Steve Perry

Stephen Ray Perry was born in Hanford, California, to Portuguese parents from the Azores. He is an only child. Perry grew up interested in music, as his father, Raymond Perry (Pereira), was a vocalist and co-owner of radio station KNGS.{{cite web | url = http://www.valleyvoicenewspaper.com/tvarc/2006/july52006.htm | title = Portuguese Radio Station Stands the Test of Time | access-date = July 17, 2013 | last = Kaufman | first = Robin | date = July 5, 2006 | work = Valley Voice Archives | publisher = Tulare Voice Newspaper | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620110032/http://www.valleyvoicenewspaper.com/tvarc/2006/july52006.htm | archive-date=June 20, 2012}} Perry's parents ended their relationship when he was eight. He and his mother then moved to his grandparents' dairy farm.{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/2018/09/Steve-Perry-Journey-lead-singer-Dont-Stop-Believin-interview|title=Steve Perry of Journey: "Things happened to me as a child. There was nowhere to talk it out, so I sang it out instead"|work=NewStatesman.com|last=Mossman|first=Kate|date=September 26, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117192902/https://www.newstatesman.com/2018/09/Steve-Perry-Journey-lead-singer-Dont-Stop-Believin-interview|archive-date=November 17, 2018|url-status=live}}

On Perry's 12th birthday, his mother, Mary Quaresma, presented him with a gold eighth note pendant; Perry wears the pendant for good luck. At age 12, Perry heard Sam Cooke's song "Cupid" on his mother's car radio, and it inspired him to become a singer.

In his early 20s, Perry moved to Sacramento to start a band, later named Ice, with 16-year-old future music producer Scott Mathews, who co-wrote, played drums and guitar and sang. In 1972, they recorded at the Record Plant studios in Los Angeles by day while Stevie Wonder recorded his Talking Book album by night. Upon returning to Sacramento, Ice disbanded as they had no management, Mathews was still in high school, and the recordings went virtually unheard. In 1975, Perry moved to Thousand Oaks, California, where he formed a progressive rock band called Pieces with Tim Bogert (who had previously worked with Jeff Beck), Denver Cross, and Eddie Tuduri. After a year and a half, the group was unable to secure a record deal and disbanded.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sPvUiSZaps/ "Steve Perry 1980 Interview"], Youtube.com[http://steveperryonline.net/stories/spdanny.html/ "I Was Friends With Steve Before He Made It Big"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802060336/http://steveperryonline.net/stories/spdanny.html |date=August 2, 2011 }}, StevePerryOnline.net Perry also unsuccessfully auditioned to replace Rod Evans in Captain Beyond.{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-of-captain-beyond-stoner-rock-pioneers |title= The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers |date=May 26, 2016 |author=Ken McIntyre |publisher= Louder Sound |access-date=November 26, 2020| df = dmy-all}}

Perry then moved to Banta, a small community near Tracy, California,{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Sam |date=November 29, 2019 |title=Banta's claim to rock 'n' roll history |url=https://www.ttownmedia.com/tracy_press/our_town/banta-s-claim-to-rock-n-roll-history/article_af42e698-115a-11ea-8baa-bb8849c3c890.html |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=Tank Town Media |language=en}} where he fronted the band Alien Project in his mid-20s. He nearly gave up music when the bassist of that band, Richard Michaels, was killed in an automobile accident.[http://steveperryfanclub.homestead.com/StevePerryAnswersYourQuestions.html "Steve Perry Answers Your Questions"], Teen Talk magazine, May 1985

{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521203726/http://steveperryfanclub.homestead.com/StevePerryAnswersYourQuestions.html

|date=May 21, 2017}}, steveperryfanclub.homestead.com

{{Main|Journey (band)}}

Upon returning to Lemoore, Perry decided not to continue his singing career, but at the urging of his mother, he answered a call from Herbie Herbert, manager of struggling San Francisco-based band Journey.{{cite web |last1=Prato |first1=Greg |title=Steve Perry - Artist Biography by Greg Prato |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/steve-perry-mn0000757070/biography |website=allmusic |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160542/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/steve-perry-mn0000757070/biography |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |url-status=live }} Herbert had been given a demo of an Alien Project song, "If You Need Me, Call Me", and was told by producer Scott Mathews that the young singer would be a great replacement for then-current frontman Robert Fleischman. Fleischman had never signed with Herbert's company (preferring his previous manager) and had not fully coalesced with the band's then progressive rock style. Perry was brought on tour and to avoid alarming Fleischman was referred to as a roadie's Portuguese cousin. During a soundcheck in Long Beach, Perry surreptitiously performed a song with Journey while Fleischman was away from the stage; soon thereafter, Herbert informed the band members that Perry was the new lead singer.{{cite web |title=The Portuguese Cousin |url=http://www.fortheloveofsteveperry.com/the-portuguese-cousin.html |website=fortheloveofsteveperry |publisher=fortheloveofsteveperry.com |access-date=February 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215155936/http://www.fortheloveofsteveperry.com/the-portuguese-cousin.html |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/start-believin-the-story-of-journeys-infinity-album|title=Start believin': The story of Journey's Infinity album|first=Derek|last= Oliver|date=August 24, 2018|website=Classic Rock Magazine}}

Perry brought a radically new, more pop-influenced style sense to the band's music despite some grumblings from the band's existing members and fans of Journey's progressive rock sound. He made his public debut on October 28, 1977, in San Francisco to a mixed reception. Perry eventually won over new fans on his first album with the group, Infinity, which included a single he wrote called "Lights". The band's style changed dramatically, but as Journey began to garner airplay and media buzz over Infinity, Perry's arrival was fully accepted.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Perry provided lead vocals on nine of Journey's albums: Infinity (1978), Evolution (1979), Departure (1980), Dream, After Dream (1980, a Japanese movie soundtrack), Captured (1980, a live album), Escape (1981, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard" Top LPs & Tape chart), Frontiers (1983), Raised on Radio (1986), and Trial By Fire (1996). The single "Open Arms" from Escape was their biggest hit single, charting at No. 2 for six weeks on the Billboard'' Hot 100.{{cite magazine |title=Journey - Chart History - Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/journey/chart-history |magazine=billboard |publisher=billboard.com |access-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824090144/https://www.billboard.com/music/journey/chart-history |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}

During his Journey tenure, Perry also sang backing vocals on several Sammy Hagar songs, including the 1980 tracks "The Iceman" (a nickname Hagar had for Scott Mathews) and "Run For Your Life", and duetting with Kenny Loggins on the 1982 No. 17 hit single "Don't Fight It".{{cite web |title=Steve Perry: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/01/steve-perry-journey-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame-randy-jackson-live-singing-album-neil-schon-record/ |website=heavy |date=January 23, 2017 |publisher=heavy.com |access-date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824065741/https://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/01/steve-perry-journey-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame-randy-jackson-live-singing-album-neil-schon-record/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Steve Perry - Chart History - Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/steve-perry |magazine=billboard |publisher=billboard.com |access-date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824075948/https://www.billboard.com/music/steve-perry |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}

File:StevePerry.jpg

In 1984, following the release of Frontiers and the tour supporting this effort, Perry released his first solo album, Street Talk. The album's title was derived from the original name of Perry's earlier band Alien Project. The record sold more than 2 million units, scoring the hit singles "Oh Sherrie", written for his then-girlfriend Sherrie Swafford and which went to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Foolish Heart", which went to No. 18. The music video for "Oh Sherrie" was on heavy rotation on MTV. The songs "She's Mine" and "Strung Out" were also released as singles. The album featured former Alien Project drummer Craig Krampf on a few tracks, guitarist Michael Landau, and future American Idol judge Randy Jackson on bass, among others.{{cite web |title=Steve Perry – Greatest Hits |url=https://www.discogs.com/Steve-Perry-Greatest-Hits/release/2622866 |website=discogs.com |date=October 3, 2006 |publisher=discogs |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116041342/https://www.discogs.com/Steve-Perry-Greatest-Hits/release/2622866 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}

In 1985, Perry was one of 21 singers on the USA for Africa all-star benefit song "We Are the World". He also recorded a song, "If Only For the Moment, Girl" for the We Are the World album. This song was added to the reissue of his album Street Talk. Also during this period, Perry worked with the Irish folk-rock group Clannad on their 1987 album Sirius.{{Citation |title=Sirius - Clannad {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sirius-mw0000198277 |access-date=June 26, 2024 |language=en}}

While Perry was reuniting with Journey, his mother became ill. The recording of Raised on Radio, which Perry was producing, was stop-and-go as he frequently returned to the San Joaquin Valley to visit his mother, who died during the production of the album. It took a major toll on Journey to have intermittent recording sessions and a vocalist who was not with the band much of the time. Eventually, Perry became exhausted from the ordeal. Journey then went into hiatus in 1987 after the Raised on Radio tour.{{sfn|Daniels|2011|pp=91–93}}

In 1988, Perry began to work on another solo album, Against the Wall, which he ultimately left unfinished, although several of the songs that were recorded for the album would appear on Perry's 1998 solo compilation, Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased). A year later, on April 30, 1989, at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, Perry joined Bon Jovi to perform Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" and the Four Tops' "Reach Out". He would also reunite with Journey at the Bill Graham tribute concert, "Laughter, Love and Music" on November 3, 1991, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, performing "Faithfully" and "Lights". Other than those three events, however, Perry mostly disappeared from the public eye for seven years, taking a break from the music industry.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}

In 1994, Perry released For the Love of Strange Medicine, his second solo effort. The album was successful, partly due to the Strange Medicine world tour.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Journey's classic 1981–85 lineup reunited in 1996 to record Trial by Fire. The album was a huge success, entering the Billboard charts at No. 3 and going platinum before year's end, but its triumph was short-lived. Before the Trial By Fire tour could begin, Perry suffered a hip injury while hiking in Hawaii and was unable to perform. Perry was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition and a hip replacement was required, and as he was reluctant to rush into the surgery, Perry wanted to postpone the tour.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}} The remaining members waited until 1998, nearly 17 months after Perry's injury, before making a decision on Journey's future. Growing impatient and realizing the window of opportunity was closing to follow up the success of the Trial By Fire LP with a world tour, Journey members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon met with Perry. They presented him with an ultimatum: If he did not undergo hip replacement surgery so the tour could proceed upon his recovery, the band would hire a replacement singer.{{cite web |last1=Lafon |first1=Mitch |title=Steve Perry: Mother, Father By Mitch Lafon |url=http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/steveperry-mitchlafon.html |website=melodicrock.com |access-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517084119/http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/steveperry-mitchlafon.html |archive-date=May 17, 2007 |url-status=live }} Still hesitant to undergo surgery, and now upset at his bandmates, Perry announced that he was permanently leaving Journey. His lead vocal duties were later taken over by Steve Augeri of Tall Stories. Nearly two years after the initial release of Trial by Fire, Journey began to tour.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Perry released his Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased compilation album on December 15, 1998; the unreleased tracks included an original Alien Project demo as well as selections from the abandoned Against the Wall album. Also in 1998, Perry recorded two songs for the Warner Bros. film Quest for Camelot, which can be found on the motion picture's soundtrack. During an episode of VH1's Behind the Music in 2001, Perry stated that he "never really felt like [he] was part of the band". Former manager Herbie Herbert reacted by saying, "That's like the Pope saying he never really felt Catholic."Carty, Matt. [http://members.cox.net/mrcarty/page3.html Castles Burning: The Herbie Herbert Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115035157/http://members.cox.net/mrcarty/page3.html |date=November 15, 2010 }}, 2001.

Perry appeared on two tracks by Kauai, Hawaii, artist Tommy Tokioka's album Happy To Be Living, singing backup vocals on songs "I Wish You Were Mine" and "An Angel Above Me" in 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.midweekkauai.com/kauai-coverstory/music-in-my-soul/|title=Midweek Kauai - Music In My Soul|first=COCO|last=ZICKOS|website=www.midweekkauai.com|date=November 16, 2016 |access-date=March 16, 2020}} He collaborated with musician Jeff Golub on a song titled "Can't Let You Go" for Golub's Soul Sessions album, which was released in 2003. Perry provided vocals on the mostly instrumental jazz track.{{cite web|url=http://www.jeffgolub.com/pr_soulsessions.html|title=Jeff Golub Website - SOUL SESSIONS PR|first=Suzy|last=Cline|website=www.jeffgolub.com|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110014146/http://www.jeffgolub.com/pr_soulsessions.html|archive-date=November 10, 2018|url-status=live}}

Perry appeared with other Journey members at a ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2005, after previously stating it was unlikely that he would ever perform with the band again. He indicated that though it was a good experience, it was unlikely that he would rejoin the band. However, he has also said, "never say never, unless you mean never, nevertheless" when the issue of returning to Journey has been mentioned.[http://www.steveperryfanclub.homestead.com/Biography.html/ "Steve Perry - Biography"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519181730/http://www.steveperryfanclub.homestead.com/Biography.html/ |date=May 19, 2017 }}, steveperryfanclub.homestead.com{{cite news|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F2081FFF3F540C748DDDA10894DB404482 |title=Perry says "Never say never," 8/13/03 | work=The New York Times |date=August 17, 2003 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |first=Mike |last=Wise}}

Perry co-produced "A Brand New Start", a track on a solo album for former Ambrosia lead vocalist David Pack, in 2005. Perry also provided co-vocals and background vocals for the track, among the many songs he and Pack co-wrote shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks. That album, The Secret of Moving On, released in September 2005, includes covers of two of Pack's biggest hits with Ambrosia, "Biggest Part of Me" and "You're the Only Woman".[http://steveperrymovement.proboards85.com/ Steve Perry Movement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812032030/http://steveperrymovement.proboards85.com/ |date=August 12, 2008 }} message boards/forum

On October 3, 2006, Perry's two solo projects, Street Talk and For the Love of Strange Medicine (both featuring previously unreleased material), and his Greatest Hits CD were remastered and re-released. Sony Legacy released Playlist: The Very Best of Steve Perry on January 13, 2009.Roth, Kaj (December 7, 2008). [http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=12060 "Steve Perry – New Best Of Album Out On Jan. 13"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220091521/http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=12060 |date=December 20, 2008 }}. Melodic.net.

At three concerts in 2014, Perry joined the indie rock band Eels during the encore and sang several songs.{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Steve Perry 'Showed Up Unannounced to Rehearsals,' Eels Vocalist Says|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 29, 2014|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steve-perry-showed-up-unannounced-to-rehearsals-eels-vocalist-says-20140529|access-date=May 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529164148/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steve-perry-showed-up-unannounced-to-rehearsals-eels-vocalist-says-20140529|archive-date=May 29, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Elavsky|first=Cindy|title=Celebrity Extra|publisher=King Features|date=June 1, 2014|url=http://downriversundaytimes.com/2014/06/01/celebrity-extra-253/|access-date=July 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084318/http://downriversundaytimes.com/2014/06/01/celebrity-extra-253/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Stutz|first=Colin|title=Steve Perry Joins Eels Onstage Again|magazine=Billboard|date=June 1, 2014|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106347/steve-perry-joins-eels-onstage-again|access-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603174546/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106347/steve-perry-joins-eels-onstage-again|archive-date=June 3, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Appelo|first=Tim|title=Journey's Steve Perry Joins Eels Onstage at Orpheum: 'The 20-Year Hermit Thing Is Overrated'|journal=Hollywood Reporter|date=June 12, 2014|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/journeys-steve-perry-joins-eels-711540|access-date=June 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615061648/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/journeys-steve-perry-joins-eels-711540|archive-date=June 15, 2014|url-status=live}}

On April 7, 2017, Perry appeared alongside his Journey ex-bandmates for the first time since 2005 at the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.{{cite web|title=Inductees: Journey|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/journey|website=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622013129/https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/journey|archive-date=June 22, 2019|url-status=live}} Perry gave an acceptance speech, but chose not to perform with the band in deference to current Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steve-perry-reunites-with-journey-but-doesnt-sing-at-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/|title=Steve Perry Reunites With Journey, But Doesn't Sing At Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction|date=April 7, 2017|website=blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034533/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steve-perry-reunites-with-journey-but-doesnt-sing-at-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/|archive-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live}}

Perry released a 10-track studio album, Traces, on October 5, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-to-release-traces-solo-album-in-october/|title=Former JOURNEY Singer STEVE PERRY To Release 'Traces' Solo Album In October|date=August 14, 2018|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921010154/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-to-release-traces-solo-album-in-october/|archive-date=September 21, 2018|url-status=live}} A U.S. Deluxe Edition was released at Target and has five bonus tracks.{{cite web |title=Former JOURNEY Singer STEVE PERRY Releases Music Video For New Solo Single, 'No Erasin' |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-music-video-for-new-solo-single-no-erasin/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 15, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819162132/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-music-video-for-new-solo-single-no-erasin/ |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |url-status=live }} Perry has described the album as a "cathartic" and "emotional expression" about the loss of a loved one. The record is Perry's third studio work and his first since For the Love of Strange Medicine.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodicrock.com/articles/news-feed/2018/08/15/steve-perry-new-album-traces-out-october-5|title=STEVE PERRY New Album 'Traces' Out October 5|date=August 15, 2018|website=Melodicrock.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817013223/http://melodicrock.com/articles/news-feed/2018/08/15/steve-perry-new-album-traces-out-october-5|archive-date=August 17, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Reed|first1=Ryan|title=Former Journey Singer Steve Perry Preps 'Cathartic' New Solo LP|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-preps-cathartic-new-solo-lp-w475896|website=rollingstone.com|date=April 10, 2017 |access-date=April 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410230033/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-preps-cathartic-new-solo-lp-w475896|archive-date=April 10, 2017|url-status=live}}

On December 17, 2018, Perry released a cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-cover-of-have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas/|title=Former JOURNEY Singer STEVE PERRY Releases Cover Of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'|last=Blabbermouth|date=December 17, 2018|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218015009/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-cover-of-have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas/|archive-date=December 18, 2018|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, Perry released a deluxe version of the Traces album, featuring five bonus tracks along with his first official music video in 25 years for "We're Still Here".{{cite web|url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/19/April/13Steve_Perry_Goes_Behind_The_Scenes_Of_First_Video_In_25_Years.shtml|title=Steve Perry Goes Behind The Scenes Of First Video In 25 Years|last=antiMusic|date=April 13, 2019|website=antimusic.com|access-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430170606/https://www.antimusic.com/news/19/April/13Steve_Perry_Goes_Behind_The_Scenes_Of_First_Video_In_25_Years.shtml|archive-date=April 30, 2019|url-status=live}}

On November 1, 2019, Perry released a three-song holiday EP, Silver Bells.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-new-christmas-single-silver-bells/|title=Ex-JOURNEY Singer STEVE PERRY Releases New Christmas Single, 'Silver Bells'|date=November 1, 2019|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101232842/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-journey-singer-steve-perry-releases-new-christmas-single-silver-bells/|archive-date=November 1, 2019|url-status=live}}

On November 5, 2021, Perry released his first-ever Christmas album, The Season, via Fantasy Records.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/music/steve-perry-releases-the-season-christmas-album/|title=Steve Perry on How a Year in Lockdown Inspired His 'Emotionally Powerful' New Christmas Album|date=November 5, 2021|website=People.com|access-date=November 9, 2021}}

On January 4, 2023, Perry confirmed that he sang backing vocals on Dolly Parton's rock album, Rockstar, in addition to singing a duet cover of "Open Arms" on the same album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.1073theeagle.com/entertainment/steve-perry-confirms-he-will-be-singing-dolly-partons-upcoming-album/KKM34J7ZPJBODENIGCMXIWPQZ4/|title=Steve Perry Confirms He Will Be Singing On Dolly Parton's Upcoming Album|date=January 4, 2023|website=107.3 The Eagle}}{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Dolly Parton's New Album Will Feature Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and More |url=https://blog.siriusxm.com/dolly-parton-new-album/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=siriusxm.com}}

On October 18, 2024, Perry announced that he would release a new holiday album, titled The Season 3, on November 8, 2024, through Dark Horse Records.{{Cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/ex-journey-singer-steve-perry-promises-more-new-music-as-he-finally-finds-his-dream-team/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0iQTKo134jfEgSj4KZ9QtTxQFu9bALbyZ7SHuFI8h8n1gQu6euqUhdvKg_aem_UYsPuwi0rdFoOg1AUg9PyQ|title=Ex-Journey Singer Steve Perry Promises More New Music As He Finally Finds His Dream Team|date=October 18, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024|website=rockcelebrities.net}}

Perry is renowned for his tenor vocal range, which spans from F{{music|sharp}}₂ to A₅. Perry's voice has been described as a "high 'tenor altino' [with] a tone somewhere between Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin." He has been dubbed "The Voice",{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/journeys-steve-smith-on-his-amazing-trip-from-jazz-to-rock-639969|title=Journey's Steve Smith on his amazing trip from jazz to rock|last=Nicholls|first=Geoff|date=September 12, 2016|website=Rhythm|publisher=MusicRadar|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052349/https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/journeys-steve-smith-on-his-amazing-trip-from-jazz-to-rock-639969|archive-date=August 18, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://noisecreep.com/steve-perry-journey/|title=Steve Perry: 5 Fun Facts About the Former Journey Singer|last=Ramirez|first=Carlos|date=January 22, 2013|publisher=Noisecreep|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819214210/http://noisecreep.com/steve-perry-journey/|archive-date=August 19, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/that-time-i-talked-to-steve-pe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620032651/https://www.glamour.com/story/that-time-i-talked-to-steve-pe|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2016|title=That Time I Talked to Steve Perry|last=Radloff|first=Jessica|date=September 20, 2013|website=Glamour|access-date=August 18, 2018}} a moniker originally coined by fellow singer Jon Bon Jovi. Queen guitarist Brian May said: "Perry is a truly luminous singer, in my opinion—a voice in a million."[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718180539/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=74687 Queen Guitarist Weighs In On Journey Singer Changes], RoadrunnerRecords.com Record executive, producer, and former American Idol judge and Journey session musician{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/raised-on-radio-mw0000190447/credits|title=Raised on Radio - Journey {{!}} Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=January 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005304/http://www.allmusic.com/album/raised-on-radio-mw0000190447/credits|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}} Randy Jackson has described Perry's voice as "the golden voice," adding that aside from Robert Plant, "there's no singer in rock that even came close to Steve Perry. The power, the range, the tone—he created his own style. He mixed a little Motown, a little Everly Brothers, a little Zeppelin." Journey guitarist Neal Schon likened Perry's ability to that of Aretha Franklin, and agreed with Fozzy vocalist Chris Jericho's assertion that Perry "might be the greatest male singer of all time".{{cite episode|title=Neal Schon's Journey|series=Talk Is Jericho|network=Westwood One|date=September 12, 2018|minutes=70}}

Greg Prato of AllMusic wrote: "If only one singer could be selected as the most identifiable with '80s arena rock, it would have to be Journey's Steve Perry."[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/steve-perry-mn0000757070/biography "Steve Perry: Biography"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160542/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/steve-perry-mn0000757070/biography |date=August 21, 2018 }}. AllMusic. Retrieved June 10, 2010. Prato's colleague John Franck praised Perry's as a soaring "whale of a voice".[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=infinity-mw0000194388|pure_url=yes}} Journey: Infinity]. AllMusic. Retrieved October 3, 2018. He was voted among the ten greatest rock singers of all time in a 2009 Classic Rock reader poll."50 Greatest Singers in Rock". #9. Classic Rock. May 2009. Rolling Stone ranked Perry No. 76 in "The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time", lauding his "technical skills" as well as his "pure tone and passionate sincerity".[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/steve-perry-20101202 Greatest Singers of All Time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920052650/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/steve-perry-20101202 |date=September 20, 2017 }}, Rolling Stone Geoff Nicholls of Rhythm referred to Perry as "arguably the best singer of his generation".

Sam Cooke, to whom Perry has been compared,{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-sachs/steve-perry-sam-cooke-arn_b_110186.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Tony | last=Sachs | title=Steve Perry, Sam Cooke, Arnel Pineda, and My Journey To Obsession | date=July 1, 2008 | access-date=August 24, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531022402/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-sachs/steve-perry-sam-cooke-arn_b_110186.html | archive-date=May 31, 2010 | url-status=live }} was Perry's primary influence. He has also cited the vocal approach of the Beach Boys, Jackie Wilson, Frankie Valli, Lou Christie, Marvin Gaye, Joe Tex, and Jack Bruce of Cream, along with female singers such as Diana Ross, Dee Dee Sharp and Aretha Franklin. Musically, Perry drew influence from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. He also spoke of his fondness for Motown recordings and English bands of the late 1960s.{{Cite journal|last=Speake|first=Chuck|date=March–April 1980|title=Steve Perry|url=http://www.fortheloveofsteveperry.com/steve-perry--lead-vocalist-of-journey.html|journal=Voice Magazine|issue=1|access-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703064208/http://www.fortheloveofsteveperry.com/steve-perry--lead-vocalist-of-journey.html|archive-date=July 3, 2018|url-status=live}}

Perry co-wrote most of Journey's songs throughout his tenure with the band, as well as in his solo efforts. In 2020, he was nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/journeys-neal-schon-jonathan-cain-and-steve-perry-among-nominees-for-songwriters-hall-of-fame/|title=JOURNEY's NEAL SCHON, JONATHAN CAIN And STEVE PERRY Among Nominees For SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME|last=Blabbermouth|date=November 8, 2019|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=November 15, 2019}}

In the 1980s Perry dated Sherrie Swafford, for whom he wrote the 1984 song "Oh Sherrie".{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/steve-perry-talks-comeback-album-traces-journey-dont-stop-believin-733144/|title=Steve Perry Still Believes|first1=Andy|last1=Greene|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 5, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/steve-perrys-sherrie-is-she-587735|title=Steve Perry's 'Oh Sherrie': Where Is She Now? (Video)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 17, 2013 }}

In 2011, Perry began a relationship with Kellie Nash, a psychologist and breast cancer survivor. He was by Nash's side as she battled a cancer recurrence, and she died in December 2012.{{Cite web|title=Ex-Journey Singer Steve Perry Reveals Relationship, Cancer Scare in Touching Blog Post|url=http://yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/stop-the-presses/former-journey-singer-steve-perry-reveals-relationship-cancer-190612150.html|website=yahoo.com|date=June 7, 2013 }}

In a September 2018 interview, Perry said, "Things happened to me as a child that I still can't talk about – nothing to do with my parents, but things did happen. It happened to a lot of kids, as I find out... there was nowhere to talk it out, so I got to sing it out instead."

In a 2019 interview with Dan Rather, Perry said that he had a daughter and grandchildren, but declined to go into further details saying, "I do have a child, but in the essence of protecting her, I kinda don't want to get into that... and I have grandchildren too."{{cite web |title=Steve Perry Interview with Dan Rather {29:10 mark} |url=https://www.axs.tv/channel/the-big-interview-with-dan-rather/the-big-interview-with-dan-rather-season-7/video/steve-perry/ |website=AXS TV |access-date=October 30, 2022}}

Perry underwent successful hip replacement surgery in 1998.

In May 2013, Perry had a mole removed that turned out to be melanoma. He had two surgeries to remove the cancer cells and was told the surgeries were successful, requiring no further treatment.{{cite news|url=http://downriversundaytimes.com/2013/06/30/celebrity-extra-205|title=Celebrity Extra|last=Elavsky|first=Cindy|work=Downriver Sunday Times|agency=King Features|date=June 30, 2013|access-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005221019/http://downriversundaytimes.com/2013/06/30/celebrity-extra-205/|archive-date=October 5, 2013|url-status=live}}

During the 2005 baseball season, the Chicago White Sox adopted Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'{{-"}} as their unofficial team anthem. As a result, Perry, a San Francisco Giants fan, was asked to attend the World Series and traveled with the White Sox to Houston, where he joined the players on the field and in the locker room as they celebrated winning the championship, their first since 1917.

• Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased (1998)
• Playlist: The Very Best of Steve Perry (2009)
• Oh Sherrie: The Best of Steve Perry (2010)

• Silver Bells (2019)

{{Main|Journey discography}}

• Infinity (1978)
• Evolution (1979)
• Departure (1980)
• Dream, After Dream (1980)
• Escape (1981)
• Frontiers (1983)
• Raised on Radio (1986)
• Trial by Fire (1996)

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book

|last1=Cucu

|first1=Laura Monica

|title=Steve Perry: A Singer's Journey

|date=2006

|publisher=Lulu.com

|isbn=978-1-84728-858-5}}

• {{Cite book

| last = Daniels

| first = Neil

| title = The Untold Story of Journey

| location = London

| publisher = Omnibus Press

| year = 2011

| isbn= 978-1-84938-657-9}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|steveperry.com}}
• {{Instagram|id=steveperrymusic}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080308023418/http://www.pr-inside.com/journey-rocker-kept-sopranos-boss-waiting-r151767.htm Journey Rocker Kept Sopranos Boss Waiting] (archived link)
• [https://chtbl.com/track/8G858/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/stuckinthe80s/stuckinthe80s251.mp3 Steve Perry interview with Stuck in the '80s podcast]

{{Steve Perry}}

{{Journey}}

{{2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Perry, Steve}}

Category:1949 births

Category:20th-century American male singers

Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters

Category:20th-century American writers

Category:21st-century American male singers

Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century American writers

Category:American countertenors

Category:American male singer-songwriters

Category:American people of Azorean descent

Category:American people of Portuguese descent

Category:American rock keyboardists

Category:American rock singers

Category:American rock songwriters

Category:American tenors

Category:Columbia Records artists

Category:Fantasy Records artists

Category:Journey (band) members

Category:Living people

Category:People from Hanford, California

Category:People from Lemoore, California

Category:Singer-songwriters from California