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Paul Cardall (born April 24, 1973) is an American pianist known for his original compositions and arrangements of various hymns. His music is frequently categorized as classical, Christian and new age. Cardall has had several recordings debut No. 1 on top Billboard charts.[1]

In addition to his recording career, Cardall founded Stone Angel Music in 1999, which produced a catalogue of recordings by other similar artists. The catalogue was acquired by Anthem Entertainment Group in 2018.[2]

Personal life

[edit]

Cardall was born with a major heart defect, and needed surgery the day he was born.[2]

After two more heart surgeries at ages 13 and 14, Cardall became a pianist.[3]

Cardall was recruited by Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). He served as the Fine Arts President and Public Relations Vice-president at SLCC while enjoying a full-ride leadership scholarship there. During the summer season he worked as a youth counselor for the Especially for Youth camps at Brigham Young University.[3]

While attending college, Cardall played piano for tips at a Nordstrom department store and local restaurants. He recorded his first album, Sign of Affection, in 1994. Richard Paul Evans, author of the best-seller The Christmas Box, heard the album and asked Cardall to create a musical adaptation of his story.[3] Cardall was able to travel to national book signings with Evans during the release of the CD and the book, he was able to sell tens of thousands of copies of his album and developed a supportive fan base.

While Cardall continued to compose music part-time, he worked at Richard Paul Evans's book distribution company as the music executive.[3] He worked with Disney, BMG, and others, and became interested in making piano performance his career. Cardall's early compositions are influenced by Mozart, pianists David Lanz, George Winston, and Yanni.[4]

Cardall knew that one day he would likely need a heart transplant.[3] He lived with congenital heart disease for over thirty years. He was born with only a single functioning ventricle or half-heart. In August 2008, with his heart failure, Cardall was listed for a heart transplant. After waiting 385 days, he received a donated heart via transplant on September 9, 2009.[5][6]

Cardall is married to Kristina Molek, a former Wall Street analyst who is a first generation Slovenian American.[7]

Career

[edit]

In early 1999, Cardall founded Stone Angel Music, an independent record label intended to produce, market, and distribute Cardall's recordings.

That same year, Cardall signed a multi-album deal with Narada, an affiliate of Virgin Records.[8] Cardall said he signed with Narada to help further distribution routes for his album The Christmas Box inspired by Richard Paul Evans #1 New York Times bestseller, which was originally released independently in 1997.[9] Narada expanded upon the distribution channels Cardall had begun with author Richard Paul Evans. The Christmas Box album debuted #22 on Billboard's New Age Chart.[10] That same year, Cardall also debuted a new album entitled The Looking Glass. In December 1999, both records were listed on Billboard's Top 25 New Age Charts.[11]

During his association with The Christmas Box, families of victims in the Oklahoma City bombing requested the music be played during the memorial ceremonies as families placed flowers on the empty chairs representing their lost loved ones, covered by news channels including CNN. The event inspired Cardall to release Miracles: A Journey of Hope and Healing.[12]

In September 2005, Cardall released a new CD called Primary Worship, inspired by the innocence and spiritual development of childhood. The album debuted at #12 on the Billboard Magazine Top 25 New Age Chart, spending 11 weeks on that chart.[13]

Cardall released a collection of hymns arranged for piano in 2008 titled The Hymns Collection, which debuted No. 4 on the Billboard New Age charts.[14]

That same year, Cardall released a two-disc titled Living for Eden. Which is considered extremely personal and insightful as Eden is the name of his daughter, and music is his Eden-place; the way he finds his own peace and comfort.[15]

In 2009, when Cardall's health was at its lowest, he recorded a CD titled Sacred Piano, putting together some of the most meaningful things he had done up to that point. The album debuted #5 on Billboard's New Age Chart.[16]

In 2011, Cardall's album New Life debuted as the number one Billboard New Age album in February 2011.[17] New Life held its rank in the top 5 albums for more than 30 weeks.[2]

In 2013, Cardall scored T.C. Christensen's film Ephraim's Rescue about pioneers in 1856 stranded in the snow.[18] The score receives the 2014 Best Music Score for a Feature Film by the filmed in Utah Awards.

In 2015, Cardall's album 40 Hymns for Forty Days (2015), debuted as the number one Billboard New Age album in March 2014.[19] 40 Hymns for Forty Days held its high rank in the top 10 albums for more than 50 weeks.[20]

Paul Cardall's A New Creation was released on September 16, 2016, by Stone Angel Music. The album debuted #1 on Billboard's New Age Album Chart, #2 Classical Album Chart, #12 Christian Album Chart, #34 overall Independent Albums, and #7 Heatseekers Chart.[21] The album features soloists Nathan Pacheco (Disney Pearl Records; Yanni Voices tour) and Patrice Tipoki (Fantine, Les Misérables international Broadway tour).

2018 Cardall produced two albums for Stone Angel Music. The first titled Worth of Souls brought together Christian artists performing songs to fight suicide, depression. The album debuted No. 12 Compilation Albums, No. 20 Christian Album Sales, and 47 Independent Album Sales, according to Billboard.[17] The second album, Sunday, is a collection of works from various Stone Angel Music artists. The album debuted No. 1 on the Top New Age Albums Billboard Chart and No. 35 on the Christian Album Sales.

Anthem Entertainment acquires Cardall's catalog in 2018, including a 3 album recording contract. Anthem, then called OLE, also acquires the Stone Angel Music catalog.

November 2, 2018, Christmas was released by Cardall, who generally produces his own albums.[22] This time Jim Daneker produced the album. Christmas was recorded at Ocean Way Nashville. The album features collaborations with Grammy winning artist CeCe Winans.[23] Christmas debuted No 1 on top Billboard's New Age Chart and No 2 in Classical. The Gospel Music Association awarded a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of The Year.[22]

August 23, 2019, Peaceful Piano was released by Anthem Entertainment Group, who acquired Stone Angel Music's catalogue a year early.[24] Paul worked with multi-Grammy winning engineer Michael Bishop. Peaceful Piano is a collection of improvised piano solos reflecting on Paul's decade surviving with a donor heart.[24]

December 3, 2020, Cardall was invited by Grammy nominated country artist Ty Herndon and Tony winning broadway star Kristin Chenoweth the join them on Orphans of God written by Joel Lindsay and Twila LaBar.[25]

February 5, 2021 The Broken Miracle was released by Anthem Entertainment Group. Paul collaborated with several guest performers, including David Archuleta, Tyler Glenn, lead singer of Neon Trees, Grammy nominated Thompson Square,[26] Grammy nominated country artist Ty Herndon, former Grammy nominated Sanctus Real lead singer Matt Hammitt, Grammy winner Rachael Yamagata, Akelee and J. Daniel, and Ty Herndon, among others.[27]

In August 2021, Cardall's recording contract with Anthem Entertainment Group concludes. He establishes a new independent record label, All Heart Publishing.[28] Symphonic Distribution begins distribution for All Heart Publishing.[29]

Cardall's first release under his new imprint is a collection of 14 improvised piano pieces called December. The album is debuted No. 11 on the top Billboard Classical Crossover chart.[30] Cardall offered a two versions of the December, one master album of piano with a string ensemble and the other a solo piano version.[31] His next release is called Sleep (2022), which includes three 15–20 minutes compositions for sleep stages 1, 2, and 3 NREM.[32]

Following up Cardall's improvisational recordings like Peaceful Piano and December, the artist releases Return Home September 8, 2023.[33] Eleven original piano compositions and two hymn arrangements with piano and orchestra that explores Cardall's heritage and the countries they migrated to America from.[33] One year later, Cardall offers the solo piano version on Return Home: Solo Piano Version.[34]

With artists releasing more singles than ever, according to Rolling Stone, Cardall begins to follow this pattern.[35] On November 11, 2023, the pianist releases an arrangement of O Little Town of Bethlehem.[36]

In 2024, Cardall releases five singles from his October album release called Grace In Grief. Singles include; A Grief Observed, Be Thou My Vision, Where Can I Turn for Peace, Mourning Light, and Mary's Lament.[37]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album Billboard Chart position
New Age Christian Classical Classical Crossover Heatseekers Top 200 Record Label
1995 Sign of Affection Stone Angel Music
1997 Hymns - Piano Solos Stone Angel Music
1999 The Christmas Box 23 Narada
1999 The Looking Glass 22 Narada
2000 Hymns II - Piano Solos Stone Angel Music
2001 Miracles - A Journey of Hope & Healing Stone Angel Music
2002 Daily Devotions Excel Entertainment Group
2003 Faithful Stone Angel Music
Live - Paul Cardall in Concert w/String Quartet Stone Angel Music
2004 Christmas Hymns Stone Angel Music
2005 Primary Worship 12 Stone Angel Music
2007 Songs of Praise Stone Angel Music
2008 Living for Eden Stone Angel Music
The Hymns Collection (Hymns Vol 1 & 2) 4 Stone Angel Music
2009 Sacred Piano 5 Stone Angel Music
2011 Saving Tiny Hearts 9 Stone Angel Music
2011 New Life 1 1 183 Stone Angel Music
2015 40 Hymns for Forty Days 1 31 1 Stone Angel Music
2016 A New Creation 1 12 2 1 Stone Angel Music
2018 Christmas 1 4 10 1 Anthem Records
Worth of Souls (Executive Producer) 20 Stone Angel Music
Sunday: Various Artists (Executive Producer) 1 35 Stone Angel Music
2019 Peaceful Piano 2 6 Anthem Records
2021 The Broken Miracle 8 Anthem Records
2021 December: Piano & String Ensemble 11 All Heart Publishing
2021 December: Piano Solos All Heart Publishing
2022 Sleep All Heart Publishing
2023 Return Home All Heart Publishing
2024 Return Home: Solo Piano Version All Heart Publishing
2024 Grace In Grief All Heart Publishing

Charitable activities

[edit]

Paul Cardall served on the executive board for Saving tiny Hearts, a nonprofit founded by Franice Paul which is dedicated to eliminating Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) as a major health concern by funding revolutionary life saving research for the #1 Birth Defect worldwide, to improve, prolong and save the lives of countless children born with CHD.[38]

The Paul & Kristina Cardall Scholarship was established with the help from Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), for students with congenital heart disease.[39]

Paul Cardall has performed at benefit concerts for individuals who, like himself, are fighting for their chance to receive a heart transplant. At the beginning of summer 2014, Paul Cardall performed locally in Salt Lake City for a young boy who suffered from heart illness.[40]

In 2011, Utah State Board of Regents awarded Paul Cardall with an honorary doctorate.[2]

Stone Angel Music

[edit]

Stone Angel Music is an independent record label founded by Paul Cardall in 1999.[41]

Stone Angel Music has released albums by Steven Sharp Nelson[42] from The Piano Guys, Camille Nelson, Ryan Tilby, Shane Mickelsen, and Jason Lyle Black, had his album Preludes debut at No. 2 on the Billboard Top New Age Albums Chart in June 2016.[43]

Pianist Jason Lyle Black's Piano Preludes, released May 6, 2016, recently debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top New Age Albums chart. According to Black, the honor is rare for an artist's first album and is a testament to Black's producer, Paul Cardall, and record label, Stone Angel Music.[44]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Paul Cardall

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Paul Cardall (born April 24, 1973) is an American pianist, composer, and producer renowned for his peaceful, cinematic music that blends Christian and styles, often featuring original compositions alongside arrangements of traditional hymns. Born in , , he began playing as a child and started composing songs during high school following the death of a close friend, which profoundly influenced his emotive and healing-oriented style. Cardall has achieved significant success in the instrumental music genre, with four No. 1 albums on the chart, including the 2015 release 40 Hymns for Forty Days, which remained in the Top 10 for more than 50 weeks. His 2019 album Christmas earned him the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year, highlighting his ability to reinterpret sacred and seasonal themes through solo . Throughout his career, Cardall has released over 20 albums, achieving a breakthrough with in 1999—an adaptation inspired by ' novel—that marked his entry into inspirational music. Personal challenges have deeply shaped his artistry; diagnosed with congenital heart disease in infancy, he endured over 30 years of health struggles before receiving a life-saving heart transplant in 2009, an experience commemorated in his 2011 album New Life. Subsequent works like A New Creation (2016), featuring collaborations with vocalist and a piano rendition of ' "Sign of the Times," demonstrate his versatility in fusing contemporary elements with classical and influences. As of 2025, Cardall's music has amassed over 3 billion streams worldwide, with recent releases including Grace in Grief (2024), marking 15 years post-transplant, and (2025), which topped the Classical Crossover chart; his introspective and therapeutic compositions continue to resonate with audiences seeking solace and spiritual reflection.

Early Life

Childhood and Health Challenges

Paul Cardall was born on April 24, 1973, in , . From the moment of his birth, he faced severe health challenges due to a complex that resulted in only half a functioning heart, manifesting as a "blue baby" syndrome from inadequate blood oxygenation. Doctors informed his parents that he had a mere one-year life expectancy without intervention, marking the beginning of a childhood dominated by medical crises. Just 22 hours after birth, Cardall underwent his first open-heart at Primary Children's Hospital in , a temporary palliative procedure aimed at stabilizing his condition. Despite this early intervention, his fragile health persisted, requiring ongoing monitoring and care. At age 13, a life-threatening triggered another major heart , followed closely by a reconstructive operation at age 14 to address structural issues and improve cardiac function. These procedures, performed in the mid-1980s, were critical to his initial survival, though they left him with lasting physical limitations and a heightened awareness of mortality. Throughout these ordeals, Cardall's family provided essential emotional and practical support, standing by him during extended stays and recovery periods that disrupted normal childhood activities. His parents, faced with dire medical prognoses, advocated fiercely for his treatment and helped cultivate his resilience amid chronic illness. This familial backing played a pivotal role in shaping his early development, instilling a sense of perseverance despite the isolation and uncertainty of his health struggles.

Introduction to Music

Following his childhood health challenges, including multiple open-heart surgeries for a , Paul Cardall turned to the piano in his mid-teens as a non-verbal therapeutic outlet to process and emotional pain, particularly after the sudden death of a close friend in a car accident. This decision came during a period of recovery from surgeries around ages 13 and 14, when traditional communication felt inadequate, and music provided a silent means of expression and . Largely self-taught after brief lessons at age 8 that lasted only six months, Cardall learned primarily by , experimenting on the family piano without formal instruction or . His early practice routines were intensive and unstructured, often spanning three hours daily, where he would improvise and refine simple motifs to channel his inner turmoil into melody. This solitary approach allowed him to develop an intuitive feel for the instrument, prioritizing emotional release over technical precision. Cardall's first compositional efforts emerged in his mid-teens around , beginning with basic three-note phrases that he expanded into full pieces, marking his initial foray into creating original music as a form of personal . These early works drew influences from classical techniques, such as arpeggios, and new-age piano artists including David Lanz, , and , whose flowing, atmospheric styles resonated with his desire for peaceful, introspective soundscapes. During late adolescence in , Cardall gained initial local recognition through informal performances at family gatherings, where he shared his nascent compositions, and soon progressed to playing in restaurants and hotels, honing his skills in front of small audiences and building quiet acclaim in his community.

Personal Life

Family

Paul Cardall is married to Kristina "Tina" Molek Cardall, a first-generation born and raised in , , whose parents immigrated from . She holds a degree and worked for over a decade as a performance analyst on before transitioning to a in health and wellness. Cardall and his wife reside in , with their family, having relocated there to pursue expanded opportunities in his musical career. He is the father of two daughters: Eden Joy, from a previous , and Eliza Angel; Kristina serves as stepmother to Eden. Throughout his career, Cardall's family has offered steadfast personal support, enabling him to balance professional commitments with home life in Nashville.

Heart Transplant and Recovery

In August 2008, Paul Cardall was placed on the national heart transplant waiting list due to advanced . He endured a 385-day wait, during which his condition deteriorated significantly, requiring him to rely on medical support while maintaining his musical activities as much as possible. On September 9, 2009, Cardall underwent a successful heart transplant at Primary Children's Medical Center in , , receiving a donor heart from a 19-year-old man from —a detail he has publicly shared to honor the donor's family. The new heart began beating immediately upon implantation, without the need for , marking an auspicious start to the procedure. Post-surgery, Cardall experienced a rapid initial recovery, returning home just two weeks later—four weeks ahead of the typical five-to-six-week hospital stay projected by his medical team. He faced challenges including tremors in his hands from anti-rejection medications and the burden of managing at least five such drugs, alongside overall fatigue from a regimen of up to 25 daily pills. Rehabilitation involved structured physical therapy and monitoring via a home computer system to track vital signs and medication adherence, with Cardall playing piano nightly during his hospital stay to aid his emotional adjustment. By February 2010, he had resumed performing publicly, marking his return with a concert at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. Long-term health management includes ongoing anti-rejection therapy, regular check-ups with his transplant team, and lifestyle adjustments to sustain the graft's function, now over 15 years post-transplant. Emotionally, the transplant represented a profound shift, which Cardall described as "sobering, miraculous, and divinely orchestrated," evoking a sense of newfound vitality akin to upgrading from a worn-out vehicle to a high-performance one. He grappled with post-surgery guilt and depression, viewing the experience as a call to honor the donor by becoming a better person and using his platform for good. Spiritually, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardall drew on faith-based coping mechanisms, reflecting on themes of enduring "dark Fridays" with the assurance that " comes," which helped him process the ordeal and channel it into themes of healing and gratitude in his music.

Musical Career

Early Recordings

Cardall entered professional music production in the mid-1990s as a self-taught , releasing his debut album in 1995 initially on cassette through independent means. The album consisted of improvised original compositions captured on a Yamaha C-7 grand , showcasing his intuitive style developed without formal training. Produced on a modest budget without major label involvement, it featured 10 tracks emphasizing emotional, reflective melodies inspired by personal experiences. The initial reception of was limited but impactful within niche and inspirational music communities, gaining traction through word-of-mouth distribution at local events and small retailers. Notably, the album came to the attention of bestselling author , who was moved by its heartfelt tone and commissioned Cardall to create an for his novel , marking an early breakthrough in recognition. This exposure highlighted Cardall's potential despite operating outside mainstream channels. Building on this momentum, released subsequent independent albums in 1997, including , a collaborative soundtrack project with spoken-word elements from Evans, and , featuring arrangements of sacred pieces. These works were self-produced and distributed via small presses, allowing creative control but limiting wider reach. faced significant challenges in gaining broader acknowledgment, relying on personal networks and regional promotion without the resources of established labels or conservatory credentials. In the late , Cardall's early career expanded to include initial live performances, such as concerts tied to promotions in venues, where he performed solo sets to intimate audiences. These appearances, often benefiting local charities, helped build a following and led to further collaborations with regional musicians, solidifying his presence in the inspirational before major commercial success.

Major Albums and Chart Success

Paul Cardall's album New Life, released in 2011, marked a significant milestone in his career, debuting at number one on the Albums chart and holding the position for three weeks. Inspired by his heart transplant experience, the album features piano-driven instrumentals that reflect themes of renewal and gratitude, blending Cardall's contemplative style with subtle orchestral elements. This release not only surpassed contemporaries like and on the chart but also underscored Cardall's growing commercial presence in the genre. Building on this success, Cardall's 2015 album 40 Hymns for Forty Days debuted at number one on the Albums chart, where it remained for an extended period, including 28 weeks by late 2015. As his 15th studio album, it draws from hymns associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering reverent arrangements designed for prayer and meditation, with over 40 tracks emphasizing spiritual introspection. The following year, A New Creation (2016) also topped the chart upon release while reaching number two on the Classical Albums chart, ranking among the top 20 best-selling classical and crossover albums of 2016. This conceptual work traces a narrative of divine creation through piano and strings, achieving strong sales through independent distribution and appealing to audiences seeking inspirational music. In 2018, Cardall's holiday album Christmas debuted at number one on the New Age Albums chart, alongside top-five placements on the Classical and Classical Crossover charts, and number 11 on Christian Album Sales. Featuring collaborations with artists like and produced by , the album combines traditional carols with original arrangements, earning a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year. More recently, in 2024, Cardall released singles from his album Grace in Grief under All Heart Publishing, including "Be Thou My Vision," "Where Can I Turn for Peace?," and "A Grief Observed," commemorating 15 years post-transplant with themes of healing and faith. In 2025, he released Ascensus, a on May 23 featuring 11 instrumental variations inspired by the biblical account of Christ's ascension, arranged for with orchestral elements. These tracks continue his of piano-focused works that integrate spiritual influences into emotive, restorative soundscapes. Throughout these releases, Cardall has evolved his recording process toward greater independence, founding Stone Angel Music in 1999 to handle production, marketing, and distribution of his projects without major label support. Collaborating with engineers like 10-time Grammy winner Michael Bishop, he employs high-fidelity techniques such as close-miking Steinway pianos and minimal to capture raw, improvised performances in dedicated studios. This self-reliant approach has enabled consistent chart success while maintaining artistic control over his healing-oriented compositions.

Musical Style and Influences

Paul Cardall's musical style is characterized by a seamless blend of new-age piano, classical elements, Christian hymns, and inspirational compositions, often featuring soothing, melodic lines that evoke tranquility and emotional depth. His works emphasize heartfelt expression, drawing on contemporary influences alongside sacred music traditions to create pieces that nurture introspection and spiritual resonance. This fusion results in a signature sound that prioritizes accessibility and emotional connection over technical , as seen in his use of gentle arpeggios and progressions to convey and hope. Cardall's key influences include pioneering new-age pianists such as and David Lanz, whose improvisational and atmospheric approaches shaped his early style, as well as composer for expansive, orchestral-like piano textures. Classical composers like and provided foundational inspiration for his melodic structures, while contemporary Christian artists such as influenced his integration of faith-based themes. Additionally, sacred music traditions, including hymns and choral arrangements, inform his devotional pieces, blending them with modern sensibilities to appeal to a broad audience seeking upliftment. To cultivate originality, Cardall ceased listening to other piano artists after 1992, allowing his voice to emerge distinctly from these diverse sources. Central to Cardall's compositional techniques is improvisational playing, where he develops themes spontaneously at the piano before refining them into structured works, often recording multiple variations to capture raw emotion. His thematic focus centers on and emotional , with compositions designed to foster and reflection, mirroring his personal experiences with challenges in a subtle, non-literal manner. Over time, Cardall's style has evolved from primarily solo recordings to more layered arrangements incorporating strings, , , and orchestral elements, enhancing the emotional scope of his music. In later works, he has collaborated with guest vocalists and artists, introducing vocal tracks alongside instrumentals to broaden the inspirational impact while retaining his piano-centric roots. This progression reflects a maturation into a modern classical idiom, where traditional piano intimacy meets cinematic .

Business Ventures

Stone Angel Music

Paul Cardall founded Stone Angel Music in 1999 as an dedicated to producing, marketing, and distributing new-age and inspirational music, initially focused on his own piano-based recordings. Under the label, Cardall released over 20 of his albums, including chart-topping works like New Life and The Hymns Collection, which achieved multiple No. 1 positions on the Albums chart. The label also signed and released projects by other artists, notably cellist , whose debut album Sacred Cello (2006) and subsequent recordings, such as Grace: A Sacred Cello Collection (2014), were produced in collaboration with Cardall. Additional signings included artists like Camille Nelson, contributing to a diverse roster emphasizing arrangements and healing music. The label grew into a substantial catalogue encompassing Cardall's 22 albums plus 12 additional artist releases, establishing Stone Angel Music as a niche player in inspirational genres. Distribution partnerships with , Deseret Book Distributors, and Alliance Entertainment enabled worldwide reach, particularly in faith-based and markets. In November 2018, Cardall sold Stone Angel Music to ole, a division of Anthem Entertainment, in a deal that included the label's master recordings for 27 prior releases, additional Stone Angel albums, and publishing rights. The acquisition was driven by Cardall's proven commercial success—over 2 billion lifetime streams and alignment with ole's focus on innovative, healing-oriented music—allowing the company to expand its new-age and inspirational roster. Outcomes included a new worldwide recording and publishing agreement for Cardall, whose subsequent album (2018) debuted at No. 1 on multiple and boosted the label's artists through enhanced promotion. Following the sale, Cardall transitioned to new creative ventures under Anthem's support.

All Heart Publishing

All Heart Publishing, LLC, was established in 2021 by pianist and composer Paul Cardall following the sale of his earlier label, Stone Angel Music, to Anthem Entertainment Group in 2018. The independent serves as a platform dedicated to producing arrangements and peaceful, instrumental music aimed at inspiring healing and reducing anxiety. Building on Cardall's prior experiences in music production, the company emphasizes timeless compositions that blend cinematic with orchestral elements to foster spiritual growth and emotional resonance. A notable release under All Heart Publishing is the 2024 album Grace in Grief, which Cardall produced to mark the 15th anniversary of his heart transplant. The album features nine tracks of serene melodies interwoven with , , and , exploring themes of loss, faith, and solace through introspective pieces like "" and "Mary's Lament." Inspired by personal and biblical narratives of mourning, it highlights the label's commitment to therapeutic music that processes trauma and promotes peace. The label focuses on signing artists who create sacred and therapeutic works, including the artist JONAHS (aka Brian Cardall). Current operations center on through platforms such as , , and Amazon, reaching audiences in over 160 countries with millions of monthly streams. In 2025, the label released Ascensus, a featuring eleven variations inspired by Christ's ascension. As founder, retains full creative control, prioritizing artistic vision to ensure releases maintain a focus on universal healing without commercial trends.

Philanthropy and Awards

Charitable Work

Paul Cardall has been actively involved in supporting the Saving Tiny Hearts Society, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research on congenital heart defects (CHDs), the leading cause of birth defect-related . He served as a director on the organization's board from 2012 until 2017, contributing to its mission of seeding grassroots funding for underfunded medical research. In 2014, Cardall released the album Saving Tiny Hearts, with $1 from each sale donated directly to the society to support lifesaving research initiatives for CHDs affecting over one million children annually worldwide. Cardall's personal advocacy for CHD awareness stems from his own lifelong experience with the condition, including multiple surgeries and a heart transplant. He has organized and performed in events, such as the annual Celebrate Life Concerts starting in the , which benefited families impacted by CHDs through silent auctions and performances. For instance, his 2010 at Abravanel Hall raised funds for CHD support while sharing his story to inspire donors. Additionally, he composed "Gracie's Theme" as an anthem for CHD awareness following the death of young patient Gracie Gledhill, with $1 from each sale of the Saving Tiny Hearts album donated to the society. Post-transplant, Cardall has partnered with medical organizations to promote heart health, , and . He collaborates with the to raise awareness about CHDs and has performed live piano sessions for patients at Primary Children's Hospital, where he received his transplant, using music to provide emotional support during treatments. Cardall also works with Donate Life through Gift of Hope to advocate for , drawing from his own life-saving experience. In partnership with the Foundation, he has donated keyboards to Seacrest Studios in children's hospitals nationwide, enabling programs that help young patients cope with illness. His Paul Cardall Family Foundation further supports CHD survivors by providing college scholarships, tying education to long-term recovery. As of 2024, Cardall continues to advocate for CHD research through Saving Tiny Hearts and released Grace In Grief to commemorate 15 years since his transplant, emphasizing themes of healing.

Recognition and Honors

In 2011, the State Board of Regents awarded Paul Cardall an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions to and humanitarian efforts. Cardall received the Gospel Association's Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year in 2019 for his album , marking the first time a Latter-day won in this category at the 50th Annual Dove Awards. His recordings have achieved significant commercial success, including 11 number-one albums on the New Age Albums chart and numerous other chart entries, establishing him as a prominent figure in the genre. Cardall has earned multiple industry , such as being the first Latter-day Saint artist nominated for Album of the Year in the instrumental category by the Gospel Music Association in 2019, and a for the A2IM in the Classical Album category for Peaceful Piano in 2020. Additional honors include endorsement by as one of the world's finest pianists and features in media outlets such as and TEDx Nashville, highlighting his inspirational story and musical impact from the 2010s onward.

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/paul-cardall/4312819
  2. https://www.deseret.com/2015/4/24/20563442/cardall-s-40-hymns-for-forty-days-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-new-age-chart/
  3. https://alchetron.com/Paul-Cardall
  4. https://www.doveawards.com/news/2019-dove-award-winners/
  5. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/11/06/prolific-pianist-uses-music-to-heal-inspire
  6. https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-new-creation/1440859281
  7. https://anthem.music/artist/paul-cardall/
  8. https://www.facebook.com/PaulCardallMusic/posts/unbelievable-thanks-to-you-were-no-1-on-the-classical-charts-and-i-love-that-the/1217479766405807/
  9. https://www.mormonstories.org/paul-cardall/
  10. https://giftofhope.org/stories-of-hope-healing/paul-cardall/
  11. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cardall-mn0000014427
  12. https://www.steinway.com/artists/paul-cardall
  13. https://ksltv.com/local-news/up-close-utah-artist-finds-healing-comfort-through-music/423105/
  14. https://voyageutah.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-paul-cardall/
  15. https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2019/9/10/20853529/why-utah-pianist-paul-cardalls-music-is-resonating-with-christian-fans/
  16. https://mainlypiano.com/interviews/paul-cardall-2004-april
  17. https://www.tinacardall.com/about-me
  18. https://www.holowchakfuneralhome.com/obituaries/frank-molek
  19. https://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/features/ci_14384412
  20. https://www.deseret.com/2009/9/24/20376921/paul-cardall-heart-transplant-recovery-a-miracle/
  21. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamwindsor/2019/08/26/composer-paul-cardall-celebrates--heart-transplant-anniversary--release-of-peaceful-piano-album/
  22. https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/paul-cardall-rising-from-a-broken-heart
  23. https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/dove-award-winning-pianist-paul-cardall-releases-new-album-return-home/
  24. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/paul-cardall/296304
  25. https://www.discogs.com/master/3320632-Paul-Cardall-Richard-Paul-Evans-The-Christmas-Box
  26. https://www.deseret.com/1999/11/5/19473917/lineup-includes-cardall-ledoux
  27. https://www.deseret.com/2011/3/9/20370120/paul-cardall-s-new-heart-brings-no-1-album/
  28. https://mainlypiano.com/reviews/paul-cardall-new-life
  29. https://www.billboard.com/charts/new-age-albums/2015-11-07/
  30. https://www.deseret.com/2015/4/16/20562793/what-s-new-cardall-s-40-hymns-for-forty-days-lends-to-prayer-meditation/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/charts/classical-crossover-albums/2016-11-19/
  32. https://www.wqxr.org/story/top-20-selling-classical-albums-2016
  33. https://latterdaysaintmag.com/latter-day-saint-musician-paul-cardalls-latest-christmas-album-tops-the-charts/
  34. https://www.prweb.com/releases/paul-cardall-s-christmas-debuts-on-9-billboard-charts-including-1-new-age-album-appearing-on-nationally-televised-national-christmas-tree-lighting-884588260.html
  35. https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/finding-peace-in-grief-paul-cardalls-faith-inspired-album-grace-in-grief-marks-15-years-with-a-donor-heart/
  36. https://music.apple.com/us/album/ascensus/1804692547
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNUizqz0RQ
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm1d3Nyto4w
  39. https://gospelmusic.org/news/gma-platinum-member-profile-paul-cardall-and-all-heart-publishing
  40. https://www.last.fm/music/Paul+Cardall/+wiki
  41. https://americansongwriter.com/paul-cardall-shares-his-extraordinary-life-in-the-broken-miracle/
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBoQ1W5VWx4
  43. https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/107756
  44. https://www.stoneangelmusic.com/
  45. https://www.billboard.com/pro/ole-signs-new-age-artist-paul-cardall-exclusive/
  46. https://www.discogs.com/label/1019716-Stone-Angel-Music
  47. https://camillenelson.com/signing-with-stone-angel-music-and-the-new-album/
  48. https://www.inven.ai/company-lists/top-22-record-label-companies-in-utah
  49. https://www.news10.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/653721281/pianist-paul-cardall-to-release-album-honoring-his-heritage-and-passing-of-grammy-winning-audio-engineer-michael-bishop/
  50. https://www.allheartpublishing.com/
  51. https://paulcardall.bandcamp.com/
  52. https://classical.music.apple.com/us/album/1753827743
  53. https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Grief-Paul-Cardall/dp/B0DK7PHP3P
  54. https://www.allheartpublishing.com/artists
  55. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/205505536
  56. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcardall
  57. https://www.deseretbook.com/product/5129140.html
  58. https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Tiny-Hearts-Paul-Cardall/dp/B00NTZM4XY
  59. https://www.deseret.com/2010/2/12/20095835/cardall-ready-to-celebrate-life-with-benefit-concert/
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiWp15tjqP8
  61. https://www.ryanseacrestfoundation.org/news/paul-cardall-performs-and-donates-keyboards-to-seacrest-studios
  62. https://www.facebook.com/PaulCardallMusic/posts/born-with-congenital-heart-disease-ive-spent-my-entire-life-advocating-for-aware/1119542609532857/
  63. https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/24259
  64. https://www.ldsliving.com/paul-cardall-becomes-first-latter-day-saint-to-win-a-dove-award/s/91792
  65. https://musicrow.com/2018/11/ole-signs-pianist-composer-paul-cardall/
  66. https://www.richlynngroup.com/news/paul-cardalls-peaceful-piano-comforts-listeners-worldwide
  67. https://www.metronomeonline.com/paul-cardall-rhythm-is-the-heartbeat-of-music/
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