In an ideal world, Raspberries would have achieved monumental success. Their second single, “Go All the Way,” sold over a million copies in 1972, which led to a coveted gold certification. It appeared they were on a promising trajectory toward lasting fame.

However, internal conflicts ultimately led to the disbandment of this Cleveland-based group after the release of their album Starting Over in 1974. Over a brief span of just three years, they had impressively produced four albums, along with a series of memorable singles such as “I Wanna Be With You,” “Tonight,” and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record).” These tracks showcased the band’s remarkable songwriting abilities. While music enthusiasts at the time may not have recognized the term “power pop,” Raspberries played a pivotal role in shaping its definition, blending lush harmonies with a robust, guitar-driven sound that delivered an exhilarating musical experience.

Despite their strong musical portfolio, it would take several decades before the broader public fully recognized and appreciated the genius of Raspberries. Interestingly, they garnered admiration from some notable fans along the way. In the liner notes of the 2007 release, Raspberries: Live on Sunset Strip, Bruce Springsteen recalled driving to Asbury Park with a Raspberries cassette playing in his truck. He described them as “the great underrated power pop masters,” praising their “Beach Boys harmonies” and “crunchy Who guitars.” He highlighted “Overnight Sensation” as a track worthy of being recognized as one of the finest mini rock opera masterpieces ever created. Other artists like Paul Stanley, Axl Rose, and Tom Petty have also publicly expressed their appreciation for the band throughout the years.

Enjoy Raspberries’ Vibrant Track ‘Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)’ Here

After a failed reunion attempt in the late ’90s, the classic lineup of Raspberries, featuring vocalist Eric Carmen, guitarist Wally Bryson, bassist Dave Smalley, and drummer Jim Bonfanti, finally managed to reunite. Their official reunion kicked off in late 2004 with a hometown concert in Cleveland to commemorate the opening of the local House of Blues. Author Ken Sharp, known for his work on Kiss, Cheap Trick, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono, was astounded by this unexpected turn of events. Despite having published a well-received book in 1993 titled Overnight Sensation: The Story of Raspberries, he had little hope that the band would reunite.

DISCOVER MORE: Ranking Raspberries’ Best Albums

Sharp learned about the reunion during a visit to Cleveland, where he delivered a special hardcover edition of Marathon Man, the book he co-authored about Carmen, directly to the singer. “One of the first things [the vocalist] said was, ‘You know, the band is getting back together,'” he recalls in a recent episode of the UCR Podcast, which you can listen to below. This revelation stunned both him and his co-author Bernie Hogya. “I’m pretty sure I asked, ‘What band?’ and that’s when he broke the news about Raspberries having an offer [for a reunion],” he shares. Both Bernie and I felt as though we were walking on air.”

The subsequent concerts proved to be a rewarding experience, showcasing the enduring appeal of Raspberries. The four original members were accompanied on stage by additional musicians, including future Taylor Swift guitarist Paul Sidoti, a fellow Cleveland native. These additional players, humorously dubbed “The Overdubs,” provided Raspberries with the necessary musical capabilities to faithfully recreate the intricate arrangements of their original recordings. “In most reunion concerts, you often have to adjust your expectations a bit,” he explains. “Oh, it’s decent. However, with Raspberries, they truly exceeded all expectations.”

The release of 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy played a crucial role in introducing Raspberries’ music to new audiences, with their hit single “Go All the Way” prominently featured in the film and on its soundtrack, alongside tracks from David Bowie, the Jackson 5, 10cc, the Runaways, and others. This exposure ultimately earned the band their first platinum album, a long-awaited milestone. “The film Guardians of the Galaxy serves as a gateway for a newer audience,” he says. “It’s an incredible testament to the timeless quality of their music.”

EXPLORE MORE: Soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy Features Iconic Tracks, Including Raspberries

Sharp has recently published a new edition of his book. The original Overnight Sensation had been long out of print for over three decades. Initially planning just a straightforward reprint, he discovered that the original publisher was no longer in business, necessitating a complete recreation of the book from scratch. Partnering with designer Jim Horan once again, the duo expanded the book from its original 350 pages to over 820 pages. This new edition features fresh and extended interviews with Raspberries and key figures associated with the band, such as producer Jimmy Ienner. It also includes essays from friends, family, road crew members, and insiders. Packed with rare photos, concert reviews, and memorabilia, Overnight Sensation tells the comprehensive story of Raspberries in a truly affectionate manner. Fans can order this extensive book directly from Sharp.

So, where should newcomers start their journey into the world of Raspberries after being captivated by their singles? For Sharp, the answer is straightforward: 1973’s Side 3. “It’s my favorite album of all time. I think Jim [Bonfanti] once mentioned to me, possibly in the book, that he kind of wishes it had been the first album,” the author explains. “I truly enjoy all four records; each possesses its unique character. While I could have easily leaned towards Starting Over as well, I believe Side 3 truly encapsulated what they aimed to achieve from the very beginning and how they sounded in live performances. I would elevate many of these tracks, such as ‘Tonight‘, ‘Ecstasy‘, to be among the most incredible pop songs ever created. I hope this doesn’t upset anyone, but I consider [those songs] to be on par with ‘Go All the Way‘ in terms of brilliance. I would recommend starting there and then exploring their other albums.”

Listen to Raspberries’ Captivating Track ‘Tonight’

“In my opinion, they haven’t received the respect they truly deserve,” Springsteen adds in the book. Considering the vast landscape of power pop music that exists today, he poses a poignant question: what about Raspberries? The band, he insists, “created at least one full album filled with exemplary classics.” He underscores his point with one last thought. “At that time, [they were] they were considered not cool, primarily because they produced hit after hit, but their quality was undeniable.”

Listen to Ken Sharp on the ‘UCR Podcast’ for More Insights