Petra was founded in 1972, by Bob Hartman as a result of four Bible college students� desire to reach those around them in a way that they could relate: with rock music.
During the first two years, Petra played primarily in the Midwest, wherever there was an open ear: coffee houses, parks, high schools, colleges and a few churches that were open to this new 'Jesus Music'. In 1974, with a budget of less than $1000, the first album self-entitled Petra was released. At that time, the group consisted of Bob Hartman (guitars), Greg Hough (vocals and guitar), Bill Glover (drums, percussion) and John DeGroff (bass). The band�s first two albums featured 70�s hard rock and this style was still a little too radical for the Christian community and because of that, the sales were slow.
In 1979, Greg X. Volz took over leader vocals but left in 1986 to pursue a solo carreer. That was the most drastic change in the history of Petra. John Schlitt then was brought to be the front man for Petra. Although we all respect what Greg did for Petra, John took the group to the next plateau. After John, Petra was able to win its three Grammys.
The 1995 album 'No Doubt' featured an alternative style, less radical. And finally, after the 1997 and 1998 albums, we can say that the style was changing over to contemporary rock.
Over the years, people have complained about all the member changes tha band has made. I think what thet don�t realize is that Petra is more than a band. It is a musical ministry for reaching people with the Gospel as well as encouraging and challenging Christians.
