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I first discovered Eric Carmen through his work with The Raspberries. As a twelve-year-old wannabe power-pop kid, the 45’s of “Go All the Way” and “I Wanna Be With You” held sacred places in my juke box. Later, Eric’s first solo album, and the live shows I saw him perform at the Roxy on Sunset (two drummers!), inspired me to record his song, “That’s Rock n’ Roll.” It became my very first hit in the world, going top five in Australia before I was even out of high school. When my first album was released in America, “That’s Rock n’ Roll” became my second hit after “Da Doo Ron Ron.” It has been the opening number at every live show I’ve performed since.

“I have another song for you,” Eric said when he called me in the middle of this madness. He was renting a house in L.A.’s Benedict Canyon, and he invited nineteen-year-old me over for a visit. After sharing a bottle of wine and listening to his new album, “Boats Against the Current,” Eric shared a demo of a song he’d recently written called “Hey Deanie.” Eric told me the song had been inspired by Natalie Wood’s character in the film “Splendor in the Grass” and that he thought it would be perfect follow up single for me. Well, what Eric didn’t know is that I knew Natalie, and like Eric, I’d always kind of had a crush on her. “Hey Deanie” would go on to become a major hit for me as well, and to this day, it remains my favorite of the singles.

When I recently visited the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, I was thrilled to see an entire wall dedicated to Eric and The Raspberries. Eric was a seminal influence in my life and he played a wildly important part in my early career. Tonight, like so many, I mourn his passing, and send my love to his wife, Amy, and the entire Carmen family. God bless you, Eric. Thanks for inspiring us all. #EricCarmen #Raspberries #ThatsRocknRoll #MagicOfAMidnightSky
Edited · 20h