Legendary recording artist John Schlitt—solo artist, lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Christian band Petra and former lead singer for mainstream rock band Head East—recently joined multi-platinum, Grammy and Dove Award winning artist Michael W. Smith, who gathered a who’s-who list from the music community to record “Come Together Now” at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios. The song, penned by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan—and produced by Bryan Lenox—was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti.
“The crisis in Haiti has left us all trying to figure out how we can help,” shares Smith. “We wanted to create something that the community could support, for the greater good of those in Haiti. Everyone gave of their time: the studio was donated, the musicians donated their time and all proceeds from this song will go to designated charity/relief work through The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse. It’s incredible to be part of something that is going to help so many people.”
Schlitt adds, “It was a real joy to be able to share the talent that God has given me with so many others who have been given the same ability—all wrapped in a spirit that was truly straight from the Lord. It was a great evening.”
In addition to lending their voices in song, Schlitt and several other artists also recorded PSAs for The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse for use in upcoming months.
Contributing artists include: Aaron Shust, Alathea, Amber Hezlep, Anthony Moreino, Anthony Skinner, Ashley Cleveland, Austins Bridge, B. Reith, Brady Toops, Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole, Byron Chambers, Calvin Nowell, Charmaine, Chris McClarney, Chris Sligh, Chuck Girard, Dana Jorgensen, Darwin Hobbs, David Mullen, Don Poythress, Donovan Tea, Dorothy Savage, Duane Allen, Echoing Angels, Everlife, Francesca Battistelli, Greg Jennings, Hillary McBride, Jaime Jamgochian, Jared Anderson, Jasmine Sagginario, Jason Baird, Jason Dunn, Jimmie Allen, Jody Davis, John Ford Coley, John Schlitt, Joseph Martino, Julia Ross, Justin Rivers, Kate Lazar, Kate Schettler, The Katinas, Kevin Max, Kirk Sullivan, Lara Landon, Lanae Hale, Lannie Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Mandisa, Manic Drive, Margaret Becker, Mark Hall and Megan Garrett of Casting Crowns, Matt Dowley, Matthew West, Matt Maher, Melinda Doolittle, Meredith Andrews, Michael Cavallo, Michael Olson, Michael Tait, Michael Tash, MIKESCHAIR, Mike Weaver, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Paige Armstrong, Phil Stacey, Point of Grace, PureNRG, Rachael Lampa, Rachel B. James, Reco Hight, Restless Heart, Ruben Mundo, Russ Mohr, Sarah Ross, Sarah Sadler, Selah, Shannon Cochran, Shawn Cavallo, Stephanie Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrence James, TobyMac, Tommy Coomes, Travis Cottrell, Trey Heffinger, Wynonna, Yellow Cavalier and a childrens choir of more than 250 elementary school students including 14 from Haiti.
The song will be made available for sale soon, with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts to Haiti. More details on the song’s release date are forthcoming.
With more than three decades worth of water under the musical bridge, John Schlitt has earned multiple Gold Records, Grammys and Dove Awards. He has toured all over the world and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of Petra, one of the most successful rock bands in Christian music history. Schlitt was recently named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com. According to the website, Schlitt “remains one of the most distinctive and impactful men to ever stand behind a microphone.”
For Schlitt’s latest solo album, The Grafting, he called on the multiple talents of son-in-law and rising star producer/songwriter/drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Petra, Michael McDonald) to help craft his vision. The Grafting finds Schlitt exploring uncharted musical territory, while remaining anchored by his unmistakable voice. At once intimate and accessible, The Grafting is without a doubt Schlitt’s most potent solo album to date.
The Grafting is available on 4K Records and is distributed by New Day Christian Distributors in the U.S. and internationally by Go Global Entertainment. For more information on John Schlitt and The Grafting, visit johnwschlitt.com.
Pictured (L to R) are:
Photo 1 – The artists gather at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios to record “Come Together Now”
Photo 2 – John Schlitt and Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen at Ocean Way Studios
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