Carman, CCM Trailblazer and GMA Hall of Fame Member, Dies

GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Carman passed away Feb. 16, 2021 in Las Vegas following complications from surgery on a hiatal hernia. He was 65.

Born Carman Dominic Licciardello in Trenton, New Jersey, Carman began his career playing drums in his mother’s band at 15. He holds the world record for having the largest audience at a solo Christian artist concert, 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.

In 1985, he released his first No. 1 song, “The Champion,” and began solidifying his place in music history and defining his career as one of endurance, grit, dedication, and pure talent. 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 the award include Ronald & Nancy Reagan and Billy Graham. He was inducted 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 nominated for Grammys multiple times as the Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Artist, and his album, A Long Time Ago in a Land Called Bethlehem, was nominated for Album of the Year by the Recording Academy in 1986.

Those close to Carman know that he counted only this as his greatest lifetime achievement—winning millions of souls to Christ.

“When Carman resumed touring again a few years ago, he was concerned that no one would care that he was back,” said Matt Felts, Carman’s manager. “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 firsthand the fruit of his labors.”

At the time of his death, Carman was planning to embark on a 60-city tour later this month.