Eric Carmen
We lost another legend. Eric Carmen, the lead singer of The Raspberries, whose soulful voice and electrifying stage presence defined an era of 1970s rock and roll, passed away on March 12, 2024, at 75. Carmen’s voice soared above the driving rhythms and catchy tunes as the lead singer of The Raspberries. His raw emotion and undeniable charisma captivated audiences. He was one of the best rock singer-frontmen ever because of how he moved on stage and how his voice sounded.
With hits like “Go All the Way,” “I Wanna Be with You,” and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record),” The Raspberries became one of the first bands to define what power-pop music sounds like. Beyond his work with The Raspberries, Carmen enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing a string of hit singles, including “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes.” He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Karl Wallinger
Karl Wallinger, the visionary force behind the band World Party, died at 67. He also performed with The Waterboys and did a lot of soundtrack work. Wallinger has left a legacy of enduring songs with his unusual rock, pop, and folk blend. With hits like “Ship of Fools” and “Way Down Now,” Wallinger demonstrated his knack for crafting infectious melodies and insightful lyrics that resonated with audiences worldwide. My favorite album of his was Goodbye Jumbo.
Writer Bob Lefsetz wrote a fitting tribute for both artists here.