Raised on a dairy farm in Paulding, Ohio, Pete listened to country
radio shows while milking the cows as a child. This early exposure to
the radio shows grew his passion for country music. He worked as a state
trooper and EMS helicopter pilot but ultimately, it was his love of
country music that drove him to pursue his dream of performing. 

He headed to Nashville in 2002, where he began working with producer
Clyde Brooks.Brooks produced Pete’s debut album, “Strong Stuff,” which
saw three singles burst onto national charts. The singles “Short For
Gone,” “Leavin’ Ain’t As Easy As It Sounds,” and “It Takes A Whole Lot
Of Liquor To Like Her” exposed Pete to a wider audience in the US and
Europe. “Leavin’ Ain’t As Easy As It Sounds” would go on to dominate
international charts for over seven weeks, and became the Number 1
single in Germany. The video of “It Takes A Whole Lot Of Liquor To Like
Her” was chosen as a Hot Pick Video on Great American Country (GAC) and
received substantial video spins on VH1 Country.

After a short hiatus,Pete’s fourth album was released in April of
2014. A collaboration with Grammy nominated Nashville producer Greg
Cole, “That’s What I Believe” provided fresh material for radio release,
as well as some of Pete’s all-time favorite “true” country songs.

Cole would also produce Pete’s fifth album, “Rusty Ole Halo” (a
southern gospel album). The track, “My God” which featured the guest
vocals of Darrin Vincent and Aaron McCune attracted the attention of
Nashville based Joe Kelly Entertainment and On The Rhodes Entertainment
group, who signed Pete in September of 2016 with the intention of
releasing and promoting singles from this album, “That’s What I Believe”
and his 2017 release “J-Town #realcountryandproud”

Schlegel released his sixth album J-Town #realcountryandproud on
February 13, 2017. It includes 10 songs that he has either written or
co-written.

Saving Country Music reviewed the new CD with a 1 ¾ GUNS UP (8/10), “A cross between Don Williams and Mark Chesnutt.”

The first single to radio is “I Don’t Drink Anymore” charted at 57 on
the Music Row Charts and is currently receiving airplay across the
world. The single is being worked by the radio promotion team of Anne
Chrisman, Anne Sarosdy and Regina Raleigh. 

“My God” was released and promoted by Debbie Randle Promotions  the
fall of 2021.  It took the # 1 spot on the Positive Country Charts the
week of January 10, 2022.  Giving Pete his second #1 single to radio. 

January of 2023 Pete  just finished filming a new country music video
featuring a cameo by Cledus T Judd.  This video will be available late
February of 2023 on all your favorite streaming services.

Listen to and request Pete on your favorite radio station and see him in a city near you in 2023!