Eric Carmen, “All By Myself” writer and singer dead at 74
Sad news broke on Monday. Singer-songwriter and performer Eric Carmen died at the age of 74. His career spanned decades, and encompasses musical styles from Beatlesque power pop to adult contemporary power ballads.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” his wife, Amy Carmen, wrote on the singer’s website. wrote. “Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss. ‘Love Is All That Matters… Faithful and Forever.’”
The latter quote from Carmen’s wife is a callback to the song “Love Is All That Matters,” from his 1977 solo album “Boats Against the Current.” No cause of death or exact date of death has been announced.
While he and his pop/rock group the Raspberries released Top 40 hits like “Go All The Way,” “I Wanna Be With You,” and more in the 70s, Carmen made his mark as a solo artist under the auspices of Arista records and Clive Davis with songs like “All By Myself,” most famously covered by Celine Dion in the 1990s. He also performed “Hungry Eyes” a huge hit from the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
“All By Myself” is one of the most oft covered songs on TV talent shows
Why it’s important for this blog to cover Carmen’s death? “All By Myself” has been covered over the last two decades by a SLEW of TV talent show contestants, from every popular competition show, including American Idol, The Voice, X Factor and America’s Got Talent. After a quick search on Youtube, dozens of covers turned up, from competitions all over the world.
“All By Myself” is arguably one of the most oft-covered songs on singing shows, especially by vocalists who can belt the high notes.
However, while Celine Dion’s version is beloved, rock fans are partial to the ORIGINAL OG VERSION by Carmen. (We here at the blog are ALWAYS careful to give Carmen the byline each time the song is covered, despite the singers’ likely nod to Celine!)
Eric Carmen performs “All By Myself” on Midnight Special…probably the mid 70s.
Here is Celine Dion’s version at the Grammy Awards in 1997
Check out the Raspberries infectious mega hit, “Go All The Way” – Mike Douglas Show 1974
And SO MANY VERSIONS by singing show alums
I tried to round up as many as I could find. NBC is quick to nuke The Voice USA uploads on Youtube. I KNOW I probably missed something! Mention it in comments if you recall a special version.
LaToya London, American Idol season 3
The song was so popular, Jasmine Trias ALSO from season 3 ALSO sang “All By Myself”
American Idol season 10 finalist Pia Toscano’s EPIC rendition of “All By Myself.”
X Factor season 3 winner, Leona Lewis’ version of “All By Myself”
More recently, American Idol season 19 2nd runner-up Grace Kinster covered “All By Myself”
American Idol season 21 Top 20 contestant Olivia Soli also covered “All By Myself”
Kid singer, Peter Rosalita sang “All By Myself” on America’s Got Talent season 16
John Holiday sang “All By Myself” employing his unusual countertenor for season 19
The Voice season 23 singer Kylee Dayne belted “All By Myself” for the Knockouts
Believe it or not, this incredible version of “All By Myself” did NOT save Kim Cruse at The Voice season 22 semifinals! Omar Jose Cardona would advance instead.
