John Schlitt is an American singer best known as the longtime lead vocalist of the influential Christian rock band Petra. He joined Petra in 1986 and served as their lead singer until the band retired in 2006. He is closely associated with many of their biggest hits during the band’s most successful era.

Before Petra, he was the lead singer for the secular rock band Head East in the 1970s.

He has released several solo albums and collaborated on many other projects.

Petra, with Schlitt was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The band earned multiple Grammy and Dove Awards.

John has a powerful, distinctive rock voice and is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable male vocalists in Christian rock history. His personal story includes a journey from struggles with drugs in his earlier rock career to a strong Christian faith that shaped the second half of his life and music.