UP CLOSE

Up Close: Utah Artist Finds Healing, Comfort Through Music

Oct 9, 2019, 8:28 PM | Updated: 8:34 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Paul Cardall’s amazing career started with three simple notes that came to mind as a 14-year-old boy, who was grieving over the tragic and sudden death of his best friend that died in a car crash.

He had no formal training on the piano, just six months of lessons when he was eight years old. 

Now, after 21 top ten billboard albums and two billion streams, he’s the first Utahn to be nominated for a Dove award from the Gospel Music Association.

“I’m overwhelmed and grateful,” Cardall said. “It’s the equivalent to the Grammy’s for the Christian Community.”

Cardall said he sat down at a piano and the notes came to his mind. His friend was a piano player.

“It’s almost like a question,” Cardall said after playing those three notes. From those notes, Cardall said he started composing songs and would practice three hours a day.

However, this incredibly talented worldwide music composer isn’t about flash and flare, but inner feelings and emotion.

“I want to get out of the way and let the music do what it does for you,” he said. “I want to enrich a life rather than entertain a life. I don’t want any attention on me I want it on the music.”

Paul’s more than 30-year music history has hit a milestone. This is also his 10-year anniversary since getting a new heart.

“I go from driving this beat-up truck that I love that I think is perfect, that everybody thinks is a disaster, and I turn it in and they give me the keys to a Porsche,” he said.

10 years ago, Cardall received a new heart.

But it didn’t come without a price. A life for a life, as the giver was a 19-year-old man who took his own life.

“It’s tough, it’s tough because somebody died and I’m alive,” said Cardall who has tried to reach out to the family. “I don’t know if I would say much. I would let them feel, just let them feel the beating heart of their son, and probably just embrace them and say thank you”

Cardall’s journey, from being born with a half a heart, to now living with a new one is the inspiration behind his newly released album – Peaceful Piano.

“My heart has been healed time and time again and music was the vehicle that allowed me to find comfort,” Cardall said.

Comfort that has now put him in the running for a Dove award from the Gospel Music Association in the Instrumental Album of the Year category. The nomination is for his Christmas album.

“I think where I’ve been successful is I’ve never treated my albums like it’s just for people inside the temple walls. My music is for all children of God,” he said.

The Gospel Music Association’s annual Dove Awards show will be held next Tuesday, Oct. 15, in Nashville.

For more on his music, you can visit his website.

Cardall, who has been nominated for a Dove award, at the piano.

KSL 5 TV Live

Up Close

(Becky Hansen, Smile Creations Portrait Studio, St. George, Utah)...

Angie Denison

Up Close with Shawn Bradley

Last year, NBA legend Shawn Bradley was hit by a car while riding his bicycle in St. George. The accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. In an exclusive visit, KSL returns to the crash site with Shawn and his wife.

9 months ago

(KSL TV)...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

Up Close: Girls Wrestling Booming In Utah

Once a real shocker in high school sports, girls wrestling has becoming one of the most popular growing sports in the country. That’s why the season may be over but practice continues for many girls.

3 years ago

Albee Bostrom and Sissy McDade turned their love of thrift store shopping into a business: Thrift H...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

Up Close: Young Entrepreneurs Turn Thrift Store Shopping Into Full-Time Business

A simple hobby of thrift store shopping has turned into a full-time business for a couple of young entrepreneurs in Utah County. They’ve now opened up their very own unique thrift store with a flash to the past. We are talking about the 1980s and 1990s era.

3 years ago

Courtney Kimball and her sister Kym Frey help women living in the slums of San Pedro Sula, Honduras...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

Up Close: ‘One Common Thread’ Organization Helping Women In Poverty

Two Utah sisters - one now living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world - are helping to bring women out of poverty by teaching them a skill that’s giving them new hope.

3 years ago

A BYU project called the "Rheumatic Relief" project is helping to heal children's hearts and save h...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

Up Close: BYU Project Tests Samoan Children For Heart Conditions

A BYU project tests Samoan children for heart conditions, helping to heal damaged hearts and save hundreds of lives.

3 years ago

...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

Up Close: West Jordan Girl Sings Her Way Into National Spotlight

An eight-year-old girl from West Jordan has won an incredible award. She became the Grand Champion Vocalist of the year in the 25th annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio, Texas.

3 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Brunette guy in headphones playing games on his desktop computer...

PC Laptops

Looking For a New Computer? Use This Desktop Buying Guide

Choosing a new desktop computer can come with a lot of questions, so we created this desktop buying guide.

Portrait of happy boy playing and splashing water in the swimming pool...

Get Out Pass

Family Fun Activities in Utah You Have to Try This Summer

These family fun activities will entertain you all summer, so if you ever feel stuck in a rut wondering what to do, refer to this guide!

Woman IT specialist in elegant suit working on notebook computer in data center next to server rack...

Les Olson

Your Complete Guide to Outsourcing IT Services

This guide covers everything you need to know about the different benefits of outsourcing IT services to meet your small business needs.

diverse group of friends dance outside under string lights...

Lighting Design

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting

Read for the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting to help narrow the search for your home.

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Up Close: Utah Artist Finds Healing, Comfort Through Music