He was simply known as Carman to his millions of fans. His music ministry started in 1980 with the album God's Not Finished with Me. During the 80s, Carman's popularity grew
Then, with the release of the album Sunday's on the Way in 1983, a string of CCM chart successes started, beginning with the title song. As he continued his music career, he established the nonprofit organization Carman Ministries. With the 1985 release of The Champion came his first number-one song, of the same name. A live album, Radically Saved, came in 1988, and his first number one album, Revival in the Land, followed in 1989. - WIkipedia
Here's how many K-LOVE listeners and social media fans remember Carman:
Brian Corker I loved his storytelling in his earlier songs 1983ish. Took 6 years before his music led me to the Cross with God's leading.
Lynne Jennings He is the reason we adopted our 30 year old son David! He made a statement in Richmond Va at a concert that he supported adoption instead of abortion through Hannah’s Prayer Adoption agency! David was conceived the month we finalized our paperwork and we picked him up at 6 weeks of age in September 1990. Thanks Carman for allowing God to use you to bless our family in a mighty way!
Melissa McCumber Fitch Carman and Amy Grant were such huge influences in my young Christian walk. I am forever grateful for both of them. And yes, I have continued to listen to both of them as an adult. Thank you Carman.
Michelle Hiles Kurta He made such an impact on my life years ago. I celebrate that he's meeting Jesus but mourn for those left behind. Well done...
Nelda Shepard Robb After my sister was murdered by her husband back in 1991 Carmen came to my hometown of Lubbock Tx....my mother and I went to his concert ( he was here about a week after we buried my sister). The presence of peace we felt listening to his music was undeniable...May he RIP in the arms of God
Kathleen McClanahan Always one of my favorites
Kathy Eppley Such a dynamic personality. I loved going to his concerts. I have been listening to some of my favorite Carmen songs today. and Jesus said Carmen cone forth
Bev Collins He must have had a warriors welcome as he entered Heaven with all the souls he lead into the kingdom during his time here on this earth! He’ll be missed but we’ll see him singing praise around the throne soon!
Karan Hisle My heart is broken. I first heard of Carman in church when a group did Jesus is the Light. They did it in the dark as mimes (sp?), and it was Awesome! Carman was such a great influence. I'm sure as he entered Heaven, God said, "Well done my good and faithful servant." RIP Carman, you will be missed!
Cynthia Moss I remember my first Christian concert. It was Carman and Steven Curtis Chapman in Lakeland FL. What a great man of God. He is now where we all strive to be. Thank you Father for this man and his ministry.
Tara Daniels Barnett He was the first contemporary Christian artist that I was introduced to as a young person. Amazing. He will be missed.