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A Look At Steve Perry by Carol Olsen Stephen Ray Perry January 22, 1949 (and for Pam, 1953) Hanford, CA Musical Background: While he states he was inspired by radio as a child, his family has also played a large part in his musical development. His father (Raymond) was a big band singer and his mother (Mary) acted as his manager for many years. One of his earliest memories, at about four years of age, is of his father singing on the stage. His mother encouraged him to continue with his musical career when he expressed a desire to give it all up in 1977, just before he got the call to come and sing with Journey. One of his last conversations with his mother, before her death in December of 1985, concerned his decision to continue as a solo performer or make another record with Journey (Raised on Radio). He started in elementary school with his musical training by singing in choirs which he continued to participate in until his high school years in Lemoore, CA. At this time, he became more interested in playing drums and formed a band called The Sullies which eventually had some local success. He continued as a drummer/singer for many years, throughout his college days at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, CA. and beyond. He played in various bands in the Sacramento area and eventually moved to Los Angeles in the mid-seventies to pursue his childhood dream of stardom. His big break came as singer of a band called Alien Project. They were being courted by CBS, WB and Chrysalis when the death of their bassist led to the end of the band in July of 1977. Steve nearly ended his own musical career as well, and went to work as a construction worker with his step-father, Marv. The demo tape from Alien Project was obtained by Herbie Herbert later that year and the rest, as we know, is Journey history. Steve lists Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye as being his among his favorite artists and credits them with having the greatest influence on his musical style. Journey History: Steve joined Journey as lead vocalist in 1977. His first stage appearance with them was on October 28th at the Waldorf in San Francisco. From Escape to Raised On Radio, he continually recorded, rehearsed and toured until he could no longer stand the pace. He parted company with Journey for nearly ten years, beginning in January, 1987, after the last of three sold out shows in Anchorage, AK. He reunited with his old bandmates for one studio album (and an unknown number of songs on a shelf somewhere in a can) in the summer of 1996 after calling Jonathan Cain to "see if there's a possibility of 'reforming the band.'" He departed again in 1998 after being unable to tour in support of the new album. Steve injured his hip in 1996, three days after completing the recording of Trial By Fire, in Hawaii. "I went on a feverish hike which I had done many times in this one area and for some reason that day it was just too hot and I went at it too much and I tore myself up a little bit." (from a radio interview on 12/13/96)

Steve's Journey Songs (in collaberation with other band-members)

Feeling That Way Little Girl Someday Soon Only The Young With A Tear Into Your Arms Homemade Love Open The Door Can Do People And Places I'm Cryin' City Of The Angels Daydream Lady Luck Do You Recall Lovin' You Is Easy Natural Thing Stone In Love Still They Ride

Only Solutions Mother, Father Lay It Down Escape Stone In Love Still They Ride Dead Or Alive Chain Reaction Edge Of The Blade Troubled Child Back Talk (don't gimme no) Frontiers Rubicon Liberty The Eyes Of A Woman Once You Love Somebody Be Good To Yourself Raised On Radio Once You Love Somebody Be Good To Yourself

Raised On Radio It Could Have Been You Positive Touch Girl Can't Help It I'll Be Alright Without You Message Of Love One More When You Love A Woman If He Should Break Your Heart Forever In Blue Castles Burning Don't Be Down On Me Baby Still She Cries Colors Of The Spirit Easy To Fall Can't Tame The Lion Trial By Fire Baby, I'm a Leavin' You

Steve's Songs with Neal Schon

Steve's Songs with Jon Cain

Patiently Majestic When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy) Precious Time Too Late Anyway You Want It Good Morning Girl Where Were You

Line of Fire Lights Somethin' To Hide La Do Da Stay Awhile Dixie Highway Don't Stop Believin' Keep On Running

Who's Cryin' Now Open Arms La Raza Del Sol Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Send Her My Love After The Fall Why Can't This Night Go On Forever Happy To Give (Steve's Obsession) Ask The Lonely Its Just The Rain Easy To Fall Suzanne

Steve's Songs with solo credit

Sweet and Simple The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love)

Walks Like A Lady Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Steve's Solo Efforts

Street Talk was Steve's first solo album and was released to multi-platinum success in 1984. He created three videos for Strung Out, Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart respectively, the first two making sarcastic, but humorous, comment on the music video industry. (and we wonder why he gets trashed on VH1 and MTV) . On January 22, 1985, Steve participated in the We Are The World project, contributing vocals to the title song and his own tune, If Only For The Moment, Girl. He collaborated with other artists during his career, including Clannad and Kenny Loggins. He considered following up Street Talk with another solo record, but instead went back to Journey in 1985 to record Raised On Radio. With the end of the tour for that album, Steve went into musical and personal seclusion to try and un-crisp himself from ten year job burn-out. He did not get to work on his solo career again until 1988 when he casually began to write and record. Steve released his second solo record in 1994, titled For The Love Of Strange Medicine. He toured in 1994 and 1995 in support of the album, but had to cut the trip short, due to a severe bout with bronchitis. His devotion to his fans and his desire to talk to and touch them was appreciated by everyone, but ultimately led to the early end of the tour. The project he worked on in the late 80's, Against The Wall finally saw the light of day in 1998 when Steve's Greatest Hits + Five was released. Also in 1998, with I Stand Alone and United We Stand, Steve did some writing, singing and making of video for the animated WB movie, Quest For Camelot. While we have heard from him intermittently over the past few years in radio interviews, he has remained generally out of the public eye. In 1998, he endured hip replacement surgery for the injury sustained in 1996. He tells us he's up and around and "doin' fine" and we may see him around again in the next century, publishing his autobiography or acting or getting into the vast domain of cyberspace. Who knows what the future may bring? But, if Steve has his way, whatever Perry treasures the new millenium will hold for his fans, they will be, as always, his very best.

Copyright © 1994-2006 Dan Stacy, Journey Digest, JourneyDigest.com No portion of this article may be reprinted without express written permission from the author and JourneyDigest.com