John Schlitt
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John William Schlitt (born February 3, 1950 in Lincoln, Illinois) is best known for his career as the lead singer of legendary Christian Rock band Petra from 1986 until the band's retirement in late 2005. Prior to joining Petra in 1986, Schlitt was the vocalist for secular hard-rock band Head East.
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[edit] Pre-Petra Era
During a successful six-year stretch with Head East, Schlitt went through a period of dependency on cocaine and alcohol. Leaving the band in March of 1980, his addiction intensified in a six-month depression during which he "came very close to suicide." During that same six-month period, however, his wife became saved, and subsequently convinced Schlitt to see her pastor, whereby he eventually accepted Christianity as his faith. Soon thereafter, he left the music scene.
[edit] Petra Era
Five years after leaving the music industry, with the departure of then-lead singer Greg X. Volz (who had left to pursue a solo career), John was invited to audition for Petra. After a session with Petra co-founder and guitarist Bob Hartman, he was asked to join the band. He sang his first show on February 3rd of 1986, beginning a career that would span nearly two decades. His first album with the band was the 1986 release Back to the Street.
During his career with Petra, the band released 2 RIAA certified Gold albums (Beyond Belief and Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out) and earned 4 Grammy and numerous Dove Awards. His travels and performances with the group reached all 50 states as well as 18 countries.
[edit] Personal life
Schlitt graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Schlitt has been married to wife Dorla since 1971, and they have since had four kids - Kari, John Kyle, Kris and Krey. They currently live in Franklin, Tennessee.
In addition to his work with Petra, Schlitt has released two solo albums, Shake in 1995 and Unfit For Swine in 1996. He continues to sing as a solo artist and is currently working on a third project.
He is currently a real estate agent for Keller-Williams Realty in Brentwood, Tennessee.
