Icon QUIT Singing at his PEAK Cuz He HATED OWN Voice…Waged HUGE Comeback in 1987!—Professor of Rock

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Published 2024-03-21
RIP Eric Carmen… the iconic artist who sang the lead vocal on several, iconic classics, but he never liked his voice. His dream wasn’t to be a singer… In fact, he was a child prodigy who began his classic training as a violinist and pianist, but that all changed when he saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Eric Carmen became the frontman for a short-lived, yet highly influential band named Raspberries, composed the smash Go All the Way that was banned by the BBC, and when he embarked on a solo career… his first hit, All By Myself, became his first hit, a timeless, emotional masterpiece. Then… he left the limelight to concentrate on just being a songwriter, but he was convinced to sing someone else’s song for a movie nobody believed in. That song was Hungry Eyes. It would forge his comeback and set up another hit after that… Make Me Lose Control. We pay tribute and tell the story behind three of the greatest hits of this late great, truly gifted artist …NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember the TV movies of the week from back in the day, you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now. and click the bell so you always know when our latest and greatest shows come out. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.

By the time he was 3 years old, the featured artist in this episode was recognized as a “musical prodigy. His aptitude for music was so apparent that his parents enrolled him in the prestigious Preparatory Division of the Cleveland Institute to study piano and violin. Before he turned 6, he was learning to play the violin from his aunt Muriel, who was a violinist with the Cleveland Orchestra.

Throughout his adolescence, he was surrounded by classical music. But on February 9th, 1964, at age 14, he saw The Beatles' historical appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, and he contracted an unshakeable case of Rock n’ Roll fever, and developed a burning desire to be on stage, perform his own songs, just like the Fab Four. About 8 years later…..his dream came true.

This is a tribute to this very talented, ambitious singer, lyricist, and musician named Eric Carmen, who passed away on Monday, March 11th, 2024, and.. the story behind a few of his greatest hits.

Eric Carmen worked his way to the national spotlight as the lead singer & frontman for the Raspberries, a name that came to them in a moment of exasperation when Eric threw up his hands and yelled out “Awwww raspberries!” Just like the “little rascals” used to say on the black & white TV series, Our Gang from the 30’s:

The Cleveland-based quintet was only around for about 4 years, but they made a big splash, with some clever gimmicks and irresistibly pop songs. Not only was Eric recognized as a budding lyricist, he was a bonafide teen heartthrob.

The self-titled debut Raspberries LP included one of the best Eric Carmen tunes, and one of the most iconic pop hits of the 70s…the Top 5 smash “Go All the Way,” that blasts off with a monster guitar riff and an urgent blast of...

All Comments (21)
  • @thefrickin5509
    In the 90’s I installed a phone line in his house. Of course there was an incredible white grand piano in his living room. I read the name on the order and thought there’s no way. He answered the door and all I could say was It is you! He just smiled and said It is me. While I was there he offered me some water and made sure not to hover as I did my work. He was so grounded, charismatic, funny and just an amazing person. You never heard of him being a diva, he just lived a quiet life in a Cleveland suburb. BTW my older sister has the original Raspberry’s album. No, it doesn’t smell anymore but it did last a couple of years. I’m glad that I have such a great memory of him. Rest in peace Eric. You will be sorely missed.
  • @kickasskris
    I asked my grandmother once what the hardest part of getting older was. She said it was watching your childhood heroes age and pass as you get deeper into adulthood. I’m beginning to believe she was right. RIP Eric Carmen. I’m so thankful for all you gave us.
  • @DanieVargas
    Eric Carmen is DEAD?! And his death was LAST WEEK?! There was NOTHING announced that he’d passed away! I’m a little heartbroken…. I’ve loved listening to his music and his voice. Yet another reminder that we’re ALL getting old. Rest in Peace, Mr Carmen. Your voice and your songs will be remembered through time eternal. 😢
  • @christineml1476
    Eric Carmen had a gorgeous voice, but he didn't grace us with enough of it. RIP Eric.
  • Just checked my Raspberries LP from 1972. Yes, the scratch n sniff cover still smells like raspberries after 50+ years!
  • @rakentrail
    Professor, Eric was the reason I got my first kiss! When I was 15 my guitar teacher put 4 kids together as a band. (2 guitars, bass and drums) I was lead guitar and lead vocals. It was for a recital and were were the final act with three songs. Well, we snuck in a 4th song for an encore without the teachers knowledge! The crowd (mostly family) went nuts when we played Go All the Way as the encore song and I got a kiss from a real cutie after the show! I told Eric this on Twitter and we became good Twitter friends! So sad that he left us!
  • @thomaswhite7783
    The uncut version of "All By Myself" was simply breathtaking
  • @raychapa4257
    Professor of Rock needs to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Love his enthusiasm and historical knowledge.
  • Few years ago I posted a supportive comment to one of Eric's posts on Twitter. I don't even remember what the topic was, but to my surprise he sent me a private message thanking me. I replied that I really appreciated his music and thought his debut solo album was a masterpiece. He replied with thanks and added, "I guess I'm kinda proud of that one." Struck me as a genuine and humble guy.
  • @MaggieValera
    I was working at Denny's in the 80s and wound up sitting in a booth next to me and read me my horoscope. We just sat there chatting it was so lovely. I thanked him for the contributions he made to my life when he got up to leave. He is missed.
  • @coolnegative
    "Turn the radio up for that sweet sound...." .......indeed, Mr. Carmen, indeed.
  • I was a 70s rock guy who absolutlely LOVED Eric Carmen. The news of his recent passing is just annother reminder that time is a bastard.
  • @waynevia6976
    My favorite Eric Carmen song is never gonna fall in love again. He was a great singer. R.I.P. Eric Carmen.
  • @airfriedquadsbw
    I waited his table several times around 2015. He always had a smile, and treated everyone with kindness. Encountering him, people would never have known of his fame. He didn't expect anything extra and just appeared as a regular guy. Theat was the part that made it special for me. Just a nice guy. Glad I met him. But then again, I am glad when I meet most people, good experiences are all around us. One last "Thank You" to Eric Carmen!
  • @lorrainethepain
    When I heard Eric Carmen had died, I started bawling like a baby. I loved his voice and I loved his songs. It was almost as though he had three musical careers. I will miss him dearly...
  • @davidgreer1785
    I used to think the song was “Please go away” … what a difference ;)
  • @steveco360
    "Go All the Way" will always be special for me. Summer of '72, just ready to graduate high school. I was 17, she was 16, we did, and it was beautiful. Even though it ended a year later, I'll always love that girl.
  • @vickinoeske1154
    How could nothing zero zip nada of Eric's passing been mentioned in the news? He was such a talented songwriter musician. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace.😢💔🕊
  • @TheRoadDawg
    There’s just nothing like taking these rides with Adam back to my hay day. I graduated high school in 1985, so 99% of these episodes bring back special moments throughout my life. I never know what forgotten moments will reawaken when I watch a new episode. Thanks so very much my friend!