What was Eric Carmen's net worth?
Eric Carmen was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death. Eric Carmen was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in August 1949. He died in March 2024 at the age of 74.
Best known for his work as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the power pop band The Raspberries, as well as his successful solo career, Carmen has penned and performed numerous hit songs that have become timeless classics.
He helped form the band the Raspberries, which released four studio albums and had a hit with the single "Go All the Way," which sold more than a million copies. The Raspberries helped to pioneer the power pop style and had fans including Ringo Starr and Courtney Love.
Carmen released his self-titled debut solo studio album in 1975. It reached #21 on the charts. His most successful singles were "All By Myself" and "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again," which both reached #1 on multiple charts. He also had hits with songs such as "She Did It," "Make Me Lose Control," and "Hungry Eyes". Carmen composed songs for other artists such as Shaun Cassidy, Olivia Newton-John, Celine Dion, and Diana Ross.
Eric Carmen of The Raspberries (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Early Life
Eric Carmen was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in music, particularly in classical music and rock and roll. He began studying piano at the age of six and later learned to play the guitar and bass. Carmen's musical influences were diverse, ranging from The Beatles and The Beach Boys to Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. He attended John Marshall High School in Cleveland, where he participated in various musical activities and formed his first band, The Fugitives.
The Raspberries
In 1970, Eric Carmen formed The Raspberries with fellow Cleveland musicians Wally Bryson, David Smalley, and Jim Bonfanti. The band quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and catchy, well-crafted songs. Carmen served as the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, penning hits such as "Go All The Way," "I Wanna Be With You," and "Let's Pretend." The Raspberries' music, characterized by its harmony-rich vocals, jangly guitars, and hook-laden melodies, played a significant role in the power pop movement of the 1970s. The band released four albums between 1972 and 1974 before disbanding due to creative differences and frustration with the music industry.
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Solo Career
Following the dissolution of The Raspberries, Eric Carmen embarked on a successful solo career. His self-titled debut album, released in 1975, showcased a more mature and introspective sound, featuring the hit single "All By Myself," a powerful ballad that reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also included the top 40 hit "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again." Carmen's second solo album, "Boats Against the Current," was released in 1977 and featured another top 40 hit, "She Did It."
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Carmen continued to release solo albums and collaborate with other artists. He co-wrote the song "Almost Paradise" with Dean Pitchford for the film "Footloose," which became a top 10 hit in 1984. Carmen's solo work often showcased his ability to blend rock, pop, and classical influences, creating a unique and emotionally resonant sound.
Personal Life & Death
Eric Carmen was married three times and had two children. On March 11, 2024, Eric's wife Amy announced that he had died "over the weekend" in his sleep at the age of 74.
Eric continued living in his native Ohio for much of his life even after achieving stardom. In December 2020 he paid $845,000 for a home in Gates Mills, Ohio set on 4.5 ares of lush grounds.
