@LouieLouie3]

Sad day. As a kid who grew up in the 70’s and later as a musician he had such an influence on me. From the Raspberries to his solo career. Such a gifted musician and songwriter. I was lucky enough to see him perform with Ringo Starr as one of his All Starr’s. RIP Eric.

[@wjerseyfan]

Cruisin Music, Play On, Overnight Sensation, I’m a Rocker, If You Change Your Mind

[@devanmoran]

Rip eric

[@MrFitzgerald58]

Great singer and overall musician. Rest easy, Godspeed 💜

[@lindakelling6647]

I love the songs Never Fall in Love Again, Go All the way, Hungry eyes, All by Myself. I also love is other songs he had a beautiful singing voice ❤❤❤❤

[@ShelleeGraham]

I enjoyed this 7-minute ERIC CARMEN interview very much. Thank you!

[@redcan5254]

He Is About 64 Here ... Brand New Year Was Released December 24 2013 ... He Looks And Sounds Great ... Can't Help Wondering What Happened (???) ... Also ... He Seems Like A Really Nice Person ... Really Enjoyed This Interview ... Thanks ... March 14 2024 (0437 hrs)

[@AirborneAirAssault6565]

A true class act! God given talent and his music will play on! My respects to his family and friends!

[@lindakelling6647]

I love Eric Carmen. . Love his music. He had a great voice. I love the raspberries. RIP Eric. You will be missed. ❤❤❤❤

[@Suzi64grad]

He was simply the best! RIP

[@bcask61]

Another great legendary artist from the greatest period in pop music. Well done Eric Carmen, rest in peace.

[@alanmunoz8961]

Rest in God’s grace Eric! Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto is also my favorite! Thank you for the songs of my youth. ❤️🙏🏽

[@judithrogel5836]

RIP 🕊️🕊️

[@ek6919]

RIP Eric Carmen a musical genius. Russ I have the same Polo shirt you have good taste.

[@maryguy-fo2qk]

this is a great interview

[@aggiesjc]

Ah, Eric -- miss you! Gone too soon...