ERIC CARMEN
Eric Carmen (born August 11, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist. He scored numerous hit songs across the 1970’s and 1980’s, first as a member of the Raspberries (who had a million-selling single with “Go All The Way”), and then with his solo career, including hits such as “All By Myself”, “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”, “She Did It”, “Hungry Eyes”, and “Make Me Lose Control”. (More from Wikipedia)
When Eric Carmen, a fan of the band in its early years, auditioned to join the Choir, he was rejected and instead became a member of Cyrus Erie (which was named for a brand of tractor). He turned his hurt feelings into revenge by stealing away their best musicians; and before long, Cyrus Erie was widely regarded as the best band in the Cleveland area. The tug of war between the two bands went on for awhile; but ultimately and ironically, the Raspberries were formed by Eric Carmen with three core members of the Choir: Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Jim Bonfanti. The Raspberries released several albums in the early 1970’s and had a number of hits, particularly “Go All the Way”. The band is remembered for their intelligent pop craftsmanship; and they are cited as influences by artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Paul Stanley of KISS, Tom Petty, and Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses. The Raspberries reformed in 2004 and were the first performers when the House of Blues opened a venue in Cleveland. They began to receive so many requests for “It’s Cold Outside” that the Choir also came together for a two-night stand in 2006.
Eric Carmen also had success as a singer-songwriter with “All by Myself” and, more than 10 years later, with “Hungry Eyes” from the soundtrack of the film Dirty Dancing. He penned several songs that were hits for others as well, including two hits for teen heartthrob Shaun Cassidy, and “Almost Paradise” from the Footloose soundtrack, which was a duet by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson, the lead singers of Loverboy and Heart, respectively.
Eric Carmen also had success as a singer-songwriter with “All by Myself” and, more than 10 years later, with “Hungry Eyes” from the soundtrack of the film Dirty Dancing. He penned several songs that were hits for others as well, including two hits for teen heartthrob Shaun Cassidy, and “Almost Paradise” from the Footloose soundtrack, which was a duet by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson, the lead singers of Loverboy and Heart, respectively.
(February 2010)
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