Johnny Cash, Don Williams, John Denver, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, Joe Diffie, Buddy Jewell, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Tracy Byrd, Brad Paisley, Gordon Lightfoot, Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Vince Gill, Dan Seals...
Peter Dula is a country singer/songwriter from Slovakia (Europe), but music hasn’t been his love and passion from the very beginning. He used to be a hockey player and in 1999 went to Boston, MA to play hockey for a junior league (on a path to try out for the NHL). His plans suddenly changed when he was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated in Boston for 6 months. Peter got well and went back home to Slovakia, but in a few months the disease returned. He had to undergo a bone marrow transplant. "It was the toughest battle of my life, but I got through it" says Peter.
In between his treatments he picked up his father's old guitar and his dad showed him a few chords. That's how it all started. Peter never sang or played any instrument before in his life. His dad had some old records by Johnny Cash and Peter started playing and singing his songs. "His voice and his music touched my heart and Johnny Cash became my biggest influence," Peter comments. Later on Peter discovered some other great country singers that also had a huge influence on him and their music was helping him recover from his illness and get through the hard times during his treatment (Alan Jackson, Don Williams, Joe Diffie, Buddy Jewell, Randy Travis, Mark Chesnutt...)
"I fell in love with country music right away and it became a part of my life".
He learned a lot by listening to these great artists. If you ever heard Peter sing, you know he sings with his heart and soul and delivers his music with such honesty and feelings. His music will reach out and touch you.
Peter is now fronting Europe's top country band The Rowers. They released a CD which won them a Slovak GRAMMY® Award and other numerous prestigious awards including the best European country band of 2007. They broke the European airplay record when the single "I’m Leavin’" spent consecutive 14 weeks at the top of the ECMA chart. Peter & The Rowers swept the board at the 2007 European CMA awards taking home 6 awards along with the most prestigious “Artist of the Year” award. Peter’s songs are dominating the major European country charts and he and his band are extensively touring Europe.
Since the beginning of 2008 Peter has been battling cancer again but that did not stop him. He is still trying to perform, record and write songs. In spring 2008 Peter recorded a duet with honky tonk legend and Grammy winner Joe Diffie. Their song "Long Gone Loner" made it to no.1 on the major European Country Music Chart and to no.3 on the prestigious HotDisc International Chart. Joe Diffie included "Long Gone Loner" on his greatest hits album "The Ultimate Collection" which was released in July 2009 through Rounder Records in US and through Universal Music in Europe.
Click here to check out the album.
In June 2008 Peter was invited to perform at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and on June 8th he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. With the performance on the Grand Ole Opry he made his biggest dream come true.
Country music is helping Peter keep going through the hardest time of his life!!!
Peter has worked and shared the stage with Joe Diffie, Marty Stuart, George Jones, Mark Chesnutt, Buddy Jewell, Sammy Kershaw, Michael Peterson, Andy Griggs, Chris Young, Billy Yates, Kevin Denney, Kerry Kurt Phillips, Roger Springer, Lorrie Morgan, Neal McCoy, Tammy Cochran, Leslie Satcher, Brice Long, T. Graham Brown, Danny Leigh, Billy Ryan and many more.
Ahoj Peto, I know you cannot answer, but I believe you still can read the message. I still don't believe you're not with us, as I believe you're all around us. maybe not physically, but with your great music. I really miss you my friend and I hope you have a better time up there! I'll never forget your you, your optimisim, your smile and your talent. Love you my friend.
GOD REST YOUR SOUL PETER DULA, AS YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS. I AM HONORED TO HAVE MET YOU, AS YOU TRULY TOUCHED ME WITH YOUR COURAGE IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN MY BROTHER BILLY SO MUCH AND FOR MAKING THE EUROPE TOUR POSSIBLE TO SHARE THE LOVE OF THE MUSIC. YOU MADE IT ALL HAPPEN, WHEN IT MAY NEVER HAVE IN OUR LIFETIME, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. REST IN PEACE OUR FAITHFUL BROTHER, WE LOVE YOU . WITH LOVE LINDA
I'm sorry to hear this message Peter! I am glad I've had the oppertunity to write this song for you... R.I.P.....
We'll keep the dream alive
by Eduard de Ru
He was born in 81 with an angel on his shoulder When illness got him down by the years as he grew older It was the toughest battle in his life yet he did all see it through Now his music reaches out to us and it makes his dream come true
We'll keep the dream alive even when you're gone No matter where you are, your wings already flown Your music in our hearts will make a brand new star Yes you're the reason why we'll keep the dream alive
No matter who you are your fans will all know well How you touch them in the heart with the stories that you tell With I'm Leavin' and Blind Horses you've made your dream come true Yes you'll make country music live again in a way we never knew!
We'll keep the dream alive even when you're gone No matter where you are, your wings already flown Your music in our hearts will make a brand new star Yes you're the reason why we'll keep the dream alive Yes we will always try to keep your dream alive.
Peter has left for a Better Country. His untimely departure has left us all with so many words unspoken and notes yet unplayed. May the music that we keep on playing be accepted by the Good Lord up above as our prayer for Peter's cowboy soul.
It was a blessing to have known you Peter. You've always been a huge inspiration to me. You are a warrior, and you fought hard.
You brought a lot of wonderful art to this World, and you'll be remembered for that. As well, you were a great person with a golden heart. No one could forget you and your kindness. I look forward to meeting you again.
You will be greatly missed. God Bless You. -J.C. Andersen
We're so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He fought a very brave battle against the cancer. We had the pleasure of meeting Peter on two occasions. What a kind and talented young man. Rest in Peace, Peter. You will be missed. Jim and Diane
Hi Peter, still cannot believe the message I received is true! Please let me say big THANK YOU to what you've done and for the music you gave to us. You're really the Angel. You'll never die for me and I'll keep you in my heart. Will miss you my friend Juraj
Just learned that our dear sweet friend Peter Dula has passed after a long battle with cancer. God truly has another angel helping pour out the rain. I am sooo glad I had the opportunity to meet Peter and spend a little time with him... We will miss you Peter!!!
I so so so very sad to hear that Peter has lost his fight. I'm so thankful to have met Peter in Nashville in '08, and will always remember his enthusiasm and smile. To Peter's family, know he touched many lives with his gift, and he wont' be forgotten. Love and prayers
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