Legendary recording artist John Schlitt - solo artist, lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Christian band Petra and former lead singer for popular '70s mainstream rock band Head East - has been named a finalist in About.com's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards.

Schlitt got the nod in the "Best Male Vocalist" category alongside Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath, Chris Tomlin and Jeremy Camp.

"I'm totally honoured to be in the company of these talented vocalists," says Schlitt. "I want to thank all of my fans and supporters that care enough to have nominated me."

Now through March 8, fans can vote once per day for their favorite finalists in as many award categories as they'd like. To cast your vote, visit christianmusic.about.com/od/ReadersChoice/tp/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.htm?nl=1 Winners will be announced March 15.

With more than three decades worth of water under the musical bridge, John Schlitt has earned multiple Gold Records, Grammys and Dove Awards. He has toured all over the world and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as the lead singer of Petra, one of the most successful Christian rock bands of all time. Schlitt was recently named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com.

For Schlitt's latest solo album, The Grafting, he called on the multiple talents of son-in-law and rising star producer/songwriter/drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Petra, Michael McDonald) to help craft his vision. The Grafting finds Schlitt exploring uncharted musical territory, while remaining anchored by his unmistakable voice. At once intimate and accessible, The Grafting is without a doubt Schlitt's most potent solo album to date.