Eric Carmen has amassed an impressive amount of hit singles over his long career, whether it be as a member of the influential power pop outfit the Raspberries, as a solo artist, or as a songwriter for others. Born on August 11, 1949, in Cleveland, OH, Carmen began his musical training at an early age -- by the age of six, he was taking violin lessons, and by 11, he was playing piano and penning his own original compositions. With his discovery of the Beatles during the early '60s, Carmen's attention shifted toward rock & roll, as he began playing piano and singing with high school bands.