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. According to Schlegel, encouragement from those around him was the driving force behind the formation his seven-piece band, Tru South. With his popularity on the rise and the riggers of touring, Pete would have to choose between his normal life as an Ohio State Trooper and EMS helicopter pilot, and his childhood dream. It didn't take Pete long to decide. In March 2002, Pete headed to Nashville, where he began working with producer Clyde Brooks.
Three recorded cuts from Schlegel were released as an album and sold locally at shows. The demand for product was so overwhelming that Schlegel went back into the studio, coming out with an eight-track album in the spring of 2003. The album is aptly titled "Strong Stuff", and as Schlegel describes, "Every time I would play it for people, they would say of the material, Man that's strong stuff". As the momentum continued building, Schlegel made the decision to focus solely on his music. "Music is all I do", says Schlegel. Singles from the CD have been receiving heavy play in many Midwest radio stations. The single, "Leavin Ain¹t As Easy As It Sounds", was released by a promoter to over 1,000 Internet radio stations, video companies, and similar firms. Pete could barely keep up with the influx of website hits and demand for the CD. Since that time, enthusiasts have sprung up over seas. In Germany, Schlegel¹s single dominated the international chart for over seven weeks at listeners requests. That #1 chart position currently hangs in Schlegels house, as the song's position on the international chart stands above country superstar staples like Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and Kenny Chesney. The wall plaque serves less as a commemorative piece of success and more as a sign of things to come. "We're just getting started. It¹s gonna be good".
Schlegel's music isn¹t easily tagged, but a guitar-driven, up-tempo, honky-tonk sound describes it best. Reminiscent of his inspirations, Brooks, Dunn, and Garth Brooks. Schlegel¹s sound is timeless. He is the hometown boy watching the WWF and eating fish sticks as he sings so humbly in "Short for Gone". Schlegel's vocals are delivered just the way they're written: genuinely. No pretension or glossy over production, just the range of human emotions and experience of one man. Whether it¹s the flirty drawl on "A Girl Like You", or the raw romp of "Something Strong", Schlegel's endearing and approachable personality makes for songs that every woman wishes her man could sing to her.
Schlegel's first US release, "Short For Gone" spent 14 weeks on the "Music Row" charts before peaking at 51 in March 2004. Diane Richey Promotions from Nashville TN worked the single. The second single was released May 17, 2004 from the "Strong Stuff" album. The single "Leaving Ain't As Easy As It Sounds" is Clyde Brooks produced, Bill Anderson and Bobby Tomberlin written. Jan Woods and Rajean Riley Promotions, Nashville, TN is currently working it.
With over 100 concert dates scheduled this year alone, Schlegel and his Tru South band are paving the grime and sweat road to fame. Once Schlegel is there, under the neon lights of stardom, it¹s not likely he'll forget what's most important. "We¹re building a fan base from the area and then going out. If you don¹t forget where you came from, your fans will never forget you".
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