Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Steve Perry has unexpectedly dropped a new version of Journey’s iconic ballad “Faithfully,” this time collaborating with Willie Nelson. You can check out the video below.
In this rendition, Nelson opens the song by singing the first verse, while Perry joins in as they reach the chorus. Instead of Neal Schon’s signature guitar solos, this version features an emotive steel guitar performance by Scott Sanders. The lineup of musicians also includes pianist Mike Rojas, bassist Steve Mackey, and acoustic guitarist Kent Wells, who handled production duties.
In an official statement, Perry expressed his admiration for Nelson, saying, “No one has a voice or phrasing quite like Willie Nelson. Singing this duet with him has been a long-time dream of mine. Ever since recording ‘Faithfully’ with Journey, I’ve always felt the song would suit Willie perfectly, too. Getting the chance to finally sing it together was an incredible experience. I’m truly proud of what we created.”
“Faithfully,” originally penned by Perry’s former bandmate Jonathan Cain, was the second single from Journey’s 1983 Frontiers album, achieving six-times platinum status and reaching the Top 15 on the charts. The song continues to be a staple in Journey’s live shows, even long after Perry’s exit from the group.
It remains uncertain whether this new version is a one-off release via Dark Horse Records or part of a larger collaborative project. Regardless, all proceeds from the track will benefit Farm Aid, the nonprofit co-founded by Nelson four decades ago.
Though the pairing of Perry and Nelson might seem unexpected, Nelson has a long history of putting his unique spin on rock classics from artists like Neil Young, ZZ Top, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles. Perry, too, has ventured into duets over the years—including a Top 20 hit with Kenny Loggins in 1982 called “Don’t Fight It.” More recently, he joined forces with Dolly Parton on a refreshed version of Journey’s “Open Arms” for her 2023 album Rockstar.
Nelson recently revealed the date and lineup for this year’s Farm Aid event, set for September 20 in Minneapolis. Joining him will be fellow cofounders Neil Young and John Mellencamp, along with performances by Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff, and others.
Over the course of his prolific career, Nelson has released over 100 studio albums, with his latest, Oh What a Beautiful World, arriving in April. The album features 12 tracks written by songwriter Rodney Crowell.
