**RetroSwitch Live's interview on Nov. 11/11 with artist John Schlitt is now podcasted. Listen to the voice of Petra discuss his upcoming fourth solo album with Parker and go-host Steve.
LISTEN HERE
Become a fan of RETROSWITCH!
Become a fan of John!
Follow RetroSwitch on Twitter
Follow Parker on Twitter
It's time to look back on the singing career of one of Christian rock's best known voices. He's best known for his work with Petra, but it's his talent as a solo artist that has captured our attention. We are talking about John Schlitt.
John William Schlitt was born in Lincoln, Illinois on February 3, 1950. He moved to Mount Pulaski, Illinois where he grew up and took interest in singing at age 13. He played in a high school band called Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different. At high school, he met his future wife, Dorla. Schlitt went to University of Illinois, getting an engineering degree, but wanted a life in music. In 1972, Schlitt got some school friends together and formed Head East; a secular band who had some hits in the late 70's with 4 studio and one live record. Schlitt during this time became heavily addicted to alcohol and cocaine. The drugs would cause him to leave the band in 1980. During the next six months, he became suicidal and Dorla became a Christian. She and her pastor later led Schlitt to Christ. He then quit drugs and music and went into blue collar work. Five years later, Schlitt got a call from Bob Hartman of Petra. Greg X. Volz had just left the band and they needed a new vocalist. February 3, 1986 was his first show, and the rest is history.
In 1995, Schlitt released his first solo album, Shake. This was a side project away from Petra and he recruited his own musicians. Most call this a Petra spin-off, or "Petra-lite". Songs included "Wake the Dead", "Inside of You", and "Road to Calvary". Schlitt carried out a short solo tour based around Petra's heavy schedule. In 1996, Schlitt liked doing solo albums so much he did another one. This one was called Unfit for Swine. The sound was totally different and much more alternative than Petra ever was. Songs included "Save Me", "Take You On", "Need I Remind You", and "I Killed a Man". Schlitt was done as a solo artist for now. He needed to dedicate time to keeping Petra afloat, as their popularity waned. He would perform solo shows over the years by himself, most often singing to tracks as opposed to performing with a band. The band then went on a Farewell tour and retired... sort of.
After Petra, Schlitt was unemployed. He tried carpentry, and passed his exam to become a real estate agent, but music was still knocking at his door. As was Bob Hartman.
Two Guys from Petra was formed in late 2006. Schlitt and Hartman were the guys. They began performing acoustic shows together for Petra fans in retirement denial, and for smaller churches who may not have been able to afford the Petra band as a whole. In these shows, they performed Petra tunes and worship numbers which they converted into an independent record.
Vertical Expressions was released in early 2007, sold through the band's website and at gigs. It contained worship numbers and the two left out tracks from the Petra Farewell concert album. In 2008, Schlitt released his much anticipated third solo album, The Grafting. Songs include, "Stand", "The Grafting", "Only Men", and "Face of God".
Where does he go from here? Too active to retire, Schlitt is currently working on his next album through prayer warriors, fans and financial givers. John and Dorla have four grown children, and both currently reside in Franklin, Tennessee.
For more information, check out his website at http://www.johnwschlitt.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment