John Schlitt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| John Schlitt | ||
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 John Schlitt in the middle of a concert
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| Background information | ||
| Birth name | John William Schlitt | |
| Born | February 3, 1950 (age 57) | |
| Origin |  Lincoln, Illinois, USA |
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| Genre(s) | CCM Rock |
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| Occupation(s) | singer, real estate agent | |
| Instrument(s) | vocals | |
| Years active | 1975-present | |
| Associated acts |
Petra Head East |
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| Website | www.johnwschlitt.com | |
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.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
[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 a born-again Christian, and subsequently convinced Schlitt to see her pastor, whereby he eventually accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and lord. 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 3, 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] Solo Career
During breaks from Petra, Schlitt recorded and released two solo albums: Shake in 1995, and Unfit For Swine in 1996. Both albums were moderately succesful and received positive reviews.
Schlitt has claimed that he had material for a third album, but his commitment to Petra has prevented him from working them out.
After Petra's retirement in 2005, Schlitt and Petra guitarist and founder, Bob Hartman started working on an album together as II Guys From Petra. The album was released in January 26, 2007 titled Vertical Expressions.
[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.
He is currently a real estate agent for Keller-Williams Realty in Brentwood, Tennessee.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Solo Discography
[edit] Other Contributions
- Geoff Moore & The Distance - A Place To Stand (1988)
- Steve Camp - Justice (1988)
- Nathan DiGesare - Jubilate'! (1989)
- Artists And Friends - Carry The Light (1989)
- John Lawry - Media Alert (1990)
- Breakaway Praise 1 (1992)
- 4 Him - The Ride Comes Alive (1995)
- Mickey Masters: Agent Of Truth - The Evil Plot Of Madame Chang (1996)
- The Best Of Morgan Cryar - What Sin? (1998)
- Re:newal - The Art Of Community (2001)
- Silers Bald - Real Life (2003)
- Liberty n' Justice - Welcome To The Revolution (2004)
- Everlife (2004)
- Project Damage Control (2005)
- Rick Derringer - New album (2007)
