Eric Carmen, 'All By Myself' Singer, Passes Away at 74

Eric Carmen, a 74-year-old singer-songwriter famous especially for his hits 'All By Myself' and 'Hungry Eyes', has died. His wife announced this on the singer's official website. The American star became famous with the Raspberries group and then established himself as a solo artist with successful songs including 'Hungry Eyes', featured in the 1987 film 'Dirty Dancing' with Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze. Other great solo successes include 'All By Myself' from 1975, present in the iconic opening scene of the movie 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and later covered by Celine Dion. As a songwriter, Carmen wrote 'Almost Paradise' from the 'Footloose' soundtrack, as well as 'Never Gonna Fall In Love Again' and 'Make Me Lose Control'. 'It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of Eric Carmen's passing', reads the statement from his wife Amy. 'Our sweet, loving, and talented Eric died in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know that for decades his music has touched so many people and it will be his legacy forever'. The Ohio-born singer co-founded the Raspberries in the early '70s along with Jim Bonfanti and Wally Bryson, to which Dave Smalley later joined. They released their debut album 'Raspberries' in 1972, with songs that achieved success in the charts including 'Go All The Way'. After four albums together, the band dissolved in 1975 and Eric Carmen began his solo career, achieving success in the emerging soft rock movement.