The Legacy of Eric Carmen’s ‘All by Myself’ in Pop Culture

“All by Myself” is a poignant ballad by American singer-songwriter Eric Carmen. Featured on his self-titled debut album, the song showcases Carmen’s ability to blend classical influences with contemporary rock, creating a timeless piece that has touched the hearts of many. The track achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for over one million copies sold.

All by Myself

Classical Inspiration: The verse melody of “All by Myself” is based on the second movement (Adagio sostenuto) of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Opus 18. Carmen initially believed the piece was in the public domain, but after discovering it was still under copyright, he arranged for the Rachmaninoff estate to receive 12% of the royalties from the song.

Chorus Origin: The chorus of “All by Myself” was adapted from “Let’s Pretend,” a song Carmen wrote and recorded with his previous band, the Raspberries, in 1972.

Guitar Solo: The distinctive slide guitar solo in the song was performed by renowned studio guitarist Hugh McCracken, adding a unique texture to the track.

Chart Performance: While “All by Myself” peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, it reached number one on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart and number three in Canada.

Cultural Impact: The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Céline Dion, whose 1996 rendition brought the song to a new generation. Additionally, “All by Myself” has appeared in various films and television shows, cementing its status as a classic ballad.

Video