Eric Carmen, the former singer of the group The Raspberries, has died

Alexandre Bozio / Photo credit: @YouTube screenshot - Eric Carmen 2:02 p.m., March 12, 2024

His song

released in 1975 has spanned the decades after being covered by Celine Dion.

Eric Carmen, former singer in the group The Raspberries, died on the night of March 9 to 10 at the age of 74.

His death was announced by his wife through a press release published on the official website dedicated to the artist, without specifying where his death occurred.

“It is with immense 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.” 

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Several solo successes

"He was very happy to know that for decades his music touched so many people and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family's privacy as we mourn our tremendous loss," the statement continued. 

It was at the age of 21 that Eric Carmen launched into pop-rock music.

With his group The Raspberries, greatly influenced by the Beatles and The Hollies, he produced several singles such as 

and

in 1972 and

and

the following year.

The band's first album featured a raspberry-scented scratch-and-sniff sticker.

But success was not there and they separated in 1975. 

Eric Carmen, who also plays guitar and piano, then began a solo career which was much more successful.

His hit 

covered in 1996 by Céline Dion, was a great success.

The title

, present in the soundtrack of the film

, will also contribute to the singer's fame.

His song

, which he co-wrote for the film "Footloose", earned him a Grammy nomination.

Note that he will join his former group partners for a final tour in 2004.