A Tribute to Carman and His Music
by Karen S. Roberts
Carman and his music were greatly used by God.
The Passing of an Impactful Musician
Christian musician, Carman Licciardello, recently passed away. I actually had to look up his last name, for he was simply known as Carman. His music, especially popular in the mid-’80s through the ’90s, glorified Jesus and was used to spiritually uplift and inspire Christ followers.
He was best known for dramatic musical presentations, both in person and through videos, that glorified the power of Christ over Satan and his demons.
His concerts were free. He depended upon God to cover concert expenses. Some of his concerts were held in large auditoriums, while others were held in churches that invited him.
How God Used Carman’s Music
Many Christians and youth group leaders took people who did not personally know Jesus to Carman’s concerts. They knew that his entertaining and powerful ministry would open hearts to the gospel. Thousands came to Christ through his music and his concerts. Christians were impacted by his music and challenged to stand up for their faith and to fight spiritual battles.
My Experiences With Carman’s Music
Carmen and his music impacted my life. Besides listening to his music on CDs, I attended a couple of his concerts. My husband and I took some young adults who were exploring Christian faith to one. They had little exposure to Christian music and were really impressed with both the message and the engaging and dramatic ways that Carman presented his songs.
From 1989 through 2002, I spent my summers working at Salvation Army camps and church day camps. Camp staff often used Carman’s song, “The Champion” to act out in a boxing match format, the battle between Jesus and Satan. Satan appears to win by fighting Jesus to the kill, and he and the demons laugh and celebrate. But then Jesus rises, showing His victory over Satan. Campers were caught up in the energy and drama, gaining an understanding of how the resurrection brought the defeat of Satan.
I know that many Christian youth groups and camps used similar dramas, with “The Champion” playing in the background. It may have been Carman’s most impactful song. Here is a video that I found online. It is high tech compared to our camp skits that presented this powerful song.
For many years the camps, I led the daily chapel services at camps. At the Salvation Army camp, I also led a JAM club (Jesus and Me). The kids in the club loved acting out Carman’s song “Lazarus.” When we performed for the whole camp, one child would flicker the lights in the chapel on and off whenever God’s voice was heard. Others acted out the parts of Lazarus and the saints of old who were in Paradise together. Although they weren’t great actors, the message of the music was powerful.
I found this video online. It presents the story of Lazarus, as presented through Carman’s song.
You can read an obituary for Carman by clicking here.
Carman’s music lives on and still speaks to our hearts.
I know that he has heard these words from his beloved Savior: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”