Steve Perry performing before joining Journey

This is an extraordinarily rare audio recording of Steve Perry, before he joined Journey, performing the classic song "Summertime" with a local rock group named "San Andreas Fault" in 1974. It also documents the events that led up to this performance.

[@asthecrowflies737]

There is no voice in the entire music world like Steve Perry's voice. The Legend goes on...

[@asthecrowflies737]

@Derrik Murphy The proof of the pudding, in this case, is the singing. Put a video on KZbin.

[@alanandmichellerichardson1238]

Well arnel sounds just like him but with better control and a wider range so...

[@neillenet291]

@@alanandmichellerichardson1238 Steve Augeri was even better but his voice couldn't cut it long term for journey

[@sonjagjokas381]

@@neillenet291 I remember seeing augeri sing and when it was time to hit the high note, he went to take a drink of water instead

[@neillenet291]

@@sonjagjokas381 yeah that was likely at the end of his stint with Journey. He had a great voice and he could do it for a while but I think he ended up having throat surgery and leaving the band. He did one really good album with them, "Arrival."

[@klee9673]

This is why I love KZbin!!!! None of us would ever have the pleasure of listening to this pure gold without people sharing...Thank you Randy!

[@J.L.Nelson]

Like I've said before and to many people I talk to; Journey isn't Journey without Steve Perry period. They can get a sound alike but that's all he'll ever be.

[@millardlee7199]

Does anyone realize Steve Perry was singing one of Gershwin's jazz standards (albeit a blues rock version) at that young age??? Very few singers have the tools to even try, let alone sing it with such passion and feeling. I've been a Journey and Steve Perry fan since the high school days and I am still amazed by this guy!!! As for the quality of the recording, his talent easily shines through! What a treasure of a recording.

[@alanandmichellerichardson1238]

Instead of making up some dumb statement pretending you know anything at all about music. Instead of your biased opinion just say you love Steve. Done. We get it. Hes great. But you don't know fuck all about music and vocals

[@laurasmallwood5611]

Summertime....Steve's version is amazing .

[@SC-gp7kt]

Absolutely! His talent was very mature and seasoned at such a young age.

[@kathyjones1576]

He doesn't just sing the songs, he feels them. He feels the music, it's part of him.

[@scottricci5063]

He's doing a blues rock version of the song made popular by Janice Joplin.

[@andresd6193]

Steve Perry is irreplaceable, no matter how good Arnel can be he does not even come close. Steve Perry’s voice is unique in the world .

[@Caprifemme]

PREACH! i saw them for their freedom tour (friend invited, reallly wasnt all that excited to go but said, aint got nothing better else 2 do) & it was painful not to see him sing the songs! held a pic of him all the time & closed my eyes & cried uncontrollably cause Ill never get 2 experience the privilege of hearing him sing with them!

[@brucegehlen1243]

Ive seen Arnel sing live with Journey, close but no cigar, Steve Perry rules.

[@MsRocker961]

Indeed

[@tataarcamo545]

Stop comparing the two of them… working in a band with regular tours is not easy. It requires dedication and hardwork, you need someone who could go along without complaining

[@DMNssms]

I don’t care what anyone says….Journey without Perry is just a good sounding karaoke band. It is what it is.

[@robertjohnson3855]

Steve Perry has one of the most powerful and full, yet beautiful voices in rock or elsewhere for that matter.

[@laurasmallwood5611]

Without a doubt....his vocals are too perfect for this world....ethereal

[@kevincostello3856]

Very well said!!!

[@boneshakercrane7869]

There's only one Steve Perry and journey isn't the same without steve

[@andrewfradale275]

@@boneshakercrane7869 AMEN!!! Many have tried, but no one can compare with Steve!!

[@margiedietrich3757]

😁👍yes he does

[@elizabethpeckham7833]

Man, this dude can sing some blues. Wish he'd do a blues album.

[@summermcpherson8209]

Elizabeth Peckham that would be amazing

[@voman0741]

Yes, and I put in a vote for Steve to cover Sam Cooke's greatest hits.

[@charriere117]

Some will win,some will lose,some are born to sing a blues...

[@davidawilliams252]

He is on Robert Cray's album with backgrounds vocals: Promises You Can't Keep.

[@larrycancooke2]

I would love to have him sing a duet with Stapleton, that would sell off the charts...in no time flat., 😊

[@timrice4253]

(Tims wife here) I love to hear Steve talk just as much as I love to hear him sing. Even though I have never met him ( I seen him) he is so special to me . He is like another Elvis to me.

[@peggybrown7832]

If not for Steve Perry, Journey would not have been as great as they were and Arnel might never have been discovered. What a voice, it has always given me chills no matter what he sings.

[@BlazinRiver1]

LMFAO.....Clearly you never listened to Journey before they lowered their standards and got Perry.

[@careful__Icarus]

A bit harsh. A lot more instrumentally adventurous yes. And Gregg Rolie on lead vocals was a different vibe,but I dont think they lowered their standards at all. Not many bands could've made such astonishingly good lps as Journey did throughout the late 70s into the 80s.

[@pamlatham7032]

You must be a troll or know very little about voice. Who are you to dismiss 50 years of knowledgeable people in the industry describe Perry’s voice a “gift” even continuing the chorus of The Voice. Try as you might even Yoko can’t change history.

[@AB67]

Exactly. Without him, there was no JOURNEY.

[@ptlatham7488]

@@BlazinRiver1 Herbie, the bands manager has been quoted that Journey was given notice- being fired - from opening for the bigger bands on tour. Then he hired Perry, and soon Journey was the first to move into stadiums! You need to Google the facts!

[@skierprincessakify]

My parents like to tell me how I would be in my car seat in the early 80s singing loudly to Steve Perry as a baby lol!

[@ruthannehorn4653]

I love his voice! I melt when I hear any of his songs! He never misses a note! I miss Journey!

[@xaviermarnell2255]

Their new guy Arnel is great. He’s doing a new album with them this year.

[@CARPETMAN-zj9iv]

I miss all of the good music. 70s and 80s were loaded with Talent

[@richardaylesworth1460]

Everyone's comment is accurate.

[@cindeamulholland6338]

If I'm in the middle of anything anything and Journey comes on , sorry you're gonna have to wait. Don't even think about talking through my song either. You will be miserable I promise. 😂😂😂

[@andrewfradale275]

@@cindeamulholland6338 ON THAT, I CAN TOTALLY AGREE!!It's 2022 now & I STILL will listen to any Journey tunes with Steve singing!!

[@rhondawilkins_]

Stephen Ray Perry is 25 years old here. Oh the soul and bluesy sound ....and total control of the voice!

[@jacbo374]

i live in hanford, its an honor to have him be from here

[@5Ring]

Wow!, Steve Perry, the greatest voice of the rock era, singing the blues. This is tight.

[@brandielee2830]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naqkZ6J8gtqkgqMsi=bSQzwpGsWzOR2nV1 listen to him sing the blues on this video from 1978

[@johnshields6852]

I was 14 way back then, doesn't seem that long ago, Steve and journey were a great band, always on the radio when I was late teen, early 20's, love to go back and give it another shot.

[@mariewelch231]

Steve Perry is a true vocalist no matter what he sings. He has been blessed with an awesome voice & a truly amazing vocal range. Could listen to that voice for hours at a time! Keep the tunes coming Steve & we'll be listening. ☺

[@renzoandro7841]

Me too..

[@4SunnyinMiami2]

He is also blessed with a truly beautiful head of sexy hair and face to go with it.😁

[@sunnystormy4973]

_#gorgeous__ __#sexy__ __#everything_ 🥰🔥🥰

[@andrewfradale275]

@@renzoandro7841 ME TOO!!!!🙂

[@bobboberson2024]

Oh, wow... That is so cool. A standard by a young kid. One of the GREAT rock vocalists of his generation. ANY generation. Excellent post.

[@nrodry76]

A voice in a million! Unmistakable!

[@lourdesgarcia3306]

dang!!! that's a great blues song, I bet the atmosphere was pretty cool, with that music and a couple of drinks it would be enough to make me feel great

[@sinnombre-xs9ub]

Oh my god, Stevie, your voice makes me weep

[@debs4573]

Gorgeous. Every. Time.

[@joanietravel9125]

My fav singer for decades. Always hoped to meet him when I was living over there. Oh well ....

[@sleesullivan2796]

Every time I hear Steve Perry sing, it blows me the eff away. Maybe more than before. This version of this song is extraordinary.

[@Buttercup697]

1983... my first concert, Journey. I was in 7th grade. I still remember that voice.

[@dynjarren7523]

Amazing! It’s obvious it’s Steve Perry!

[@QuintessentialKeygirl]

He is onee of the absolute best without question.

[@nextwave1314]

Notice how the audience kept quiet while SP was singing. Could they have imagined what a star they were seeing being born, right before their eyes?

[@bettyc.parker-young1437]

He is so soulful. I could listen to him every day. Thank you Steve for sharing yourself with the world. You sing to us in a way that is calming, reassuring,and that brings us hope. You are brilliant!

[@darylhayes5961]

Steve Perry's in fluences.... were...Sam Cooke , Marvin Gaye!!!!!:)!!!!... I... studied his vocal close... .what soul...Ammmm.zzzzing feeling....

[@Michael-yx3np]

Steve Perry has more soul in his little toe than Arnel could ever dream of replicating.

[@mem5567]

Steve perry awesome singer one of the greatest singers everrrrrr

[@nancyschweder7341]

I love you so much Steve Perry. Know one ever has your voice.its magical

[@JediFight]

He was already awesome

[@robertbigelow647]

Nice to hear this recording nothing like listening to the raw recordings, sounds honest and true. Steve Perry I need say no more

[@palynegaenir8961]

Thanks for that! Very cool history and tune :-)

[@mikebtko]

Lived in Porterville back in 1969😛 so many groups passed on Steve Perry, thought he sounded predictable for rock n roll, hehe, he did alright😛...

[@maryradloff3594]

Too bad, those bands that passed on Steve blew their chances of becoming super famous and rich. Ahh, hindsight- -something we wish we all had.

[@ptlatham7488]

Steve Perry's voice, looks, musicianship scared the less talented. Musicians all want to PLAY not back up an Icon!

[@pamlatham7032]

Where are you getting your info? Your imagination?

[@dancefree5627]

I am I. Luv and have been with this man's voice

[@RICREYNOLDSMUSIC]

The guitarist is as good as Steve Perry. Wonderful to hear this gem as Steve is one of the best in vocal history.

[@davidawilliams8603]

Ricky Reynolds this band rocks! They have their own channel here on KZbin. Go check them out!

[@iboopyournose7307]

Steve Perry - My favorite male singer of all time!! ♡

[@chrisranz2714]

And that's the reason why he's such a remarkable singer the man was born to sing y'all have a great day

[@73kristilee]

It's August 2022 and I'm re-falling in love with Steve Perry all over again 💗 Stay safe everyone

[@72nova372]

Steve has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know and I'm glad my name is Steve!! We love you Steve....

[@anaevans6747]

The Voice then, and the Voice Now!!!! The Voice of Today and The Voice has Returned!!!!!!! We Love you, Stevie!!!!

[@loripond1839]

I will forever love this man for his priceless musical gift to the world!!! God bless you, Steve!!..❤️❤️❤️🤘

[@andrewfradale275]

I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE!!!👏👏👏 👍👍👍👍👍

[@beverlytrice6246]

And I’m in love all over again....sigh....

[@gardnerreese6755]

Dude the sound quality is fine. This is great just the way it is!

[@nandaT24]

Holy shit, that was amazing. He needs to bring that sound back.

[@sherri2463]

And the world became a much more beautiful place❤️❤️‍🔥

[@rt66vintage16]

Thanks for sharing this video and music. I thought the recording was really good, and you're right, Steve Perry was going places. Beautiful.

[@AUGUSTALLEN28]

His voice is so soulful,it's gospel-like. Steve was taking me to church with this rendition.

[@davidawilliams8603]

AUGUSTALLEN28 there you go! That's right. gospel- like here by the time raised on radio came up...definitely gospel! in fact, full blown.

[@tanyawashington6338]

Sounding like his Idol Sam Cooke

[@philippapay4352]

@@tanyawashington6338 Yes indeed. What a loss Sam Cooke was, dead so young. Steve never got the chance in the R'n'R business to fully use his R'n'B chops as he might have had the rock group he joined been the Rolling Stones or Crosby, Stills & Nash, a group that didn't try to squelch those gifts. He did well on his own when he got to write and record with others.

[@Ducati_Dude]

That's the 'Blues' dude....

[@AUGUSTALLEN28]

@@davidawilliams8603 Raised On Radio was my favorite album from,because of it's soulfulness.

[@JJ-qz5gv]

Beautiful. Steve Perry, irreplaceable.

[@Terrileeryan]

Wow, what a wonderful piece of rock history. Love it and know you will always be part of that history. Steve Perry is now, too as I don't think he'll ever perform live.

[@acefrehley35]

Vintage Steve Perry Before it all began.😎😎😎😎

[@gailcraig1973]

I have to admit that I'm just really listening to Steve Perry and I'm 74! Oh my, was I too busy before?! He's my new fav! What an awesome voice!!

[@DonaldPretari]

Incredible. My Dad, Sonny Pretari, ran the El Rancho.. I used to go and hear Lodestone practice. I even showed Steve some lyrics I had written, hoping to write songs with him for Lodestone to play. Sadly, my lyrics were on the pretentious side, I suppose. My Dad was the ultimate Steve Perry fan, knowing he would do well. Don Pretari

[@QueenJaneway]

Very cool information. Is the El rancho still there? I'm from Sweden and have never visited central California.

[@DonaldPretari]

@@QueenJaneway I don 't know. I'll try and find out.

[@susana5052]

Thank you so much for posting this sound clip of Steve Perry before he became THE Steve Perry. There will never be another voice like Steve's.. When he sings he takes me places I didn't even know existed. I am SO grateful that the 80s was my time...

[@imcaligirl]

I grew up in the valley. And, know each of those places, but was too young to get end. Steve Perry was and always will be the voice of Journey. Thanks for sharing this it bought back lots of good memories💞

[@noneofyourbusinessnoneofyo8810]

Love Steve so much! So rare to have someone's voice reach in and touch your soul like the voice of Steve Perry can. I feel a sense of something out of this world when he sings. So amazing!

[@redmustangredmustang]

He always had the voice. He never really lost it even when he was in hiding after all those years.

[@andrewfradale275]

I just heard an interview today, from 2018, & Steve was not just hiding, in his own words he stated, He had just lost the love of music, & felt empty, therefor he walked away for awhile, but He's back with his newest album called TRACES!! OH HAPPY DAY!!!

[@watchwomanofthedragon8376]

He lost the love of his life. Was horrible.

[@denzilalexis-lewis578]

never got to meet MJ i hope i can meet perry someday my two favorite singers

[@dougwhite7845]

Thanks for putting this up. I always felt that I had seen Steve Perry perform before he got famous. When you mentioned the El Rancho I nearly jumped out of my seat. I used to go there every week during that time period.

[@maryradloff3594]

You could have been seeing Steve and not even realize it!!!!

[@dougwhite7845]

I was seeing Steve. I remember the band had a great lead singer.

[@JohnLawtonJeffcoat]

What an intriguing little hidden audio treasure, unexpectedly excavated from nearly a half-century ago. It's like listening to the calm before the storm.

[@robertclifton5795]

Steve Perry is the most incredible vocalist in modern times with all due respect to all the great performers and artist . When he and groups he performed with it was his voice more than anything the people came to hear ...... save button clicked !

[@deborahbrzowski4205]

Yes we do know Steve Perry became a Legend! thanks for the Video 👏👏👏👏👏

[@1teeny34]

So beautiful! 😭

[@pwaterwall]

He's Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! Great new song Steve!!!!!!!! Love it brother!

[@danacasey8543]

I went to Lemoore High School with Steve Perry. I was a freshman and he was a senior - he didn't know I was alive! He did go to a graduation party at my next door neighbor's house. I sneaked out my window and went over. I'm sure I made a fool of myself before I sneaked back home.

[@ptlatham7488]

Who wouldn't? I'd have been too mesmerizad to speak!

[@cyndifoore7743]

Wow, what a range Steve has, remarkable voice. I could listen to him sing the phone book!

[@1besieged]

Steve Perry has the smoothest , most beautiful voice, truly born with an extraordinairy gift (that he shares around the world), I only listen to the real STEVE PERRY the man who wrote his own songs, performs his own songs, it is his soul and spirt & VOICE that made Journey. Your fans remain true to you Steve Perry , we are not fooled easily!

[@elhughes1481]

Great considering the equipment of that time. Your right Steve the mic.s could not process your high end range.

[@tprimeau1]

That band is tight!

[@Peaster22]

OMG...yes, that "voice" is definitely RECOGNIZABLE!! This recording is a TRUE FIND!! It's GOLD!!! Steve Perry: BEST MALE ROCK VOICE EVER!!!

[@trayc8573]

I liked it before I even heard it. Cause well... It's Steve Perry 💝

[@sandytuzzolino3502]

Lovely!!! Superstar in the making!!!!

[@donnaburck4323]

Wow! This man was a gift from God, for sure!

[@pugpug1953]

Steve is the man . Love his voice. Have not listened to the new guy and never will . GOOOOOO STEVE !!!! What a voice )

[@earthangel8730]

Being closed minded limits your ability to truly appreciate music. Your loss.

[@RythmicIntentions]

I saw them in 78 in Detroit. Saw them as well with all 3 of the new singers. People told me... if you close your eyes you can't tell the difference. Trust me, as a lead vocalist myself, but even if I wasn't I would have heard the differences. It wasn't even close. The closest in my opinion was Arnel. Even though he was new to the band when I saw him and it kind of spoiled it at the time with his lack of the grasp of the English language. He mush mouthed a lot of words. Before anyone thinks I am being mean, I am not. It is merely an observation from the time ( I am sure I would have problems making a huge transition linguistically as well). He has obviously had time to work on it and has become a damn good vocalist in his own right. But even so he is definitely not Steve Perry.

[@andrewfradale275]

@@earthangel8730 I agree!! Journey still rocks!!!

[@CarlosFuentes-xi2hd]

Now that was cool...Steve Perry 4ever ❤

[@Ameenah1]

i love his freakin voice man

[@ImpaxFilmsNashville]

Steve "the Voice" Perry. Amazing even back then. Always will be known as the best rock voice of all time. There are two main factors that make a singer. 1) Vocal style and abilities (including emoting) 2) Voice. Steve has it all. Thanks Steve for lending your voice to the world. And besides all that, you are a great person!

[@lancehoggle3638]

The best male vocalists Iv ever heard!

[@AyeshaDeborahPankopf]

He his vocals always blew me away such a gift he has

[@ananda_miaoyin]

As for Steve Perry, well...he Journeyed on!

[@susangomes8084]

I was adopted from the Azores I still have a lot of relatives that are blood related, I want to more than anything to go back there but I am 59 now and haven't been able to afford to go but I still am praying to go back one day and see the relatives I still have there.

[@julesservantofjesus972]

Steve Perry can sing anything! I would have loved to have heard him sing the whole song!!!!

[@dianeheaton5337]

So happy Steve Perry is back .Loved him in Journey went to two of their concerts great performances both times .love the new album

[@mare9987]

There will always be haters.. they are just jealous they will never have a ounce of the talent Steve has.

[@denisewilliamson4749]

Nice! Steve Perry, always THE!VOICE !! Wow!!!!

[@philippapay4352]

There is no mistaking this magnificent voice and his superb command of the R&B genre. I so miss new material from him, but am grateful for this. Many thanks for posting it for us.

[@chinita1pr]

Wish granted. Check out new material from 2018 called "Traces". Great music.

[@andrewfradale275]

@@chinita1pr AGREED!! Loved that album!!!

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

Yeah but this is Prime Perry. He can't sing like _this_ anymore. Prime of his youth. That's how it goes for nearly all. Still Traces is great and glad to see this icon doing great!

[@philippapay4352]

@@evangelicalsnever-lie9792 Well, of course. He was in his mid-20s here and is now in his early 70s. His voice is still good and remarkably his alone with good range for his age, but it was a comment about then, not now.

[@ltss9561]

Not sure what is there to dislike of the voice. You may not like the genre but this vdo is about his voice.

[@mustangsandwich]

Wow...that's really good. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevincostello3856]

Thank you, truly, thank you for putting this vid out there for the rest of us to listen to an very early Steve Perry sing. How did you ever find this golden nugget??

[@Sarasdad91]

This is fantastic. Great video, to see pics and hear the earlier Steve Perry...

[@musicwith9lives]

nothing like raw!! love it. thanks for sharing with the world.

[@benniewilliams9613]

Steve has always been full of soul.Now he can really bring it out. The voice is raspy and deep,so ready for it now.

[@davidawilliams8603]

Bennie Williams yeah. We are ready!

[@Caprifemme]

and guess he didnt have no idea how great of a legend he would become & how much of an impact he would have on generations!! Mr. Perry youre once in a life time, incomparable singer! thank you fir gifting us such wonderful songs! YOURE IRREPLACEABLE!!

[@ptlatham7488]

Interesting perspective. He couldn't have known the reach of his talents, so in retrospect it's good that he let his voice heal, for a second round. Here in 2024 he is saying his finally misses it "terribly" has signed a contract, & plans on returning! Let's cross our fingers!

[@dclark2439]

Randy Lessley, Very Excellent - Archival Documentary - Thank You *!*

[@RandyLessley]

My pleasure!

[@jamesspencer8295]

Great story and recording of steve perry singing, thanks for sharing!

[@barbee0715]

After Prince died, people were posting his videos for the first time in years. One was him doing a soundcheck to 'Summertime'. I almost fell over. Now, Steve Perry! (Who I do think is a great singer). Mad respect for these guys who know their Gershwin.

[@laurasmallwood5611]

Steve is the most amazing naturally talented vocalist. He can be compared to no one. Thank his mother for urging him to continue his passion and dreams

[@u.hinson6300]

The guitar and style of the band is great too.

[@donnahanf3715]

Steve Perry is DEFINITELY one of a kind!