NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 16, 2024) – Multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist and Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member John Schlitt has released his new HISTORY Deluxe Edition Box Set today, Friday, February 16, 2024, from Girder Records.

With the release of HISTORY, the renowned rock vocalist takes his fans on an unforgettable journey through his musical legacy.

“It’s truly an honor to collaborate with John Schlitt. Few individuals are as deserving of a project like this as he is,” says Girder Records founder Greg Hays. “While many recognize John from his illustrious tenure with Petra and Head East, my objective was clear: to curate a comprehensive box set showcasing John’s exceptional solo repertoire, allowing fans to fully appreciate the brilliance of his solo career. His solo work stands shoulder to shoulder with his acclaimed contributions to Petra. John, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your remarkable music and for entrusting us with the opportunity to bring this project to fruition.”

“It has been an exciting venture to work with Girder Records on the release of HISTORY, a three-disc box set featuring 40 handpicked songs that I’ve personally curated across my solo projects.” says Schlitt. “It’s a musical journey that spans much of my career, and I can’t wait for you to experience the passion and stories behind each track. Enjoy the ride!”

The new project is a testament to Schlitt’s artistic evolution as a solo artist, a dual career path that he has pursued alongside his longtime role as lead singer of legendary Christian Rock band Petra, one of the most successful Christian rock bands of all time.

HISTORY not only showcases Schlitt’s impactful solo career with albums like Shake, Unfit for Swine, The Grafting, The Greater Cause, and GO, but also selections from his other band, The Union of Sinners and Saints, which he co-founded alongside his friend and Whiteheart founding member Billy Smiley.

For longtime fans or those discovering Schlitt’s work for the first time, the HISTORY Deluxe Edition Box Set is a must-have for those who appreciate the artistry and impact of a true rock legend.

The HISTORY Deluxe Edition Box Set includes an exclusive Limited Collector Card, a unique piece of memorabilia for dedicated fans. This special addition adds an extra layer of exclusivity to an already extraordinary collection. Limited to just 500 units, this Deluxe Edition also includes a special collectors sleeve and a 12-page book with photos of John Schlitt, along with his story. Every CD contains a Limited Collector Card, and 50 lucky fans will receive a card autographed by John Schlitt and randomly inserted inside the CDs.

The release of HISTORY comes during a very busy season for Schlitt, who is currently on the road singing lead vocals for Petra’s 50th Anniversary Tour, which has included stops across the country and across the pond where the band has played to large, enthusiastic crowds.

Along the way, Schlitt has found time to appear on various media outlets, like his recent appearance on the popular TV show, Huckabee, hosted by former Arkansas governor and popular conservative commentator Mike Huckabee, who joined Schlitt’s performance on bass.

“John Schlitt has one of the strongest and most powerful voices in the music world,” says Governor Huckabee. “He’s in the rarified air of vocalists like rock legend Paul Rogers (lead singer of 1960s and ’70s hit bands Free [“All Right Now”] and Bad Company) who can push a song to its limits and beyond. And he’s just one of the nicest people ever to work with!”

For more information about HISTORY, including a complete track list, visit girdermusic.com. For more information about John Schlitt and GO, his latest project of all-new music, visit johnschlitt.com or Facebook.

About GO, John Schlitt’s latest project of all-new music:

GO, Schlitt’s latest project of all-new music, has proven to be well worth the wait for fans of the man GospelMusicChannel.com (now uptv.com) has called “the best rock singer in Christian music history.”

The ten-song collection of sanctified rock ‘n’ roll met with immediate critical acclaim upon its physical release on February 28, 2020, the week before the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic lockdown began in the U.S., confirming industry opinions that Schlitt’s vocals have never been in better form.

The project, which released digitally on December 23, 2019, was tapped by Classic Christian Rock Magazine (CRR) as one of the Top 10 Albums of 2019. CRR extolled the project’s sweet melodies, direct lyrics, and Schlitt’s seemingly ageless vocal prowess. Schlitt joined chart-toppers and fan favorites on the CCR “Best Of” list, including projects by Newsboys, Michael Sweet, David & the Giants, and Guardian’s Jamie Rowe.

Schlitt also released a special edition limited vinyl version of GO from Girder Records on August 7, 2020, under the Limited Run Vinyl series.

“We’re either going forward or idling in expectation of God’s direction,” Schlitt says. “And when the time comes to go–then we GO!”

Fans can stream the project on multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, Amazon Music, Pandora and others.

About John Schlitt:

For more than five decades, John Schlitt has enjoyed a stellar musical career as a solo artist, as the lead singer for multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning Christian band Petra, one of the most successful Christian rock bands of all time, and as the former lead singer for popular ’70s mainstream rock band Head East.

In addition to his work as a solo artist, Schlitt is currently a member of The Union of Sinners and Saints, a band he formed with founding Whiteheart band member Billy Smiley in 2016.

Schlitt also brings his lead vocalist talent to The Jay Sekulow Band, a seven-piece ensemble featuring Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice and host of his own radio and TV talk shows. In addition to Schlitt, other band members include co-lead vocalist John Elefante (Kansas), John Lawry, Scott Kirkman, Marco Pangallo, Mark Lee Townsend, and Chris Cooke.

Schlitt is also currently on the road again with Petra as lead singer for the band’s 50th Anniversary Tour.

Schlitt has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as the lead singer of Petra during the years when the band won 10 Dove Awards and four Grammy Awards.

He was named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com (now uptv.com), and according to the website, Schlitt “remains one of the most distinctive and impactful men to ever stand behind a microphone.”

The legendary vocalist’s busy schedule in recent years has included appearances in media outlets including CCM Magazine; Cornerstone TV’s flagship show, Hope Today; Inspiration.org; 700 Club Interactive; CBN.com; Faith Radio’s The Meeting House, World Christian Broadcasting; Huckabee; 100 Huntley Street; Jay Sekulow Live; TBN’s Music, Moments, and Memories TV program; nationally syndicated radio show Bill Martinez Live!; Jesus Freak Hideout; Jubileecast; The Bottom Line; and many more, as well as extensive international touring and media coverage.

About Girder Music, Girder Records:
GirderMusic.com is the home of our very own label, Girder Records. All of our releases have been licensed by the band, label or artist. You’ll know that these are official high quality releases when you see the Girder Records logo on the back. We take pride and care when we reissue product. If you ever think that you have encountered a bootleg copy please reach out to us so that we can inform our legal team. Artist and labels should be paid. When those moral absolutes are circumvented, it hurts the entire industry.

For more information on Girder Records and Girder Music, Girder Records, visit girdermusic.com.

Courtesy of McCain & Co Public Relations