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Former Journey frontman Steve Perry has teamed up with country music icon Willie Nelson for a special rendition of Journey’s classic ballad, “Faithfully.” The collaboration supports Farm Aid’s 40th anniversary, a cause close to Perry’s heart.
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Perry, 76, discussed the project and working with the 92-year-old Nelson. He praised Nelson’s unique vocal style, comparing him to musical legends like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, and described the experience as a “bucket list” moment. Perry noted that Nelson’s interpretation of the lyrics influenced his own performance, adding a new dimension to the timeless song.
Perry’s admiration for Nelson dates back to Journey’s early tours in the 1980s, when Nelson would attend their Texas shows. Even then, Perry envisioned Nelson’s voice on “Faithfully,” making this collaboration a long-held dream realized.
Beyond his musical connection to the project, Perry expressed a deep appreciation for Farm Aid and the struggles faced by farmers. He shared personal ties to farming, recalling his grandfather’s dairy farms in California’s San Joaquin Valley and the dedication required for agricultural life.
This “Faithfully” duet follows Perry’s 2021 Christmas album, The Season, and his contribution to Dolly Parton’s 2023 Rockstar album, where he performed another Journey hit, “Open Arms.” Perry described this phase of his career as a time of “new freedom,” focusing on emotionally expressive projects.