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—has been named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com.

Senior music editor Andy Argyrakis selected Schlitt for the top position, identifying the best ten rock singers in terms of undeniable talent, vocal ability and indelible impact upon generations past and present.

"I'm very surprised, but very honored," said Schlitt upon learning of the announcement. "To be considered first among talent such as Kevin Max and Michael Sweet is truly an honor." Other artists on the list include Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman, 2008 AMA Emerging Artist of the year Mike Farris, Phil Keaggy, dc Talk's Michael Tait, Skillet's John Cooper, Burlap to Cashmere lead singer Steven Delopoulos and Tony Vincent.

Schlitt continues to tour as a solo artist and as GospelMusicChannel.com states, "remains one of the most distinctive and impactful men to ever stand behind a microphone."

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. After 20 years fronting Petra, one of the most successful rock bands in Christian music history, Schlitt recently released his third solo album, The Grafting, on 4K Records. Still passionate about the message of the Gospel and compelled to deliver it in his own inimitable fashion, he called on the multiple talents of rising star producer/songwriter 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 his latest project, The Grafting, visit johnwschlitt.com.