When “Don’t Stop Believin’” starts playing at a bar, club or party, it usually ends with strangers harmoniously screaming the upbeat, inspirational lyrics as loud as possible. Journey, blending jazz and rock, took the ‘70s and ‘80s by storm, with many of their classic rock ballads turning into iconic anthems. Here are six Journey facts you maybe didn’t know:
1) While Journey had four different lead vocalists throughout the years, Steve Perry is arguably the most beloved. Perry sang vocals on seven albums, more than any other Journey vocalist. His contributing albums include “Escape,” “Infinity” and “Frontiers.”
2) “Escape,” released in 1981, was Journey’s first hit album, which produced three Billboard Top Ten hit singles: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which reached No. 9 on Billboard charts, “Who’s Crying Now,” (No. 4) and “Open Arms,” (No. 2).
3) Journey received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on January 21, 2005.
4) Journey wasn’t always Journey. The band’s first manager, Herbie Herbert, had originally named the group Golden Gate Rhythm Section. Then a roadie suggested the name “Journey.” It stuck.
5) Guitarist Neal Schon is the only band member who’s played for all 14 studio albums — from the album “Journey” (1975) to their more recent album, “Eclipse” (2011).
6) Journey discovered its most recent lead vocalist, Arnel Pineda, through YouTube. Pineda performed in the Philippines in 2007, singing Journey covers with his band, the Zoo. After Journey saw Pineda’s videos online, they brought him on as lead vocalist in 2008.
Video of Arnel Pineda performing a Journey cover in the Philippines.