History

A Little History.....

Petra - What is it? The name Petra means "rock" (thus the existence of this website). Not only in reference to the style of music they play, but also to the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ. For nearly 30 years, Petra has won numerous awards & distinctions (secular & religious), though that has never been their focus.

Petra was founded in 1972 by Bob Hartman, as a result of 4 Bible College students' desire to reach those around them in a way that they could relate...with Rock music. Ft. Wayne, Indiana saw the birth & launch of Petra.

During the first 2 years, Petra played primarily in the Midwest, wherever there was an open ear...Coffee Houses, Parks, High Schools, Colleges & what few churches were open to this "Jesus Music". Their focus has always been on ministry, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went, unashamedly.

In 1973, they signed with Myrrh Records. Myrrh took a leap of faith in Petra after Billy Ray Hearn heard them playing at "The Adam's Apple" coffee house. Not only did he head Myrrh records at the time, but also produced Petra's first album. In 1974, with a budget of less than $1000, the self-titled debut "Petra", was completed in roughly 2 weeks at a small studio in southern Illinois.

Petra consisted of Bob Hartman (guitars), Greg Hough (vocals & guitar), Bill Glover (drums, percussion) and John DeGroff (bass) at the time.

It would be 3 years until the next Petra release, "Come & Join Us". The sound was a bit better, or perhaps a bit more refined than the debut. Greg X. Volz made an appearance as a guest vocalist (2 songs). This album brought about the classic anthem, "God Gave Rock & Roll To You", which quickly became a concert favorite. It's been said that Bob Hartman had to "compromise" on this album. They wanted to call it "God Gave Rock & Roll to You", but Myrrh deemed it inappropriate. They also had to remove the song "Killing My Old Man" as Myrrh felt people would not understand & take it literally ("Killing My Old Man" was later added to "Never Say Die"). As this album was still a little too radical musically for the Christian community, sales were slow & Petra was released from its contract with Myrrh.

The year 1979 brought about several changes. Bob Hartman moved the Band to Nashville, TN. & met Rob Frazier, who came on-board for vocals & guitar work. Greg X. Volz was again asked to help out when Petra's drummer (Bill Glover) bowed out.

During touring, a new record label named Star Song approached the band with a contract offer. Petra signed and created their 3rd album, "Washes Whiter Than". This was a fresh new beginning...not only with a new label, but "Washes Whiter Than" produced Petra's first radio hit, "Why Should The Father Bother".

There are those that do not like these early albums, but it is literally "Classic Petra" & one needs to take into consideration the time frame when these albums were produced - the 70's. You can't compare these to say, On Fire! or This Means War!

In 1981, Petra created their 2nd album with Star Song, "Never Say Die". Jonathon David Brown was brought in as producer, and the "sound" of Petra was set in motion for the next 3-4 years. Radio hits such as "For Annie" and "The Coloring Song" only gave the Band more momentum and opportunity. This album was also decidedly harder (or Rockier if there is such a word) with songs such as "Angel of Light" and "Chameleon".

In the summer of 1982, Petra recorded their 5th album, "More Power To Ya" with hits like "Stand Up", "Road To Zion" and the title song, "More Power To Ya". Petra was also doing increasingly more concert dates. 161 in 1982, followed by 153 in 1983.

The summer of 1984 brought about record #6, "Not of This World". This album seemed to be toned down from the guitar stand-point, while adding considerable synthesizer (probably as a result of the addition of John Lawry). This album yet again produced more hits, including "God Pleaser" and the title track, "Not of This World". Petra finished in the top 10 bands in the world (yes, World!) with this album with regard to concert attendance.

1984 brought about the furtherance of the use of synthesizer / keyboards. "Beat The System" is too toned down on guitar and has way too much synthesizer (in our humble opinion). There are some great songs on this record though, such as "Adonai", "Speak To The Sky" & "Hollow Eyes" for example. There is some debate as to whether Beat The System was released in 1984 or 1985, but everything we have points to 1985 (including the 1986 Captured In Time and Space live record release where they say "Welcome to the 1985 Beat The System Tour").

1986 brought about the most drastic change in the history of Petra. Greg X Volz (Lead Vocals) left to pursue a solo career. It's one thing to have a guitarist or keyboardist to leave, as even though the styles of the individual may change, the sound stays somewhat fluid. But when you have a lead vocalist change - it can be drastic! John Schlitt was brought on to be the front man for Petra. There is a night and day difference between the vocal abilities of John Schlitt and Greg X Volz. While we like and respect what Greg X Volz did for Petra as far as creating the "sound" of the late 70's to mid 80's, John Schlitt took Petra to the next plateau. Gone were the falsetto high notes - John's vocal range is 2nd to none!

Before we stray too far, during this transition, Petra released their only live album "Captured In Time & Space". If there is ONE album we would like to see, it would be another live album with John Sclitt at the microphone.