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.
In 2005-2008 Schlegel went on tour with Daryle Singletary and Jeff Carson. During this time, under the direction of Nashville producer Ted Hewitt, Pete completed his sophomore album, "I'm Not Listening." The first single, "Alcohol Abuse" was released in the summer of that 2006. The single, "You Can't Bring Her Back" was released in 2008. Both videos can still be seen regularly on GAC and CMT.
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 finished filming a new country music video featuring a cameo by Cledus T Judd. This is available now on all your favorite streaming services.
November of 2024 "The RIver" was released with a full video in support of the victims from Hurricane Helene.
Pete has just finished his 6th Album "Odds & Ends" The first single from the album "Why I Stand" was released on May 19, 2025. The video has surpassed 300,000 views in the first week. The video will be released nationally by Steve Baker Visual Imaging Market, May 29, 2025. The full album release is June 16, 2025
Pete and his band is currently doing shows across the USA. Listen and request Pete on your local radio station or favorite streaming service! See and request Pete and his band at a town near you!.