In 1980, he made a custom album titled God's Not Finished with Me. The following year, he was invited by Bill Gaither to tour with The Bill Gaither Trio. After relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma, he released a moderately successful eponymous debut album in 1982—which contained mostly novelty songs. Then, with the release of the live albumSunday's on the Way in 1983, a string of CCM chart successes started, beginning with the title song. As he continued his music career, Carman established the nonprofit organization Carman Ministries. With the 1985 release of The Champion came his first number-one song, of the same name. Another live album, Radically Saved, came in 1988. Then 1989 brought Carman his first number one album, Revival in the Land. Between 1987 and 1989, he was named Charisma magazine's readers' choice for favorite male vocalist. In 1990 and 1992, Billboard recognized Carman's influence in Christian music by naming him the Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year, and in 1995, he recorded his first album in Spanish, Lo Mejor, which includes some of the already recorded songs such as "Who's in the House" and "The River". In 2000, the album Heart of a Champion came out with 30 of his best songs, including some new ones. In 2007, he updated his catalog with Instrument Of Praise. Carman has received 15 gold and platinum albums and videos and has sold over 10 million records. He holds the world record for the largest single Christian concert in history. He was the main act in August 1993 in Johannesburg, South Africa with more than 50,000 in attendance, and he performed a free concert at Texas StadiumOctober 22, 1994 with 71,132 attendees. Beyond his music career, he participates in various television productions and interview duties as a host for both the Trinity Broadcasting Network in general and its flagship programPraise the Lord. In 2001, Carman starred in the film Carman: The Champion. In late March 2013, Carman announced a Kickstarter campaign for a new album and music video. A short time later, he announced an upcoming 60-city tour, as well, additionally noting that the online fundraising campaign had raised more than $230,000 within several weeks.
Personal life
In November 2011 Carman was the passenger in a car which was struck by a truck from oncoming traffic. The accident took place just outside the church where his appearance was scheduled. Carman performed the concert, but collapsed afterwards and required surgery to repair internal injuries. Carman began battling cancer in 2013. His Facebook accounts announced he had been diagnosed with myeloma and given a prognosis of only three to four more years to live. By early 2014, Carman claimed medical tests indicated his body was free of cancer. He then continued preparing for his Live Across America album and tour. By January 2015, Carman attributed his successful recovery to the "commitment" he had made to his Facebook and Kickstarter supporters to begin his "No Plan B Tour" as soon as he regained his health. Later that same year he toured the eastern United States. In December 2017, at the age of 61, Carman married Dana Licciardello. His new family includes one son, five daughters and nine grandchildren. In January 2020 Carman announced his cancer had returned. He resumed live concert church tours June 2020.
