I purchased my first Journey album, "Infinity,"
in the summer of 1978, long before any of my friends had ever
heard of the band. I absolutely loved "Infinity,"
and to this day it remains one of my all-time favorite albums.
However, it was Steve Perry that kept me hooked on Journey.
Not only did he have a gifted voice and amazing talent, but
he had an incredible stage persona—with long, black, flowing
hair and boundless energy.
Steve Perry was born on January 22, 1949,
in Hanford, California, the son of Mary and Raymond Perry, who
moved to the US from Portugal when Steve was an infant. Steve
played in several bands around Sacramento while growing up,
first as a drummer and then solely as a vocalist. Just as his
band Alien Project was about to sign a recording contract with
Columbia Records, their bass player was killed in an automobile
accident.
While Steve returned home depressed and
disillusioned, an Alien Project tape had landed in the hands
of Journey manager, Herbie Herbert. At Herbert's insistence,
Perry became lead vocalist for Journey, taking the stage for
the first time in October 1977. "Infinity," Journey's
first album with Steve Perry, was released in January 1978.
It wasn't until Herbert sent Journey on a headline tour that
FM radio finally picked up "Wheel In The Sky." Though
none of the songs released from "Infinity" were considered
"hits" by Billboard standards, the FM airplay, combined
with extensive touring, slowly made"Infinity" platinum.
In March 1979, Journey released "Evolution." The single,
"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'," broke the Top 20, and
"mainstream" music fans finally tuned in toSteve Perry
and Journey. A year later, "Departure" was released.
It wasn't until the summer of 1980 that I finally got to see
Journey live in concert, with the Babys opening. What I remember
most is being in a state of bliss during the entire set, totally
mesmerized by Steve Perry!
Steve Perry and Journey went on to release
"Departure" and "Dream After Dream" (a Japanese
movie soundtrack) in 1980, "Captured" and "Escape"
in 1981, "Frontiers" in 1983, and "Raised on
Radio" in 1986. During the 80s, Journey firmly established
themselves as stadium rockers.
In 1982, Steve had a hit duet with Kenny
Loggins, "Don't Fight It." He recorded his solo project,
"Street Talk," in 1984 which featured three Top 40
hits, including the number three single, "Oh Sherrie."
Steve also collaborated on the "We Are The World"
project in 1995, contributing the single, "If Only For
The Moment Girl." Steve's solo success, combined with the
illness of his mother and problems arising from the marathon
recording of "Raised on Radio," caused tension amongst
band members. Journey disbanded immediately following the "Raised
on Radio" tour.
It would be eight years until fans finally
heard from Steve again, despite rumors of follow-up projects
to "Street Talk." "For The Love Of Strange Medicine"
was released in 1994, hitting the charts at number 15 and producing
a Top 10 hit, "You Better Wait."
Journey reunited in 1996 to record a new
CD—"Trial By Fire." While preparing for the subsequent
tour, Steve injured his hip hiking in Hawaii. Steve wanted to
consider all healing possibilities before having hip surgery,
but the other members of Journey were anxious to move on tour
in support of the album. Once again, Journey and Steve departed
company.
In 1998, Steve Perry's "Greatest Hits
+ Five Unreleased" was released. Journey regrouped with
a new vocalist, Steve Augeri, and is now on tour promoting their
album, "Arrival." Fans are hoping for a new solo project
by Steve Perry, who has totally recuperated from hip surgery.
