14 Facts About Bob Hartman

Robert "Bob" Hartman was born on December 26,1949 and is a Christian artist, guitarist, writer and songwriter.

Bob Hartman is the founder of Christian rock band Petra.

Bob Hartman took a break from touring in 1995, but continued to write most of the band's songs, record guitars and produce most of the albums.

Bob Hartman officially returned to touring with Petra in 2003 until he decided to retire the band in late 2005.

Bob Hartman toured with Petra in 2023 for the band's 50th Anniversary Tour.

Bob Hartman grew up in Bryan, Ohio learned to play guitar when he was 13 years old, teaching himself from books and watching other people.

Bob Hartman has said that two of his major influences was Joe Walsh, a member of The James Gang and Jimi Hendrix at the time.

Bob Hartman converted to Christianity when he was 20 after having heard about the shootings at Kent State University and asking God if he was real to reveal Himself to Bob Hartman.

Bob Hartman was already jamming with guitarist Greg Hough and they both moved to Indiana to attend the same school.

Bob Hartman became the principal songwriter of the band, writing the lyrics and music for almost all of their songs.

Bob Hartman continued to play guitars on all of the albums despite not being featured on the album pictures or promotional material of the subsequent four albums - No Doubt, Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus, God Fixation, and Double Take.

Amidst the struggles in the band during the late 90s, Bob Hartman decided to officially return in 2001 for the release of the band's third praise album: Revival.

In 2017, Bob Hartman collaborated with missionary and guitarist Daniel Dossmann in releasing Guitar Legacy.

Bob Hartman produced, arranged and provided electric guitar to Dossmann's acoustic guitar on the album of praise and worship songs.