Discovering Steve Perry
By admin on April 23, 2010, 1:09 am
By Mary Cowser
This is the story about how I just discovered Steve Perry about a month ago…weird but true.
In the seventies and eighties, I was your typical flower child. I was into the whole peace and love, drugs, sex, rock and roll thing and it was a wonderful time. I knew about Journey and all my friends were really into them. I liked some of their music, but I never REALLY listened to it. I was into the heavier stuff like, Black Sabbath and Zeppelin.
I am a bartender now and work at night most of the time. When I get home, I am still not ready to sleep, so it is not unusual for me to be up until 3:00 or 4:00 am. All that is on TV is infomercials. So, I would lie in bed and watch them until I went to sleep. They started showing one about best ballads from the seventies and eighties or something like that. They kept playing a lot was Journey. Then they would show short videos of Steve singing Oh Sherry and Open Arms. I started realizing not only did he have the best voice I have ever heard, but he was so extremely cute, too. I did not know that before. After that, I found myself looking for that infomercial every night and then waiting for the videos of Steve to come on.
I knew I had to know more about this man. Do not get me wrong, the whole band was awesome, but there was something very special about Steve. Not just his looks and voice, but there was something else. I started looking for everything I could find on the Internet about him. I watched tons of videos. I realized that those lyrics he sang were about experiences he has had in his life. I knew because he put his heart and guts into every lyric and note he sang. I saw videos and read things about how he was concerned about his fans at concerts when people were pushing forward too much. I saw him try to walk down the street and be surrounded by women wanting to hug him and he was so gracious. It amazed me that a person with his fame could still be so kind. I also, saw his wonderful personality. What a sweetheart!!
I truly hope that he is living a life of happiness and peace. I know it is hard, but I hope people will leave him alone as much as possible so he can live his life. I hope he finds real love in his life someday. I am sure he has so much love to give.
I think that a person that is able to know Steve Perry in their lifetime, and I mean really know him, is a very lucky person.
i would like to say snap i have just found the one andonly steve perry and sounds like u r like me a web stalker. i cant get enough of his voice i just wish i had found it sooner
He does have a beautiful voice! I really wish I could have been around during his prime… Im quite young you see but I am pleased I was introduced to the band and this genre of music from my folks. All my best, D
Journey stinks since they kicked him out of the band.
I named my son Stephen (born in 1984)….after him.
I like Mary Cowser saw Mr. Perry on those late night rock ballad commercials. He is an awesome singer and I think a kind person most of all. It is difficult being in a profession such as his and trying to keep the balance in life. I began praying for him last year. I too, hope he finds peace and if he wants someone to share his life with, that too. He has touched so many lives. Cheryl in Florida
Hi, Steve. I will be so happy to have man like you by my side. You are most wonderfull man and the best singer and song writter ever exist. I never get tired of your song or viewing old videos. Love that face so much .mmmmm
Thank you so much for that beautiful voice god bless you now and forever! Muahhh
Hello my Steve Perry friends. Boy, do I have a story. I grew up in the 80′s and I really “liked” Journey. I was more into harder rock bands like Aerosmith, Van Halen, and Queen. as the years passed I *really* started falling IN LOVE with Journey and Steve Perry. I saw Journey in concert (without Steve) many time since the year 2000. I saw them with Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, and Arnel. I was torn about being “faithful” to Steve Perry and boycotting their concerts and being able to experience as much Journey as I could under the circumstances.
I’m really glad I went to over 20 Journey concerts since 2000. It just make me long even more for my love of Steve. as of the beginning of 2010, I only had “The Essentiall Journey”, “Journey’s Greatest Hits”, + all the Journey dvd’s (some had live cd;s included). One day while at my dad’s house in Palm Desert CA, there was a video playing of “Foolish Heart” and I went CRAZY!!! I forgot about that song. That following Monday, I ordered both of Steve’s solo work “Street Talk” and “For The Love Of Strange Medicine” I couldn’t get enough of Steve. Then, I decided I COULD!!! I spent over $300.00 buying each and every cd ever made by Journey. WHAT A TREAT!!!! There are gems that never made it to the radio that are some of my favorites. I love to hear the hits on a particular cd and really get in touch with where the band was (musically) at that point in their career. An example is hearing Steve break into the band (lyrically) when Greg Rollie previously owned the vocals. listen to the song “Feeling” or “Anytime” you will be blown away. or listen to the cd “Evolution”, you’ll hear “Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin and them be blown away by “Too Late”, “When You’re Alone”, “Lovin You is Easy”, or “Daydream” I could go on and on. I’m telling you I have NEVER been so into a band/person as I am with Journey + Steve Perry. I want to learn and experience everything that is out there and I feel on top of the world by re-discovering what has been out there for over 30 years! what a ride, thank you Steve!!!! Steve also lives in my most favorite place in the world…Del Mar CA. and likes to play the ponies!!!! I’ve need to meet this man some day. cheers!
Hi Steve I miss you not singing anymore. I love you back in the 70′s and 80′s when you sang then with Journey. You were great. You also have such a lovely voice that I admire. I hope you are thinking about singing again. Thank you for being such a wonderful performer. Stephanie
Hi steve! i miss hearing you sing. i am a big jouney fan and it’s just not right to watch the new singing and imitating your voice. dont get me wrong he is good but there will only ever be one steve perry. i hope someday to actually get to meet you and sit down and talk with you. trust me we are all looking for that one special person. so you are not alone out there.
Hey Mr. Steve Perry,
When I was little, around 10, my Aunt introduced my to your music. She actually went to one of your concerts when you were in Kansas City years ago. I balled like a baby because she wouldn’t take me, but like I said, I was too young. I am 37 now and my 18 and 19 year old daughters love you as much as I do. Btw, I would tell everyone that you were my husband, you just didn’t know it yet……haha! You’re a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Hopefully I will get to meet you someday……
Hi, Steve,
I’ve been your fan since I was in junior high. So it’s almost 30 years.Ha,ha!!
Even now, I listen to your songs every day. For me you’re a part of my life.
I’ve been studying English so that someday I met you, I be able to understand all your saying. How about a trip to Tokyo Japan? I’ll be waiting for your visit through out my life.
Be in good health, take care of yourself.
Faithfully yours,
Noriko, from Tokyo Japan
In response to Mary’s comment, I too just started listening to Journey and Steve Perry’s solo CDs. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right place or the right frame of mind in the 80′s when they were touring but I didn’t listen either. Now, because life experiences can change one’s heart and cares, their music may mean more to me now. For five years I didn’t want to listen to music because music brings memories. But I heard a Journey song last fall and found myself wanting to hear more. Sometimes the songs are romantic and fun, sometimes they rip your heart up, but they say what I am feeling and I now listen every day.
Hinder said it best when they song the song called “Lips of an Angel” Steve has those magical Lips and vocals where you get hooked like you were on a legal drug I was hooked as soon as i heard him sing and i’ve been hooked every since His voice is so magical and no otheer can replace his voice as far as I’m concerned He is Journey I miss his singing and wish him the best in life and hope like any other fan to meet him one day and just to be able to talk to hime and just listen to him talk about anything His songs are truly from the heart
Hi Steve, Will you ever come out and sing again? Would love to see you with the band again!!!!! You are one of the most gifted singers. I have ever heard. You are truely missed. Hope you are doing well. Hope, your happy you deserve the very best in life. You have givin so much in your life.
I was very lucky to see Steve Perry perform several times in Texas. One of my favorite memories of Steve Perry was at the Texas Jam in Houston. Thanks for the great concerts. When Journey started touring again I could not and would not go to their concerts due to my loyalty to Steve. Best wishes!!!
hey,steve I went to see a journey concert but man it just was not the same. this new singer is not not you steve perry as a real fan i would love to see you do another concert. best wishes
Steve Perry is what made Journey. I refuse to see Journey in concert without Steve! I have been to many concerts in my young adult life and by far no one out ranked Journey. Steve Perry’s voice is like no other! I would camp out next to the stadium for a week for front row seats. Now that I am older, the only way that I would camp out for tickets is if Steve Perry returned with or without Journey!
Not only does he have the soul that is apparent with every word he sings….he reaches into our souls and we discover the heart of the song…’When You Love A Woman’….is definate proof! Simply amazing!
Hey Steve!
I’m in love with classic rock and Journey is my favorite band. I own every Journey song but it’s just not the same without you! The new singer is okay but he’s not you and he just doesn’t have the voice. Plus you’re such a a great composer it just seems wrong for you not to be singing your songs anymore and for people trying to imitate your voice with your songs. I hope you continue to find true happiness in your life as you embark on further journeys.
Hi Steve! My name is Tammy Hall(McWilliams). I am from Bakersfield, now living in Oklahoma. I am a distant relative and would love to have the opportunity to talk with you. My family is from Bakersfield and Hanford, my grandmothers name was Laverne Souza. I have heard about Martin and Izzy. I have seen you in concert many times, the last in Tulsa, Ok. and Fort Worth, when you were touring solo. If you read this would you please consider e-mailing me? I would love to talk to you. Thanks for your time.
Tammy Hall E-mail address
tamra2500@aol.com
Hey all! been a journey fan along time,at 1 time r the other I’ve owned every alblum journey has made, even the 1′s b4 steve was in the band.
I like all of you, believe that the pinacle of journeys music is when steve did the vocals.
this new kid they hav is pretty good, but it’s just not the same,after seeing journey live in fresno,(frontiers tour,84 I think) lemme just say”I’ve seen alotta bands before and sense, but no 1 has put on a better show then steve n the boys did that day!”
Oh ya and booth his solo alblums,(wore out O’sharrie)
Steve keep rockin! you should do some bennifit concerts r something, your fans miss ya!
I think Steve should mentor on American Idol… Who could mentor better? No one, they deserve the best there has ever been – Steve Perry!
Having always been a fan of Steve Perry and Journey my wish was to see them in concert.Since he’s not singing any more i guess that wish won’t come true.I always wondered why he wouldn’t sing with Journey even to do one song.i wonder if he can’t hit those high notes anymore.If that’s his reason I can understand why he won’t do a concert,but i would love to hear him no matter what.But that’s his choice.His music and beautiful voice stiil makes me cry….he touches my soul. and i never thought of him on American Idol, but I would love it he took Simons spot.What’s your thought Posters?Thanks for the thought Poster Dale!!!!!!
WELL STEVE AND I WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS WAY BACK WHEN. WE EVEN JOKED ABOUT FORMING A BAND NAMING IT “TWO DOG NIGHT”
WHEN MY WIFE TWINK AND I SPLIT HE AND OUR FRIEND SNUFFY WALDEN WERE AT MY HOUSE HONKY TONKIN’ NIGHT AFTER NIGHT (TWINK SHARES WITH ME NOW) HANGING OUT WHILE I’M GONE.
NOW AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS, THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, THE MUSIC BUSINESS, I AM VERY HAPPY FOR STEVE’S SUCCESS. I WOULD LOVE TO SAY HELLO AND HOW VERY PROUD I AM FOR HIM.
HOWEVER, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY HE SEEMS TO HAVE FORGOTTEN SOME OF HIS OLDEST FRIENDS.
REGRETFULLY,
TIM DULAINE
i hope all is going well for Steve Perry. I was very fortunate to see Journey live in 1982. The first concert i ever attended and was glad it was journey with steve perry.I have seen them once with steve aguirre and did not live up to steve perry. i still hold on to hopefully that some day that steve perry will regroup with journey and do a comeback tour. this is a concert that i would love to take my wife to experience. she loves his voice and would just love to see him perform live. Steve i hope you are enjoying your time away from music, but I hope you find it in your heart to give your fans one last time to you enjoy you and your music. you are truly a music legend. god bless
I to discovered Journey in Dec 2009, after suffering a Brain Heamorrhage I heard Dont Stop Believing. That was it I was hooked, I have downloaded the Journey albums onto my Iphone, and also his solo music. He has an awesome voice. I live in the UK so will never get the chance to see him. If he ever comes back on stage give him a big thanks from me.
Just wanted to say, down through the years, Steve Perry’s voice & music have been there. I remember hearing Journey’s songs on the radio back when I was a pre-teen & young teen. Something about the songs & Mr. Perry’s voice found a resting place in my heart; although it is many years later, I still find myself pulling out my Journey greatest hits cd & listening to it often.
It has soothed, comforted, and brought joy through many of the sorrows and triumphs in my life. I’m not a girl anymore, am married to a pastor, & have 3 lovely children. But one of the constants for me has been Steve Perry’s music. His heart & soul are what give it wings, I think, & that shows. It is kinda funny that my oldest son is almost as old as I was when I first began listening to Journey. He likes them too, as does my five year old daughter, and even my little one.
My thoughts & prayers go with Mr. Perry; may he live to the fullest in God’s abundant grace, now & always.
Best wishes, in Christ Jesus the Lord
The resurgence of Steve Perry-Journey fans is fantastic!!! Yes, Steve is a gifted singer/songwriter and has a sweet soul that we simply adore! I also appreciate his respect for women. It makes me appreciate my handsome, sweet hubby even more! I hope & pray Steve has found/will find a devoted, loving woman. ♬ “Some day love will find you. Break those; chains that bind you!” God’s love is an amazing source of healing, too!
It would be great if Steve would reach out to his fans in some way! He’s talked about using the Internet as a source. I like the idea of a benefit concert. And, although I’d LOVE to see him on TV, I would not like to see him on American Idol. The show seems to be declining in popularity and the judges don’t have any class.
Steve is still talented. We want to see him and hear him sing again. We would accept him with ‘Open Arms’!
I named my son after Steve, he is 19 now, and he was raised on Journey. I do
not like the new Journey, it is not the same since Steve left. While I would dearly love to see him sing again, I sincerely hope he is enjoying his retirement.
Gos knows he deserves it.
Hi Steve,
I don’t know if you really read these comments, but it would be cool if you did. I wish I could have been around sooner, but I am a HUGE fan now. I really like your voice and music. My favorite songs are, ”Don’t Stop Believing,” “Faithfully,” and “Open Arms.” You have a lot of talent. I have alway dreamed of meeting you, will you make my dream come true? I wont stop believing, that day will come. :) My name really is Journey and I have always been your fan. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day.
Steve,
You are the best singer in the world!! Jesus has blessed you so much! I hope you are having a wonderful retirement!!! I do miss your singing but I hope you are happy and you find true love!! Have a great day!
Hi, I am from Panama, Republic of Panama, and congratulations to know that you are having a great retirement. God bless you and your wonderful voice and the great performance never forget. You touch the heaven! and remember never ever forget that you are a great soul in earth. I am a fan since I ve 14 years old!. My kid now turns 15 and love your nice songs, my husband has a duo band named ProRock and he always include yours songs. So be happy still positive and have a great time….With love from Panama
I have loved Steve Perry since I was 13. My daughters are 13 & 17 & I have them listening to him & downloading his music to their ipod’s. One thing i have not ever read, is Steve Perry married? I can’t imagine him not, he is such a handsome & sexy man & his voice can just melt your heart. I never had the good fortune to see him in concert but I did go as far as date a man because he looked alot like Steve Perry.
Hope to see you back out there singing & entertaining again.