Pauli Carman of CHAMPAIGN – The Legacy of an R&B Icon
Welcome to the official page of Pauli Carman, the legendary voice behind CHAMPAIGN, the R&B sensation known for timeless hits like How ‘Bout Us, Try Again, and Dial My Number.
Explore his musical journey, latest projects, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Stay connected and relive the magic of classic R&B with Pauli Carman.
About Page: Pauli Carman – The Voice of Champaign
Pauli Carman is a dynamic and evolving artist whose music transcends generations.
As the lead vocalist of Champaign, he helped define a sound that still resonates today.
His distinctive voice, blending soul, emotion, and timeless appeal, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
While his journey began with Champaign’s breakout hit How ‘Bout Us, Pauli never stopped pushing the boundaries of his artistry.
Over the years, he has built an impressive solo career, collaborated with top artists, and remained at the forefront of R&B music.
Today, he continues to create new music, perform for live audiences, and influence the next wave of musicians.
His ability to evolve while staying true to his signature sound is what makes him not just a legend, but an artist still shaping the industry
The Music of Pauli Carman & Champaign
Explore the legendary discography of Pauli Carman and Champaign:
How ‘Bout Us (1981) – The timeless hit that defined an era and remains a staple in love song playlists today.
Try Again (1983) – A soulful ballad that continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Dial My Number (1984) – A smooth groove with an unforgettable hook that still gets airplay worldwide.
CoalKitchen – A deep cut showcasing Pauli’s versatility as an artist.
Solo Work – Discover Pauli’s latest releases, including fresh music that blends classic soul with modern R&B.
Stream the classics and experience new music at PauliCarman.com
PAULI CARMAN
The Voice of CHAMPAIGN
Grammy-Nominated · Multi-Platinum Recording Artist · R&B Legend
Biography
Pauli Carman born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, in a musical household where song was a constant presence.
From an early age, music was in his blood — he and his brothers and sisters would fill the house with melodies, each one always with a tune to sing.
At just twelve years old, performing in a junior high school production of The King and I, he received a standing ovation and, in his own words, “got the bug” — the intoxicating power of connecting with an audience would shape the rest of his life.
The following year, he formed his first band, The JR. Flames, a nod to his idol James Brown and The Famous Flames.
The CoalKitchen Years
After graduating high school, Carman relocated to Champaign, Illinois, where he joined the hard-charging funk and rock outfit CoalKitchen — a move that would prove pivotal.
Initially joining as a drummer, Carman eventually moved to the front of the stage as a lead vocalist alongside Tim Peyton, and the band quickly became one of the most popular draws on the Midwest college bar circuit.
Under the direction of booking agency Blytham Talent, CoalKitchen’s danceable fusion of rock, R&B, and funk packed clubs from Illinois across the region.
In 1976, CoalKitchen released the single “Chained to the Train of Love” b/w “Bumpin’ in the Kitchen.”
Their debut full-length album “Thirsty or Not… Choose Your Flavor” followed in 1977 on the Full Moon/Epic label — Carman’s first major recorded work.Though the band never achieved a national breakthrough, CoalKitchen proved to be an indispensable training ground, sharpening Carman’s stage instincts and vocal craft.
The Birth of Champaign
From the ashes of CoalKitchen and related local acts, Carman, Day, and Walden formed a new group — initially calling themselves Champagne before settling on the name Champaign, a tribute to their Illinois hometown.
The lineup included:
Pauli Carman
Michael Day
Dana Walden
Rena Jones (later Day)
Leon Reeder
Michael Reed
Rocky Maffit
The interracial seven-piece band blended smooth soul, pop sensibility, and adult contemporary warmth.
The catalyst for their rise was a song originally written in 1975 by Dana Walden for the Water Brothers Band.
Carman and Walden reworked the demo into a sleek R&B ballad tailored to Carman’s silky tenor.
That song became “How ’Bout Us.”Producer Leo Graham reportedly had to fight to keep Carman’s lead vocal on the record — a decision history would fully vindicate.
Champaign began recording for CBS Records in 1980, and the single was released in January 1981.
Breakthrough: “How ’Bout Us” (1981)
“How ’Bout Us” became a major international hit.
Chart performance:
#12 Billboard Hot 100
#4 US R&B
#1 Adult Contemporary
#5 UK Singles Chart
The single spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
Champaign appeared on:
Soul Train
American Bandstand
Solid Gold
Top of the Pops (UK)
The band performed at major venues including:
Madison Square Garden
Cow Palace
United Center Chicago
Epcot Center at Disney World
Sanger Theatre in New Orleans
Modern Heart (1983) & Woman in Flames (1984)
The second album Modern Heart (1983) produced another major hit:
“Try Again”
#2 R&B
#23 Hot 100
The third album Woman in Flames (1984) included:
“Off and On Love” (Top 10 R&B)
“This Time”
“Party People”
“Walkin’”
Solo Career (1985–1989)
In 1985, Carman left Champaign to pursue a solo career.
Dial My Number (1986)
Released on CBS/Columbia.
Produced by David Frank and Mick Murphy of The System.
Single:
“Dial My Number”
#26 R&B
It’s Time (1987)Included the single:
“In the Heat of the Night”
#72 R&B
The album also featured a duet with Karyn White titled
“We Never Called It Love”, produced by David Foster.
Reunion & Later Work
In 1990, Carman reunited with his former bandmates.
Champaign IV (1991) was released on the Malaco label.
Single:
“Trials of the Heart” returned the band to the R&B charts.
Carman later relocated to Hong Kong, where he continued performing the Champaign catalog before returning to Illinois around 2000.
Continuing the Legacy (2003–Present)
Carman has continued recording and performing under Pauli Carman & Champaign.
Notable releases include:
2003
Greatest Hits compilation
2008
Carma — featuring original songs and covers of The Beatles and Stevie Wonder
2010
Get Back 2 Love
Included a remaster of “How ’Bout Us”
Single: “Mercy” (Marvin Gaye cover) with proceeds donated to Gulf oil spill relief
2011
Single: “Share”
2013
Album: Love Kind
2014
Album: Eyes of the Spirit
2022
Single: “Can’t Let You Go”
On September 15, 2013, Carman received the National R&B Music Society Unsung Hero Award.
Today he continues to perform and record while also working in non-profits and community outreach.
As he has said:
“I always had a dream to do something like this and I’m not done yet. I’m still dreaming.”
Discography
Champaign — Studio Albums
1981 — How ’Bout Us
1983 — Modern Heart
1984 — Woman in Flames
1991 — Champaign IV
Champaign — Compilations
2003 — Greatest Hits
Pauli Carman — Solo Albums
1986 — Dial My Number
1987 — It’s Time
Pauli Carman & Champaign — Later Releases
2008 — Carma
2010 — Get Back 2 Love
2011 — “Share” (single)
2013 — Love Kind
2014 — Eyes of the Spirit
2022 — “Can’t Let You Go” (single)
CoalKitchen (with Pauli Carman)
1976 — “Chained to the Train of Love / Bumpin’ in the Kitchen”
1977 — Thirsty or Not… Choose Your Flavor
Key Singles & Chart History
How ’Bout Us — #12 Hot 100 · #4 R&B · #1 AC · #5 UK
Try Again — #23 Hot 100 · #2 R&B
Off and On Love — Top 10 R&B
Trials of the Heart — R&B chart return
Dial My Number — #26 R&B
In the Heat of the Night — #72 R&B
Awards & Recognition
Grammy-nominated recording legacy
Multi-platinum catalog
National R&B Music Society Unsung Hero Award (2013)
Television appearances: Soul Train, American Bandstand, Solid Gold, Top of the Pops
Major venues: Madison Square Garden, United Center Chicago, Cow Palace, Sanger Theatre, Epcot Center
PauliCarman.com
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