When Larry Petree woke up in the middle of the night with his first song, "I'm Gonna Climb a Mountain" at the young age of 11, no one, including Petree, could imagine the kind of success that he would have later in life as a songwriter. Boasting numerous number one hits and a who's who of Southern Gospel artists recording his songs, one would think that Larry Petree has seen and done it all.
Looking at his history, it's easy to see why he became such a musical success. He was raised in a musical family, and he has been singing almost his whole life. At the age of nine, he formed a Gospel group with his friend Robert Brosher, and they called themselves The Singing Two. The group began traveling all over the state of Indiana. During their teen years, The Singing Two won second place in a vocal competition spanning the entire state.
Starting in 1986, Larry began professionally writing songs. After Jerry and the Goff's recorded and sent "Don't Give Up" to radio, Petree found himself as one of the most requested Southern Gospel songwriters. Soon after, "Lazarus Come Forth" was recorded by the Bishops, and it became his very first number one song. In fact, Mr. Petree has had a least one song on the national charts simultaneously spanning almost his entire career.
"My father, Arlie Petree, was by all means my biggest influence, both musically and spiritually," said Petree. "My father had such a high standard of excellence on his songwriting. I can remember him toiling and laboring over songs. He taught me to keep the same level of excellence in my writing, even though our writing styles bare no similarities."
In addition to his father, Petree has gleaned influences from the Southern Gospel of the 1970's.
"Groups like The Happy Goodmans and The Rambos, particularly Dottie, really set a standard for the industry and songwriting," said Larry when asked who his biggest influences were.
In addition to songwriting, Petree is also involved in publishing. His heart and desire is to help beginner songwriters. In fact, Larry has just written a book for songwriters. Practical Guide to Songwriting came out of a prayer from Petree.
"Years ago, I was praying, and I asked God that if He helps me succeed at songwriting, I would then encourage and inspire young songwriters," said Petree.
Wanting to honor the vow he made before God, Petree then began work on his new book. Practical Guide to Songwriting contains 16 chapters which range in subjects from tips to improving your songwriting, finding inspiration, handling rejection, and pitching songs, to name a few. The book also contains excerpts from other writers in the industry, like Dottie Rambo, Jeff Steele, Libbi Perry-Stuffle, and Tony Gore.
"I wanted to make this book for those who are just getting started in their songwriting," said Larry. "I left all the complicated issues for other songwriters to handle."
The book is a first of its kind in Southern Gospel, being written by a successful songwriter.
"It just offers practical advice," said Petree. "My songs have made a contribution to the industry. Now, I want to inspire new songwriters and help them avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that I've made."
In addition to his new book, Petree has also found time to record a new album. After having so many requests, Petree finally decided to record The Songwriters Project, Vol. 1, a collection of 15 of his most well known songs that he wrote and one bonus song. He even enlisted the help of the Isaacs to come and record "Where There Is No Fire" with him for the album.
The biggest advice that Larry can give today is avoiding what he says is his biggest pet peeve today.
"I feel it is very important to build relationships within the industry. However, we shouldn't use that as leverage for getting things done. Dirty politics have no place in the Gospel music industry. This 'I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine' mentality is not the way to go," said Larry.
"I want my music to stand on its own merits," he said. "I would rather burn the chart than to have a hit song that I did not earn."
Petree is a living example of an individual who has avoided the political aspect and been successful. He wants to be sure and encourage others to keep it ethical and biblical and to follow the right channels.
"Sing, write and minister," said Petree, "and God will exalt you in due time. If you can't do it the right way, then you need to go home and get a regular job."
With a lot of advice to give today, Petree is set on his heart's course. His book and album are available to order at his website:
http://www.larrypetree.com .
Be listening for his current songs impacting radio, like "Oh How the Sun Does Shine" by Tony Gore, "King of Kings" by the Freemans, "Great Day in the Morning" by the Hoppers, and other songs by Misty Freeman and Walt Mills.
Larry welcomes all comments and questions to his email address. Feel free to drop him a line at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 12/15/2003
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
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Thanks Larry for all those great songs that you have written. You are one of my favorite writers. God has surely bless you and your writing. May God always use you and your songs to further His Kingdom. I haven't seen Bro. Hughes yet but I will soon. :thumbsup:
I've enjoyed Larry Petree's music for over 40 years!
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