GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Member, CARMAN, Iconic CCM Trailblazer, Dies at Las Vegas Hospital
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (February 16, 2021) - GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, CARMAN, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital, after fighting a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia.
Carman Dominic Licciardello, known to fans worldwide as “Carman,” was 65.
Born January 19, 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey, Carman began his musical career playing drums in his mother’s band at the age of 15. Carman holds the world record for having the largest audience to see a single Christian artist. He set the record for the largest concert at Texas Stadium with more than 71,000 fans and led more than 80,000 fans in worship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Among his many awards, Carman received the House of Hope of Humanitarian Award for his positive influence in the lives of American youth in 2006, other noted recipients of this award include Ronald & Nancy Reagan and Billy Graham. The Gospel Music Association honored Carman with induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018. Billboard named Carman “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” in 1992 and 1995, and in 1993, his album, Addicted to Jesus, earned the distinction of Contemporary Christian Album of the Year. Carman was Grammy-nominated multiple times as the Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Artist. His recording, “A Long Time Ago in a Land Called Bethlehem” was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Recording Academy in 1986.
In 1985, the release of his first #1 song, "The Champion," solidified his place in music history and defined his soul-winning career as one of endurance, grit, dedication, and pure talent. Anyone who knew Carman knows that he counted only this as his greatest lifetime achievement – winning millions of souls to Christ.
Matt Felts, Carman's manager, states: "When Carman resumed touring again a few years ago, he was concerned that no one would care that he was back. He was wrong. Every night fans packed out venues and his ministry was as powerful as it ever was. This world has lost a light in the darkness but today Carman saw first hand the fruit of his labors.
Carman was planning to embark on a 60-city tour later this month.
For more information, go to CarmanOnTour.com.
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Media Contact:
Aaron Crisler
“There will never be another Carman. His was the very first CCM concert I ever attended. I’ll never forget going to Roberts Municipal Stadium in Evansville, IN with my youth group – I think every youth group went to see him. He was a trendsetter and a trailblazer, who had a vision to impact his audience with groundbreaking music and storytelling through powerful, cinematic videos all with one purpose: to point people to Jesus. I know there are millions today who accepted Christ at one of his concerts. As kids, I remember me and my friends acting out his song, “The Champion.” He made it cool to be a Christian. Never in a million years would I think that 25 years later I would get to know this man and call him a friend. Carman, we will miss you, but I know we will see you again.”
- Jason Crabb | 2-time GRAMMY® Winner, Christian music artist, songwriter, author, actor, tv host
Carman and I were label mates at Benson Records in the early ‘90s when I was in East to West, and we toured together. Neal and I were on his show on TBN, ‘Times Two.’ He will forever leave his mark on Christian music with songs like, “The Champion”, "Radically Saved,” and “Revival in the Land” among others, that will remain timeless. Carman’s stage shows were without equal, he was inspiring to watch. He was the consummate pro, and I was proud to call him my friend. It would be hard to fathom how many millions were led to Christ through his music and ministry. He will be missed but never forgotten.
- Jay DeMarcus, owner of Red Street Records (Christian Music Label), member of Rascal Flatts