| Pete Orta | |
|---|---|
 Orta in 1999 during a concert. | |
| Biographical information | |
| Born | August 26, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Port Lavaca, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital status | Married |
| Profession | Guitarist, singer, songwriter |
| Affiliation | Petra Jaci Velasquez |
| Spouse(s) | Kelli Orta |
| Album information | |
| First album | God Fixation (1998) |
| Last album | Double Take (2000) |
Pete Orta (born August 26, 1971; age 52) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was the lead guitarist of Petra from 1997 to 2000. During that time, he contributed to two albums as a guitarist, songwriter, and singer.
Biography[]
Pete Orta was born in Port Lavaca, Texas, but grew up in Lubbock. He started playing guitar since he was a child, learning by himself. Orta has said that he had a "rough upbringing", which led him to leave his home right after graduating from high school. He spent a year homeless, until he landed a job at Jent's House of Music. It was there that co-worker and local guitarist John Ellis helped him hone and refine his skills.
During 1996, Orta and Kevin Brandow played with John Schlitt during his solo concerts.
Petra[]
Orta joined Petra in 1997. Together with fellow newcomers, guitarist Kevin Brandow and bassist Lonnie Chapin, they contributed to the recording of the album God Fixation, released in 1998. The album featured extensive contributions from all three members during the songwriting process, together with band founder Bob Hartman.
In 2000, Petra released Double Take, which featured several classics from the band, reimagined and remade. The album also included two new songs, one of which ("Breathe In") was written and sung by Orta. During Orta's tenure with the band, Petra won a Grammy and was nominated to another one. Shortly after the release of Double Take, Orta left the band to pursue a solo career.
After Petra[]
After leaving Petra, Orta was invited by singer Jaci Velasquez to play guitar on her Crystal Clear Tour. Orta also recorded a duet with her on the album Season of Love. Also, in 2001, Orta released his first solo album, Born Again, which was nominated for a Dove Award.
In 2009, Orta and his wife started a non-profit organization called In Triumph dedicated to helping troubled and homeless teens. He also hosts a podcast titled Christian Conversations Unfiltered.
Personal life[]
Pete Orta is married to Kelli Orta.
Album credits[]
- God Fixation (1998)
- Double Take (2000)
Songwriting credits[]
- "Falling Up" (1998) with Bob Hartman and John Elefante
- "Over the Horizon" (1998) with Chelsea Brandow and John Elefante
- "God Fixation" (1998) with Bob Hartman, Lonnie Chapin, and John Elefante
- "Breathe In" (2000) as lead vocals and guitars
