The Mid-West’s Pete Schlegel is the story of a farm boy’s dream come true. Raised on a Paulding, Ohio dairy farm, Pete listened to country radio shows while milking the cows. As a fourth grader, he received a guitar from his dad. That simple gift a long time ago would become Schlegel’s passion and livelihood.
Pete had always participated in school choirs, musicals, and the local karaoke circuit, but it was prompting from family and friends that enticed Schlegel to start a band. With his popularity on the rise and the riggers of touring, Pete would have to choose between his normal life as an ex-Ohio State Trooper and EMS helicopter pilot, and his childhood dream. Pete left the family farm in March 2002 and Pete headed to Nashville, where he began working with producer Clyde Brooks.
Brooks produced Pete’s debut album “Strong Stuff”. A total of three nationally charted singles were released from “Strong Stuff”. The singles “Short For Gone”, “Leavin’ Ain’t As Easy As It Sounds” and “It Takes A Whole Lot Of Liquor To Like Her” have exposed Pete to a wider audience in the United States as well as Europe. “Leavin’ Ain’t As Easy As It Sounds” dominated the international chart for over seven weeks and became the Number 1 single in Germany. The “It Takes A Whole Lot Of Liquor To Like Her” video was chosen as a Hot Pick Video on Great American Country (GAC) television and received substantial video spins on VH1 Country.
Pete completed his sophomore album “I’m Not Listening” under the direction of Nashville producer Ted Hewitt in January. The first single “Alcohol Abuse” was released mid-summer of 2006. His last single and video, “You Can’t Bring Her Back” was released in 2008. The videos for “Alcohol Abuse” “It Takes A Whole Lotta Liqour To Like Her” and “You Can’t Bring Her Back” can still be seen on GAC and CMT.
After three years of extensive touring in 2005, 2006, 2007 with Daryle Singletary and Jeff Carson, Pete came off the road in 2008 to operate his family farm and family owned businesses. After a four year break from heavy touring, Pete has reunited with some of his long term band mates and has begun playing selective dates in support of his 4th studio album. It was released in late April of 2014. His new album produced by Grammy nominated Nashville producer Greg Cole will feature 11 cuts. Pete has chosen some of his all time favorite “true” country music songs in addition to some new material for radio release and for his “Tru Fans”.
Pete has just completed a 5th studio album titled Rusty Ole Halo, which is a southern gospel album. Pete signed an agreement with Nashville based Stanley Music Group for release and promotion of the single “My God” to christian radio, with the release in late July 2016. The CD was produced by Grammy nominated producer Greg Cole and features guest vocals from Darrin Vincent and Aaron McCune.
Pete was influenced at an early age by the likes of The Hee Haw quartet and old time gospel music at the Pleasant View Baptist church in Junction Ohio.
When asked about his new CD to be released late spring or early summer of 2016. He is quoted as saying. “It’s something that I have always pondered doing and feel that now is the time. I am really excited about working on this project, it will have a Hee Haw meets bluegrass feel to it.”
Listen and request Pete on your favorite radio station and see Pete at a city near you in 2016!
Stanley Music Group is honored to promote the first single from the album Rusty Old Halo to Inspirational Country radio the single titled “My God”. This song is sure to be an inspirational country crowd pleaser. Pete delivers the song with conviction from his soul. This album is very special to him and Stanley music group is honored to have him on board.
For more information please visit Pete Schlegel.com
