Carman: complete biography and discography with all his albums and songs

Carman Domenic Licciardello, known artistically as «Carman», was one of the pioneers of CCM and the creator of the theatrical «story-songs» about spiritual warfare: almost nine minutes of «The Champion» were enough to turn him into a legend of Christian music, with attendance records no other solo artist in the genre has matched. In this article we cover his complete life story and his entire discography, album by album. If you want to listen to Carman with his videos, here we also tell you where to find Carman’s songs gathered on Música Cristiana.

1. Complete biography

Early years, conversion and first records (1956-1984)

Carman Domenic Licciardello was born on January 19, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey, into an Italian-American family: his mother was a noted accordionist and as a child he performed in her band. He learned drums at age 5, guitar at 15 and began singing at 16; as a teenager he played in Atlantic City casinos and dropped out of high school at 17. Seeking a music career he moved to Las Vegas, and while visiting his sister in California he attended an Andraé Crouch concert where he became a born-again Christian. In 1980 he released his debut «God’s Not Finished with Me», caught the attention of Bill Gaither and opened for the Bill Gaither Trio; in October 1981 he signed with Priority Records and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The pioneer of «story-songs» and the attendance records (1985-1999)

Carman pioneered the «story-songs»: theatrical, operatic songs about spiritual warfare, such as «The Champion», «Satan, Bite the Dust», «A Witch’s Invitation» and «The Courtroom». His evangelistic multimedia show took him to historic records: 71,132 people at Texas Stadium on October 22, 1994 (the largest audience for a single Christian artist), 80,000 in Chattanooga and more than 50,000 in Johannesburg. He was a frequent host on TBN, especially of the flagship program «Praise the Lord», and starred in the variety series «Time 2» (1992-1997). He sold more than 10 million records and starred in the film «Carman: The Champion» (2001).

Cancer, marriage and the final years (2000-2021)

In 2013 he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, with a prognosis of 3 to 4 years to live; that same year his Kickstarter campaign for a new album raised more than $230,000. In 2014 the cancer went into remission and he released «No Plan B»; in December 2017, at age 61, he married Dana Morrow. In January 2020 he announced the cancer had returned, but he resumed touring in June of that year. His last concert was on January 16, 2021, in Splendora, Texas. He died on February 16, 2021, in a Las Vegas hospital at age 65, from complications after surgery. In 2018 he had been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

2. Complete discography

Carman’s complete discography

This is the complete list of his releases, in chronological order. Tap an album name to go straight to its section, with its cover and verified tracklist: studio albums are in section 3; live albums and compilations are in section 8. Singles are in section 5.

• God’s Not Finished with Me (1980) — studio album
• Some-o-Dat (1982) — studio album
• Sunday’s on the Way (1983) — live album
• Comin’ On Strong (1984) — studio album
• The Champion (1985) — studio album
• A Long Time Ago…In a Land Called Bethlehem (1986) — studio album
• Live… Radically Saved (1987) — live album
• Revival in the Land (1989) — studio album
• Addicted to Jesus (1991) — studio album
• Shakin’ the House…Live (1991) — live album
• Yo Kidz! — Heroes, Stories, and Songs from the Bible (1992) — studio album
• The Standard (1993) — studio album
• The Absolute Best (1993) — compilation
• Yo Kidz! 2: The Armor of God (1994) — studio album
• Lo Mejor (1995) — compilation
• R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth) (1995) — studio album
• Carman’s Yo Kidz – The Hitz (1996) — compilation
• I Surrender All: 30 Classic Hymns (1997) — studio album
• Mission 3:16 (1998) — studio album
• Passion for Praise, Vol. 1 (1999) — studio album
• Heart of a Champion (2000) — compilation
• House of Praise (2003) — studio album
• Live and Reloaded (2005) — live album
• Instrument of Praise (2007) — studio album
• The Ultimate Collection (2007) — compilation
• Anthems of a Champion (2013) — compilation
• No Plan B (2014) — studio album
• Legacy (2017) — studio album
• Remembering Carman (2021) — compilation

3. Studio albums

Each studio album with its year, official cover and verified tracklist.

God’s Not Finished with Me (1980) — Studio album

His debut album, released in 1980 on the Klesis label: the record that caught Bill Gaither’s attention.

• God’s Not Finished With Me
• I Love Jesus
• Some A Dat
• I Don’t Believe It
• Something Changed
• God Don’t Care
• I Still Can Rock N’ Roll
• You’re The Only One
• Simple Things
• You Belong To Me

Some-o-Dat (1982) — Studio album

Released in 1982 on Priority Records; it was initially released under the title «Carman».

• Bethlehem
• Overcoming Child
• The Master’s Hand
• Some-O-Dat
• A Love As Yours
• I’m Saved
• Just Believe
• Washed In The Blood
• God, God, God
• I Praise You

Comin’ On Strong (1984) — Studio album

Released in 1984 on Myrrh; it reached #6 on the US Christian albums chart, featuring «Lazarus Come Forth».

• Get Outta My Life
• This Thing Is Real
• His Mercy Endures Forever
• Spirit Filled Pizza
• Ask Of Me
• Blessed Is He Who Comes
• He Is The Son Of God
• Lazarus Come Forth
• The Light Of Jesus To The World

The Champion (1985) — Studio album

His signature record, released in 1985 on Myrrh: #3 Christian and RIAA Gold. It includes his first #1, «The Champion», the nearly nine-minute story-song that portrays the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as a boxing match.

• Prepare To Die
• Abundance Of Rain
• Revive Us, Oh Lord
• A Little Bit More Conviction
• It Happened To Me
• The Destination Is There
• Fear Not, My Child (with Kim Boyce)
• Love Can (CD bonus track)
• The Champion

A Long Time Ago…In a Land Called Bethlehem (1986) — Studio album

His Christmas album, released in 1986 on Power Discs/Benson: top 20 Christian. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «Celebrating Jesus», «Our Blessed Savior Has Come» (with CeCe Winans, Grammy-nominated 1987), «I Feel Jesus», «Away In A Manger», «We Three Kings» and «What Child Is This».

Revival in the Land (1989) — Studio album

Released in 1989 on Benson: #1 Christian for 33 weeks and RIAA Gold, featuring «God’s Got An Army», «A Witch’s Invitation» and «This Blood».

• God’s Got An Army
• I Got The Joy (with Carlton Pearson)
• A Witch’s Invitation
• Get Your Business Straight With God
• This Blood
• Saved, Delivered And Healed
• Jesus Is The Light
• The Resurrection Rap
• Shine Through Me
• Revival In The Land

Addicted to Jesus (1991) — Studio album

Released in 1991 on Benson: #1 Christian and RIAA Gold, Grammy-nominated 1993. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «Satan, Bite the Dust», «1955», «Come Into This House» (with Commissioned), «Our Turn Now» (with Petra), «Addicted to Jesus» (with DC Talk), «Hunger For Holiness», «Jesus Is the Way», «Holy Ghost Hop» and «The Third Heaven».

Yo Kidz! — Heroes, Stories, and Songs from the Bible (1992) — Studio album

His children’s album, released in 1992 on Everland: #11 Christian. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «Somewhere Within the Heart» (with Cindy Morgan, #1 AC), «Jesus Is the Way», «Are You The One» and «Turned On, Sold Out, Hooked on Jesus».

The Standard (1993) — Studio album

Released in 1993 on Sparrow: #1 Christian and RIAA Platinum; his best-selling album, featuring «Who’s In the House», «Great God» and «America Again».

• Who’s in the House
• Now’s the Time
• Great God
• Everybody Praise the Lord
• The River
• Marchin’ and Movin’
• Sunday School Rock
• Holdin’ On (with Margaret Becker)
• Lord, I Love You
• America Again

Yo Kidz! 2: The Armor of God (1994) — Studio album

His second children’s album, released in 1994 on Everland: #16 Christian and winner of the 1995 Dove Award for Children’s Music Album of the Year. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «Yo Kidz! Theme», «Lester’s In Trouble», «It’s War!», «Guard Your Heart», «Big Big God» and «Meant For This Moment» (with Helen Baylor).

R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth) (1995) — Studio album

Released in 1995 on Sparrow: #45 on the Billboard 200, #1 Christian and RIAA Gold; the song «R.I.O.T.» won the 1996 Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth)», «God Is Exalted», «No Monsters», «7 Ways 2 Praise», «Step of Faith» (with Ricky Skaggs), «Whiter Than Snow», «Amen», «My Story» and «There Is a God».

I Surrender All: 30 Classic Hymns (1997) — Studio album

Released in 1997 on Sparrow: #102 on the Billboard 200, #1 Christian and RIAA Gold. His 30 classic hymns appear as 15 medleys, with Chet Atkins on guitar in «Leaning On The Everlasting Arms».

• His Name Is Wonderful
• Isn’t He Wonderful / He Keeps Me Singing / Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
• The Old Rugged Cross / Oh, The Blood Of Jesus
• Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross
• Peace Like A River / I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
• Grace Greater Than Our Sin / Amazing Grace
• Praise Him (When The Sun Goes Down)
• Jesus Paid It All
• Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
• Tell Me The Story Of Jesus / I Love To Tell The Story / What A Friend We Have In Jesus
• Nothing But The Blood / Are You Washed In The Blood / He Took My Sins Away
• My Jesus, I Love Thee / Jesus Is The Sweetest Name I Know / Oh, How I Love Jesus
• When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder / A New Name In Glory / When We All Get To Heaven / When The Saints Go Marching In
• Search Me, O God / I Surrender All
• ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Mission 3:16 (1998) — Studio album

Released in 1998 on Sparrow: #94 on the Billboard 200, #2 Christian and Grammy-nominated 1999, featuring the epic «The Courtroom».

• Mission 3:16
• People of God
• Legendary Mission
• Never Be
• Jesus is the Lamb
• Post Lamb Jam
• The Courtroom
• Surf Mission
• Do I Do
• We Are Not Ashamed
• The Prayer Anthem
• Missione D’Italiano
• Slam
• All In Life
• Kingdom Suite

Passion for Praise, Vol. 1 (1999) — Studio album

Released in 1999 on Sparrow: #179 on the Billboard 200 and top 10 Christian. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «Let The Fire Fall», «I Feel Jesus», «Lord, I Lift Your Name On High», «Now’s The Time to Celebrate», «Hosanna», «The Prayer Anthem», «Give Thanks», «Jesus Is The Light», «I’ve Been Redeemed», «Love Jesus» and «Jericho: Shout of Victory».

House of Praise (2003) — Studio album

Released in 2003 on Corban. The tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources, so it is omitted.

Instrument of Praise (2007) — Studio album

Released in 2007 on Tyscot: #38 Christian. The tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources, so it is omitted.

No Plan B (2014) — Studio album

Released in 2014 on Norway Avenue: #66 on the Billboard 200 and #3 Christian; his discographic comeback after cancer remission, featuring «The Flag».

• No Plan B
• Time 2 P.T.L.
• I’m Coming Home
• God Made Man (with Jim Labriola)
• Peace of the Lord (with Hope Loftis)
• Jesus Heal Me
• It’s All In His Hands
• Another Day
• Yes, Yes
• I Did My Best
• That’s My King / Radically Saved
• The Flag

Legacy (2017) — Studio album

His final album, released in 2017 on Norway Avenue. Wikipedia lists it as a studio album, although SGNScoops describes it as a 20-song compilation covering 30 years of ministry. The complete tracklist could not be verified in reliable sources; confirmed songs include «President Trump Blues» and the medley «How Great Thou Art / Great Is Our God».

4. Most listened and recommended songs

His greatest hits and most beloved songs:

• The Champion
• Lazarus Come Forth
• Radically Saved
• Satan, Bite the Dust
• A Witch’s Invitation
• The Courtroom
• Who’s In the House
• Great God
• Sunday School Rock
• Addicted to Jesus
• Revival in the Land
• God’s Got An Army
• Our Turn Now
• Serve the Lord
• America Again

5. Singles

Notable songs released as singles:

• The Champion (1985) — his first #1 on CCM
• Lazarus Come Forth (1984) — #13 CCM
• Radically Saved (1988) — #1 CCM
• Jesus Is The Light (1989) — #3 CCM
• The Same God (1991) — with Commissioned and the Christ Church Choir; #8 CCM
• Celebrate Jesus (1991) — with Commissioned
• Satan, Bite the Dust (1991) — #14 CCM
• Addicted to Jesus (1992) — with DC Talk; #16 CCM
• 1955 (1992)
• Somewhere Within the Heart (1992) — with Cindy Morgan; #1 AC
• Who’s In the House (1993) — #23 CCM; Dove-nominated
• Great God (1994) — #20 CCM
• America Again (1994)
• Mission 3:16 (1997)
• The Flag (2014) — new version in 2019 with Ernie Haase, Joseph Habedank, Matt Felts and Pat Barker

6. Album and single covers

These are the official covers of his records and singles. Tap a cover to listen: if it’s on Música Cristiana it plays right here; if not, it opens in Apple Music.

7. Musical collaborations

Songs recorded with other artists:

• Kim Boyce — «Fear Not, My Child» on his album «The Champion» (1985)
• CeCe Winans — «Our Blessed Saviour Has Come» (1986; Grammy-nominated 1987)
• Janet Paschal — «His Name is Life» on Janet Paschal’s album «I Give You Jesus» (1986)
• Carlton Pearson — «I Got the Joy» on his album «Revival in the Land» (1989)
• Commissioned — «Come Into This House» on his album «Addicted to Jesus» (1991)
• Petra — «Our Turn Now» on his album «Addicted to Jesus» (1991)
• DC Talk — «Addicted to Jesus» on his album «Addicted to Jesus» (1991/1992)
• Commissioned and the Christ Church Choir — «The Same God» and «Celebrate Jesus» on «Shakin’ the House…Live» (1991)
• Cindy Morgan — «Somewhere Within the Heart» on «Yo Kidz!» (1992)
• Margaret Becker — «Holdin’ On» on «The Standard» (1993)
• Helen Baylor — «Meant For This Moment» on «Yo Kidz! 2: The Armor of God» (1994)
• Ricky Skaggs — «Step of Faith» on «R.I.O.T.» (1995)
• Chet Atkins — guitar on «Leaning On The Everlasting Arms» (1997)
• Kathy Troccoli — «Love One Another» on her album «Love and Mercy» (1997)
• Jim Labriola — «God Made Man» on «No Plan B» (2014)
• Hope Loftis — «Peace of the Lord» on «No Plan B» (2014)
• Ernie Haase, Joseph Habedank, Matt Felts and Pat Barker — «The Flag» (new version, 2019)

8. Live albums and compilations

Recorded concerts and greatest-hits collections.

Live albums

Sunday’s on the Way (1983) — Live album

His first live release, from 1983 on Priority: #13 Christian.

Live… Radically Saved (1987) — Live album

Released in 1987 on Benson: #2 Christian and RIAA Gold.

Shakin’ the House…Live (1991) — Live album

Recorded with Commissioned and the Christ Church Choir, released in 1991 on Benson: #4 Christian and Grammy-nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 1992.

Live and Reloaded (2005) — Live album

Double CD with live DVD, released in 2005 on Alliant.

Compilations

The Absolute Best (1993) — Compilation

Released in 1993 on Sparrow: #4 Christian and RIAA Platinum.

Lo Mejor (1995) — Compilation

His first Spanish-language album, released in 1995 on Sparrow.

Carman’s Yo Kidz – The Hitz (1996) — Compilation

Collection from his «Yo Kidz!» children’s era, released in 1996 on Everland.

Heart of a Champion (2000) — Compilation

Double CD with 30 tracks, released in 2000 on Sparrow: #53 on the Billboard 200, #1 Christian and RIAA Gold.

The Ultimate Collection (2007) — Compilation

Released in 2007 on Sparrow.

Anthems of a Champion (2013) — Compilation

15-track collection, released in 2013 on Sparrow.

Remembering Carman (2021) — Compilation

Posthumous 50-track compilation, released in 2021 as a tribute after his passing.

9. Awards and recognitions

Awards, nominations and major achievements:

• 4 Grammy nominations: 1987 for «Our Blessed Saviour Has Come» (with CeCe Winans), 1992 for «Shakin’ the House…Live», 1993 for «Addicted to Jesus» and 1999 for «Mission 3:16»
• 7 Dove Awards (GMA): long-form and short-form music videos (1989, 1991, 1993), Children’s Music Album of the Year for «Yo! Kidz! 2: The Armor of God» (1995) and Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year for «R.I.O.T.» (1996)
• Gospel Music Hall of Fame member since 2018
• Billboard Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year in 1990 and 1992
• «Carman Day»: on October 19, 1996, the mayor of Atlanta declared Carman Day after his Georgia Dome concert
• Record for the largest audience for a single Christian artist: 71,132 people at Texas Stadium (1994)
• 16 RIAA platinum and gold certifications; more than 10 million records sold

10. Official music videos

The artist’s videos and performances on YouTube:

• The Champion (official video)
• Radically Saved (official video)
• Addicted To Jesus with dc Talk (official video)
• Our Turn Now with Petra (official video)
• Sunday School Rock (official video)
• God Made Man (official video)
• THE FLAG with Ernie Haase, Joseph Habedank, Matt Felts and Pat Barker (official video)
• The Champion live from Dallas, Reunion Arena

11. Group members

Not applicable: he is a solo artist. Carman Domenic Licciardello recorded and performed as a solo project, backed by his band at concerts and recordings.

12. Where to listen to his music

Listen to his music on his official platforms:

• his artist page on Apple Music
• And also on Música Cristiana, with his songs and videos gathered: listen to Carman here.