In the field of Christian music there are few survivors for any length of time. There are even fewer when it comes to music that appeals to the younger generation. One group stands out in my mind that has changed my world of music forever. Having saturated my early teens with Hard Rock, I came upon a Rock group that sang total Christian lyrics. That group was and is still called today, PETRA.
Founded in 1972 by Bob Hartman, 4 bible college students from Ft. Wayne Indiana set out to change the face of Christian music.
Bob Hartman, Greg Hough, Bill Glover, and John DeGroff spent their first 2 years playing their music wherever they could parks, fair, colleges and few churches. Most churches wouldn't have them because they thought it was the "devils music".
Having lost their first record label and much opposition to their music style most groups would have folded. Petra who's name means Rock must be commended for their persistence.
With the help of new lead singer Greg X. Volz and one of Bill Gather's record labels they are off and running again in 1979 with their first radio hit song "Why Should The Father Bother".
Petra seemed to fall on good times for the next several years. Producing several more radio hits and building up their following from 1981-1985 and were even voted one of the top 10 bands in the country.
Just as they were enjoying their most success their lead singer Greg X. Volz decided to go solo and Petra had to start over again. Not knowing exactly what to do and where to turn Petra waited on the Lord.
While they are waiting on the Lord, the lead singer of the Rock and Roll band Head East became a Christian. This singer's name is John Schlitt, and after joining Petra in 1986 it only took one year for them to surpass their previous success.
From 1987 to the mid 90's Petra was the most sought after Christian band of all times. They were the band that everyone emulated. They had many Dove and Grammy awards to their credit.
When Pompeii was buried, the tops of the buildings were left uncovered, so looters and survivors returned to break through ceilings and tunnel through rooms to recover or loot valuable items. ... After Giuseppe, Michele Ruggiero and later Guilio de Petra headed up excavations, following Fiorelli's methods. ...
