John Schlitt
| John Schlitt | |
|---|---|
John Schlitt singing during a 2006 concert.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John William Schlitt |
| Born | February 3, 1950 |
| Origin | Lincoln, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, Contemporary Christian |
| Occupation(s) | singer, real estate agent |
| Instruments | vocals |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Associated acts | Petra, Head East |
| Website | www |
John William Schlitt (born February 3, 1950 in Lincoln, Illinois) is known for his career as the lead singer of 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 Head East.
John Schlitt was born in Lincoln, Illinois. Shortly after, his family moved to Mt. Pulaski where he grew up. Schlitt began singing and showing interest in music from a very young age. When he was 13 years old, he joined a band called Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different. He went to Mt. Pulaski High School in his hometown graduating in 1968. It was during his high school years that he would meet future wife, Dorla Froelich.
After graduating from high school, Schlitt enrolled in the University of Illinois for a degree in Civil Engineering. However, his main interest was still music. In 1972, he joined the rock band Head East as lead singer with some fellow students of the university. Juggling his musical career and college studies, Schlitt finally graduated from college in 1974 and dedicated full-time to his career in music.
During the following years with Head East, Schlitt enjoyed the success of the band that produced several hits during the 70s. They released five studio and one live album. However, during the time, Schlitt also developed a dependency on cocaine and alcohol. His dependency reached a peak when he was fired from the band in March 1980.
After leaving Head East, Schlitt formed a short-lived band, "Johnny," but the band quickly ended as his addiction intensified in a six-month depression during which he "came very close to suicide". During that same period, however, his wife became a born-again Christian and subsequently convinced Schlitt to see her pastor. Schlitt confesses that he had already decided to end his life and agreed to the meeting only "so my wife would be able to say ‘he tried’ after I was gone".
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