With 16 certified platinum and gold albums and videos, over 10 million albums sold and attendance records for the largest solo Christian concerts in history, Carman plans to record an album and video of new music for the first time in over 10 years. Remarkably, it was a death sentence by doctors that paradoxically revived this entertainer’s creative spirit through his fans.
In March, singer, songwriter and TV/film actor/writer Carman was diagnosed with terminal multiple myeloma cancer, a cancer of the blood that affects the body’s bone marrow, and was given a three- to five-year life expectancy by doctors. Stunned and initially devastated by the news, Carman’s spirit was soon lifted by the overwhelming love and support he received from tens of thousands of fans after posting the news on his Facebook page.
Turning the death sentence into a renewed vision and hope for the future, Carman—whose full name is Carman Domenic Licciardello—is not only determined to fight the cancer, but is also well underway in creating his first independent, fan-funded new album and music video through Kickstarter, the world’s largest fundraising platform for creative projects.
Launched April 19, Carman’s campaign has already become one of the most successful Christian music campaigns ever for Kickstarter. Raising more than $161,000 to date, the campaign donations are on target to reach Carman’s $200,000 goal by his June 18 deadline. Fans are able to donate as little as $1 up to several thousand dollars with commensurate gifts of appreciation from Carman once the campaign is fully funded and the album and music video are recorded and released.
“I’m so excited about this incredible opportunity we all have through Kickstarter to make something happen as a team and a family,” Carman says to his fans. “Cancer pronounced a death sentence, but you have been life to me, rallying me back into the fight and praying me back to my feet. As one fan said on my Facebook page, ‘Look at what Jesus did in three years.’ So as for you and me, with this new project and us working together, the next three years are going to be a blast.”
In addition to the new music, Carman is determined not to let cancer detract him from doing what he does best: sharing the hope of the gospel to live audiences. Touring from coast to coast, Carman shares his hit songs alongside his most recent offering, “The Flag,” a compelling anthem that weaves the Pledge of Allegiance into a melodic and inspirational message of pride in America.
Carman is no stranger to rallying support. He has collected the most names on a petition in American history, with 1 million signatures for a constitutional amendment favoring prayer in public schools.
He is co-founder of the Parable Christian Film Festival and has received the Humanitarian Award, whose other recipients include former President and Mrs. Reagan, Billy Graham, Bill Bright and others.
