Happy Birthday: Steve Perry is 70 Today

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Steve Perry, of Journey fame, is celebrating his 70th birthday today. Born Stephen Ray Perry 70 years ago today (1949), he spent most of his time growing up in the San Jauqlin Valley area. In his early 20s, Perry moved to Sacramento where he hooked up with future producer Scott Mathews. Though they made some records at the infamous Record Plant in Los Angeles, Ice broke up in 1973 after returning to Sacramento and their songs were virtually never heard.

Another important precursor to Steve Perry's Journey was the prog rock band Pieces. Featuring prominent bass player Tom Bogert (of Jeff Beck fame). That band didn't last too long either, and in his mid 20s (circa 1977), Perry formed the Allen Project. The band had just made their demo when bass player Richard Michaels died in a motor vehicle accident. Upset, Perry began looking into a different venture.

However, at the suggestion of his mother, Perry answered an ad placed by Walter "Herbie" Hanncock who was managing Santana and Journey. Journey had just recently released their third record, Next (1977) with Robert Flieschmen at the mike. Hanncock put on the demo tape featuring the Allen Project song, If You Need Me (Call Me). Hanncock fell in love with that voice and brought Perry in. Perry's debut record with Journey was Infinity (1978).

Between Infinity (1978), through to Raised on Radio (1986), Steve Perry sang on all of their big hits such as Patiently (composed with guitarist Neil Schon, 1978), Don't Stop Believin' (1981), Seperate Ways, (1983), and Faithfully (1984).

In this time, he made a collab. with Kenny Loggins on Loggins' 1982 record High Adventure, sharing vocals on Don't Fight It. In 1984 Perry released his most successful solo record today and had hits with Oh Sherrie (1984) and Foolish Heart (1985).

After spending 1987 through 1994 in silence, Journey reconvened in 1995 with the familliar Schon, Perry, Smith, Valorie, Cain lineup and recorded their 1996 album Trial by Fire featuring When You Love a Woman. It would be Steve Perry's last with them, however, as while vacationing in Hawaii in 1997, Steve Perry injured his foot and had to take therapy. In 1998, a firm decision was made that Steve Perry would be leaving Journey after being with them for many years. Interestingly, his successor, Steve AUGERI, was labelled by fans and critics alike as "Steve Perry with a perm."

Perry most recently released his latest solo work Traces late last year, which I already blogged about.

As for rejoining Journey, Schon has extended his invitation to Perry, but no signs yet...

...so don't stop believin'!

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