Steve Perry Net Worth

What is Steve Perry’s Net Worth?

Steve Perry, the iconic lead singer of the legendary rock band Journey, boasts a net worth of $70 million. His powerful vocals and emotive delivery have solidified his status as one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in music history. Beyond his contributions to Journey, Perry has cultivated a successful solo career, further enriching his legacy and financial standing.

Perry’s journey to stardom began in 1977 when he joined Journey. His distinctive vocal style became the band’s signature sound, propelling them to unprecedented heights of success. Together, they released a string of hit albums including “Infinity,” “Evolution,” and “Departure.” The 1981 album “Escape,” featuring the timeless anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’,” catapulted the band to global fame. Perry’s vocal prowess shone on other Journey classics such as “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Faithfully.”

After departing from Journey in 1987, Perry embarked on a thriving solo career. His debut solo album, “Street Talk,” released in 1984, spawned the hit single “Oh Sherrie.” Perry’s second solo album, “For the Love of Strange Medicine,” followed in 1994. Despite taking a hiatus from the music industry in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Perry’s influence and popularity remained unwavering. In 2018, he made a triumphant return with a new solo album, “Traces,” showcasing his signature emotive storytelling and powerful vocals, cementing his status as a rock icon.

Early Life

Born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, Steve Perry’s musical journey began during his childhood. Raised by Portuguese parents, his father’s career as a vocalist exposed him to music from a young age. His father also co-owned a local radio station. After his parents divorced when he was eight, he moved to his grandparents’ farm. At the age of 12, Perry heard Sam Cooke‘s rendition of “Cupid” on the radio, an experience that ignited his passion for singing.

During his high school years in Lemoore, California, Perry’s involvement in music intensified. He joined the marching band and various bands outside of school. After graduating, he attended the College of the Sequoias, where he sang in the choir as a tenor, honing his vocal skills and solidifying his commitment to music.

Early Career

Perry’s serious pursuit of a music career began in his early 20s when he collaborated with Scott Mathews, a 16-year-old future music producer. Mathews played drums and guitar, while Perry sang. They formed a band named Ice, recorded numerous tracks, but were unable to secure management, and their recordings went unheard.

Another attempt to break into the industry came when Perry joined the progressive rock band Pieces, but they too failed to obtain a record deal. Undeterred, Perry joined the band Alien Project in his mid-20s. However, tragedy struck when the band’s bassist was killed in a car crash. Perry took this as a sign and returned to Lemoore.

Steve Perry circa 1985. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Journey

Despite his decision to step away from music, Perry’s mother encouraged him to respond to a band called Journey who had previously contacted him. The San Francisco-based band was struggling to find their breakthrough, but were impressed by a recording of Perry from Alien Project. He replaced the band’s original lead singer and made his debut on the album Infinity, which was released in 1978.

Perry’s arrival in Journey significantly altered their musical direction. Initially a progressive rock band, Perry infused the group with a pop sensibility. While some fans and band members were unsure about this new direction, the results spoke for themselves. This new pop sound was the reason Journey began receiving radio airplay.

Perry contributed vocals to many Journey albums, including Evolution, Departure, Dream After Dream, Captured, Escape, Frontiers, Raised on Radio, and Trial by Fire. The hit single “Open Arms” reached number two on the charts.

During his time with Journey, Perry also collaborated with artists such as Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins. In 1984, Perry released his first solo album, Street Talk, which sold over two million copies and featured hits such as “Oh Sherrie.” Perry took a break from Journey for several years after his solo album release. In 1986, his mother became ill. The recording process for Raised on Radio was difficult because Perry had to leave frequently to visit his mother. After this draining emotional and creative process, Journey disbanded in 1987.

Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Other than a few live performances, Perry largely disappeared from the public eye for seven years. In 1994, he returned with another solo album, For the Love of Strange Medicine. He supported the album with a successful tour. He also released another album with Journey in 1996 – Trial by Fire. The album was a hit, going platinum within a year. However, Perry was injured in a hiking accident. He was reluctant to undergo hip replacement surgery. His bandmates wanted to capitalize on the success of their platinum album, and pressured Perry to have the surgery. He refused and permanently left Journey in 1998.

Although he initially refused, Perry eventually had the surgery in 1998. He later said that he never felt fully accepted by the band. During the next few years, Perry collaborated with artists such as Jeff Golub and David Pack. Though he rarely performed on stage during this period, he eventually released his third solo record, Traces, in 2018. The 2018 album also spawned a 2019 music video – Perry’s first in 25 years. In 2019, he also released a three-track holiday EP.

Musical Style and Influences

Perry’s voice has been lauded for its range and power. Rolling Stone recognized him as one of the top 100 singers of all time. Perry’s technical skills are notable, but he also sings with genuine passion and emotion.

Perry’s primary influence was Sam Cooke. He was also inspired by The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin. In terms of musical taste, Perry’s preferences align with Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley’s style.

Perry is also an accomplished songwriter, writing most of Journey‘s songs during his time with the band. He has also written almost all of his solo tracks. In 2020, he was nominated for inclusion in the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

During the height of his career with Journey in the 1980s, Perry was in a high-profile relationship with Sherrie Swafford, who inspired his hit song “Oh Sherrie.” The couple later parted ways. In 2011, Perry began a relationship with psychologist Kellie Nash. Tragically, Nash died of cancer in December 2012. In a 2019 interview, Perry revealed that he has a daughter and grandchildren.

Real Estate

In January 1980, Perry purchased a home in Larkspur, California, for $215,000. He still owns this property, and its current estimated value is around $2 million.

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