Steve Perry Welcomes Willie Nelson to the Studio for New Version of Journey’s “Faithfully”

While Journey continues to release music, with their last album, Freedom, hitting shelves in 2022, the prime years for the band came when Steve Perry performed lead vocals. Throughout Perry’s time with Journey, he helped create hit songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Any Way You Want It”, “Open Arms”, and several others. Although producing a promising solo career, Perry recently went back to his time with Journey when performing “Faithfully” alongside country icon Willie Nelson. 

Getting the chance to work with Nelson was a dream come true for Perry. Discussing what it was like to get into the studio with the country icon, Perry insisted, “No one has a voice or vocal phrasing anything like Willie Nelson. Singing this duet with Willie has been something I’ve always wanted to do. After recording ‘Faithfully’ with Journey, I always felt it would be a great song for Willie too. What a wonderful experience it was to finally sing with Willie. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.” 

Already shared online, fans quickly showered both singers with praise. “This was such a surprise. I had no idea Steve was working with Willie Nelson! It’s not a duet I would have thought of, but I found it touching. And there will never come a day when I am not happy to hear Steve Perry sing.  I’m so grateful to have been young when all the Journey songs came out – I have spent my life loving this music.”

[RELATED: 3 Rock & Roll Collaborations That Prove Willie Nelson Can Play Any Genre]

Steve Perry And Willie Nelson Help Give Back With “Faithfully”

As for Nelson, he added his own voice to the conversation, explaining how special it was to perform alongside Perry. He also turned the light on all the success that followed Farm Aid. “Working with Steve Perry on ‘Faithfully’ was a meaningful experience. It was a pleasure to collaborate on this song. I’m proud that we could create something meaningful and use it to give back through Farm Aid.”

Over four decades ago, Nelson teamed up with John Mellencamp and Neil Young to create the Farm Aid organization. Using their talents to help American farmers and their families through difficult times, the singers and organization raised funds to provide farmers with resources, food, and even legal help when needed.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)