Christian singer Carman died last week, due to complications
from surgery, at the age of 65.
I first heard Carman’s music when I was in college in the
early ’80s. Murray took me to see him live in January of ’88, and Murray gave
his life to Jesus that night. When Carman sang “Lazarus, Come Forth,” Murray
said, “That’s the best song I’ve ever heard.”
The kids loved Carman too. In the mid ’90s, Murray’s Dad was
visiting us. When he was in the car with Murray and the kids one day, he said,
“Play that song that makes the kids squeal.” That was “Jesus is the Way.”
When Rebecca was in her teens, I remember listening to “The
Champion” one day in the car, and Rebecca said, “That’s my favorite song ever.”
For over 30 years we attended many Carman concerts, Murray
and the kids more than me. We saw him in a range of how he presented his shows,
from small church gatherings to larger venues.
Murray likes to say that the first time we saw him, “It was
just him, his guitar, and a tape deck.” Murray and the kids saw him at the Q in
Cleveland with a large band, lights and dancers.
We attended a concert at a small gathering at a church just
a couple years ago, where we were able to introduce ourselves to Carman and his
wife.
Carman’s songs were sweet, beautiful worship numbers, “I
feel Jesus,” “Revive us O Lord;” lively talking songs, “The Champion,” “Lazarus,
Come Forth;” funny, “Soap Song.” His goal was always the same, to help bring
more people to Jesus.
This has been a sad time for me. Carman was important in our
lives, and I pray comfort for his wife and family.