2 in who taught our family around the 1990s (cause that’s when I grew up) about the gospel of Jesus Christ and what it meant to follow Jesus on a daily basis. Apart from the Bible and Jesus, Carman was No. Maybe my comparison to such greats within the CCM industry can seem to some as being a little naïve about the actual real impact of Carman on music, but for me personally, Carman’s influence in indeed second to none. Born Carman Licciardello (and known by his stage name ‘Carman’) in the mid-1950s, his music quite literally shaped our view of God and who we (myself and my twin brother) are today- he may not be influential at this very moment in music, but throughout CCM and CCM history, as well as the lives of myself and Josh my brother, Carman was very much an artist that indeed is a pioneer, into the category of others like Amy Grant, Larry Norman, Rich Mullins, PETRA and Keith Green. And which music artist did they turn to for such biblical knowledge, understanding and songs that allowed what we knew about God and Jesus and everything else to soak into our lives from when we were young till now? Why, Carman of course. What is the point is that in the Christian home and family I grew up in, music as a way of imparting positive and godly values and instilling them in lives such as mine and my brother’s at a young age was almost a non-negotiable for our parents. Yes, way back when I was in nappies, and learning to walk, I was listening to music at a ripe young age of…well, I don’t know, but that’s beside the point. If you were to pick one artist that has shaped me as a person and that has managed to sow seeds of hope, encouragement and the love of Christ when I was young, then Carman was the guy. Carman has had one of the greatest impacts in my life from as early as I know to this very day. One such artist that I’m about to delve into at the moment, is 1990s and 2000s CCM legend, Carman!Ĭarman has made a big impact on my life. Still, here I am back, and ready to get into yet another year of exploring artists that I believe have made a mark on today’s music culture, amongst people, and shaped music in general. To put it bluntly, I found a little of my identity in my blog post series this past year. I was letting this blog series take control of my life, not necessarily consciously, but nevertheless, that’s what I was doing. Over this month when I wasn’t immersing myself into this particular artist and that, I found out how much time I was undertaking the discovery of new artists throughout the year. I’ve learnt to slow down a little during my time away, and to remind myself that though this year has been great as I’ve explored a vast myriad of music at my fingertips quite literally (you can search on Youtube for any musical content you wish!) my life wasn’t just music. Yes, I did turn the big proverbial 3 0 on last week Monday, and after a big long break of just over a month between the last previous blog (Week 34 was for KING AND COUNTRY published online in mid-November) and now, I’ve managed to catch up on a very much needed time of rest, relaxation, and just generally working hard at my work as a café owner and operator. That’s a big loaded statement to start off my next blog post. Yes, the video quality is poor - no HD in those days - but the song comes through loud and clear, and the story is great.I turned 30 last week. You want to watch this OLD video to the end. He reminded me to stand strong in the power I already had - Resurrection power. He made me quit crying and quit feeling weak. Years ago, if I’d have a rough day, I’d turn off the songs that made me want to cry out to God for help, and put on Carmen. He’d do whatever it is that warriors do when they know that something big is about to happen and the enemy has no clue.Ĭarmen/Joshua wouldn’t show fear - just excited anticipation. I see him glancing up at the soldiers stationed on the wall of Jericho - and snickering. I can envision see him as Joshua, leading the army of Israel around Jericho. Those songs are needed, beautiful, and filled with hope. It’s probably not an exaggeration to say that over half of Christian songs speak to our weaknesses, pain, and sorrows. One of the things I appreciate most about Carmen is that his songs always makes you feel powerful and victorious. He’s a story teller, comedian and preacher. I’m not sure there’s ever been anyone like Carmen before - or since. If you’re not familiar with Carmen, we need to rectify that. Then before it’s over, I’ve got chills, ready to jump up and shout. It takes me back many years, and I can’t help but laugh. I don’t know what made me think of this song again, but oh my, how I LOVE it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |