Legendary singers Steve Perry and Willie Nelson have joined forces on a new version of Journey’s 1983 classic “Faithfully,” with proceeds benefitting Farm Aid in celebration of the annual concert and nonprofit organization’s 40th anniversary.
Former Journey frontman Perry reprises his vocals on the rock ballad, while Nelson adds his signature twang on his verses, with the pair duetting on the chorus.
Get Willie Nelson Tickets Here
“No one has a voice or vocal phrasing anything like Willie Nelson,” stated Perry. “Singing this duet with Willie has been something I’ve always wanted to do. After recording ‘Faithfully’ with Journey, I always felt it would be a great song for Willie too. What a wonderful experience it was to finally sing with Willie. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Related Video
Nelson added, “Working with Steve Perry on ‘Faithfully’ was a meaningful experience. It was a pleasure to collaborate on this song. I’m proud that we could create something meaningful and use it to give back through Farm Aid.”
The new version of “Faithfully” was recorded at Ronnie’s Place in Nashville, and at Perry’s studio, Love Box. Perry co-produced the track with Kent Wells, and he also co-engineered the song with Joel McKenne and Kyle Dickinson.
In addition to the vocals, the track features Mike Rojas on piano, James Mitchell on electric guitar, Kent Wells on acoustic guitar, Scott Sanders on steel guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, and Nir Z on drums.
In advance of its release, Consequence spoke with Perry about the collaboration, with the singer telling us, “Back in the early ’80s, when Journey was touring, we used to go to Texas all the time, and a couple of the shows or a couple of the tours, [Willie] came backstage and we got to meet him.”
He added, “I never forgot what it was like hearing his voice on the radio growing up and meeting him. It was very iconic for me. I mean, he has become, and always was going to become the Sinatra of country music.”
The track’s release comes one day after the announcement of the annual Farm Aid concert, which will take place September 20th in Minneapolis and feature Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and more. Like the new song collaboration, proceeds from the show will raise funds for farm families.
Stay tuned for our full interview with Steve Perry, and stream the animated music video for his collaboration with Willie Nelson on “Faithfully” below.
Content shared from consequence.net.