Eric Carmen

I listen primarily to Classical, and of course two of his biggest hits were lifted straight out of Rachmaninov pieces, so I just kind of had him pegged as some plagiarizing low life.  Later he became a meme between my wife and I, because if one of us had to beg off some obligation that we had to leave the other spouse to fulfill, the stuck spouse would sing “I’ll have to go all by myself…”

  I finally Googled him not long ago and he at least was up front about his borrowings, apparently having stemmed by a real love of Rachmaninov.  Not that he could have denied it because they are so blatant, and yes must have profited quite handsomely, but his heart was in the right place.

R.I.P.

I read Eric Cartman but he is from Colorado, and not 74.

my condolences to his family. the rasberries were pretty great and "let's pretend" and "go all the way" are power pop classics. that said, he stuck in more chords per stanza than anyone i've ever heard and (especially considering my muscial ineptitude) i found his songs almost impossible to play.

@loomisjohnson: For a song in which the chords fly by at a brisk pace, give "This Whole World" by Brian Wilson a listen. It's found on The Beach Boys Sunflower album, and is exhilarating!

The wife and I are streaming all his hits now in honor of his life. Since we need be somewhere in about 30 minutes, it will be perfect timing.  All kidding aside, We are singing along.  I love Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 and every time I hear it, I sing along...

RIP Eric C