Song:Love
Album:The Ultimate Collection
Petra were pioneers of Comtemporary Christian Music (CCM). There was no name for that music when they started in the 70s. Petra had most of their success in the 80s when CCM labels were trying to cross over to mainstream rock. The 1990 single Love was released on the religious label Word's DaySpring label and Epic. Petra lead guitarist and songwriter Bob Hartman met bassist John DeGroff when both were in the Christian rock band Rapture in 1971. When the band split up, they studied at a Fort Wayne, IN bible school and formed Petra with classmates Greg Hough on guitar and Bill Glover on drums. They started playing local clubs. At the time, this was called Jesus Music. Word Records saw a market and started Myrrh Records to sign Christian rock bands. Petra signed with Myrrh for the 1974 album Petra. Their music was similar to Eagles and Hartman knew he needed to find a lead singer. Greg X. Volz was hired and he covered Argent's God Gave Rock and Roll To You. He also gave Petra a hard rock sound. That single was controversial within the normally conservative Christian church community and it led to Myrrh dropping Petra. Hough and DeGroff left and Hartman brought in pianist Rob Frazier. Volz continued as lead singer and drummer. Petra signed with Star Song and the 1979 album Washes Whiter Than leaned towards soft rock. Frazier left after that album and was replaced by John Slick and bassist Mark Kelly. Star Song hired producer Jonathan David Brown who had success producing other Christian rock bands. The 1981 album Never Say Die sounded like Foreigner or Kansas and The Coloring Song was a big CCM hit. Louie Weaver was the new drummer. Petra was touring more frequently and their albums were more consistent. So they were having success in the CCM market. This was around the time when CCM labels started partnering with secular labels to cross CCM bands to mainstream. Petra's albums were on A&M. Though Petra was successful, they were never able to cross over to mainstream. Volz thought Petra was not making enough money to justify the heavy touring schedule and he left in 1986. He was replaced by former Head East lead singer John Schlitt. They brought in John Elfante of Kansas and his brother Dino who had produced other CCM acts to produce the 1986 album Back to the Street. After that album, Petra went to an arena rock sound. Ronny Cates replaced Mark Kelly. Petra left Star Song in 1989 for Word's DaySpring label with Epic Records distribution. The 1990 album Beyond Belief was their second album for DaySpring. The album was certified Gold and Love was the biggest CCM hit of 1991. The Gospel Music Association named Petra Group of the Year. Hartman attempted to adapt Petra to changing musical styles. But it led to him leaving in 1995. Petra became Schlitt's band and they weren't as successful. This 2CD comp covers Petra's entire career. Hartman returned to Petra in 2001. Though Schlitt and Hartman disbanded Petra in 2005, they reunited in 2007 and continue to tour. They have even toured as Classic Petra. Petra was a big part of establishing CCM as a significant force in the music business. Here's the video for Love by Petra. This is the kind of CCM video that makes me wince. It's just awful.
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