Singer/songwriter and musician Eric Howard Carmen was born 74 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, is married and has 2 children.
As a toddler, he used to amuse his mum and dad by imitating Johnnie Ray and Jimmy Durante and also began to learn music. He studied the violin at 6 years old under the supervision of his aunt who was a violinist and also learnt the piano by the time he reached 11.
Whilst in high school, Eric joined several rock groups where he sang and played the piano. At the age of 15, in just 4 months, he even taught himself the guitar. As a University student, Eric became a member of a band named ‘Cyrus Erie’ which, however, split up in the late 60s.
Another group was created named ‘Raspberries’ of which Eric was the lead vocalist, and also wrote the band’s songs. After the band dissolved in 1975, Eric pursued a solo career.
Two singles were released in 1976, namely ‘All by Myself’ and ‘Never gonna fall in love Again’, which were both successful and entered the US as well as the UK charts. The single ‘All by Myself’ sold more than one million copies alone.
Until 1980, Eric issued 3 more albums, which although did include some successful hits, apparently did not reach Eric’s expectations, so he decided to take a break from music.
After a 4-year hiatus, Eric released another album and did have a couple of successful songs. Then in 1987, he sang ‘Hungry Eyes’ for the movie ‘Dirty Dancing’ which was a big hit.
During his +50-year career, Eric had 10 albums and 14 singles as a solo artist and 8 albums and 10 singles with the group ‘The Raspberries’.
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