US singer-songwriter Eric Carmen, best known for hits Hungry Eyes, and All By Myself, has died aged 74.
The US singer went on to release Hungry Eyes, which featured in the 1987 movie, Dirty Dancing, starring the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
Eric Carmen will also be remembered for his 1975 hit All By Myself, which was used in the opening scenes of Bridget Jones’ Diary.
The singer also scribed Almost Paradise from the Footloose soundtrack, starring Kevin Bacon, along with Never Gonna Fall In Love Again, and Make Me Lose Control.
“heartbreaking news”
Eric Carmen’s death was confirmed by his wife Amy, who released this statement on his official website.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen”, she said. “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”.
Amy signed off her statement with the words “love is all that matters… faithful and forever” taken from Eric’s 1977 track Boats Against The Current.
Carmen quickly established as a solo artist, having started his career with pop group, The Raspberries alongside Wally Bryson and Jim Bonfanti in the 1970s.
They were later joined by Dave Smalley, following John Aleksic’s departure.
Having released their debut album in 1972, The Raspberries reached chart success with the song Go All The Way, which was later banned by the BBC due to its sexualised lyrics.
It later featured on the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack.
The band broke up in 1975, with Eric Carmen going on to enjoy a hugely successful solo career.
His death comes following the news that Karl Wallinger, best known for his work with The Waterboys, and World Party, died aged 66.
