5 Things You Didn’t Know About Journey’s Steve Perry
Iconic singer Steve Perry, born on January 22, 1949, has spent decades making his mark on rock ‘n’ roll. At 76, his voice still reverberates in the hearts of fans across the globe, a testament to the enduring power of his contributions to the beloved band Journey, as well as his solo work. In honor of his birthday, let’s dive into five things you might not know about the man who taught us all to hold on to that feelin.’
1He almost didn’t join Journey
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It may come as a surprise, but Perry nearly passed up the opportunity to join one of the most successful rock bands of all time. In his mid-20s, when he was fronting the band Alien Project in California, his bandmate, Richard Michaels, died in a car crash. Perry nearly quit music altogether in grief.
However, around the same time, Journey’s manager, Walter “Herbie” Herbert, discovered Perry after listening to an Alien Project demo and wanted to recruit him for Journey. Perry’s mother urged him to answer Herbert’s call, and the rest is history.
2Perry took a break from music for love
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While many assumed Perry’s absence from music was simply due to the pressures of fame, the truth was far more personal. In the 2000s, Perry’s partner, Kellie Nash, was diagnosed with breast cancer; he decided to step away from his career in order to take care of her. After Nash’s passing in 2012, Perry withdrew from public life for a while, but ultimately returned to music in 2018 with Traces — an album that spoke to the themes of love, loss and personal growth, inspired by his relationship with Nash.
3“The Voice”
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Steve Perry’s voice isn’t just famous for its powerful delivery — it’s renowned for its incredible range. Known for his countertenor, Perry can hit notes that stretch from F♯2 to A5, and critics have often compared his tone to legendary singers like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. This high-pitched, clear and emotive style has earned him the nickname “The Voice,” a title originally coined by none other than Jon Bon Jovi. Perry’s voice has consistently been recognized as one of the most distinct and influential in rock history, ranking No. 76 on Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”
4His inspirations are all in the family
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Growing up in Hanford, California, Perry was deeply influenced by his father, a radio station co-owner and vocalist. But it wasn’t until his 12th birthday, when his mother gave him a gold eighth-note pendant, that Perry felt destined for music. That same year, he heard Sam Cooke’s “Cupid” on the radio, and it changed everything. The moment sparked his desire to become a singer, setting the stage for his future as one of rock’s greatest frontmen.
5A tribute to love became a huge hit
In 1984, Perry’s personal life and musical career intersected when he wrote “Oh Sherrie,” a song inspired by his then-girlfriend Sherrie Swafford. The hit track reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts, and the accompanying music video became a staple of ’80s MTV. Perry’s ability to channel his personal emotions into his music has always been a hallmark of his career, with songs like “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” becoming anthems for fans who connected deeply with his heartfelt lyrics.
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