Iconic singer-songwriter Steve Perry has shared “Winter Wonderland”, from his forthcoming holiday album “The Season”, out November 5 via Fantasy Records. Watch the animated video below. The track is the second song to be unveiled from the inspired and joyous new record, and marks the first-ever Christmas album from the beloved rock legend.
Perry‘s interpretation of “Winter Wonderland” captures the song’s timelessness, while simultaneously putting his own personal spin on the track. Perry‘s signature vocals are on full display, set against a smooth and steady tempo and warm harmonies. Perry comments: “‘Winter Wonderland’ is one of my favorite tracks on ‘The Season’. I have always felt a close love for Motown‘s music and how it shaped my early school years. This track is a homage to that.”
“The Season” features exuberant, new interpretations of holiday classics that hold significant meaning for Perry, along with millions across the globe. All eight tracks on the record come straight from the heart, transporting listeners to a familiar place of comfort and familiarity associated with loved ones and meaningful traditions shared during the holidays.
It’s fitting that Perry also works tirelessly on charitable efforts close to his heart as the holiday season approaches. In September he partnered with the San Francisco Giants/The Giants Community Fund on a specialty car auction. The online auction, organized by the Fund‘s car donation partner, CARS, featured Perry‘s beloved 1979 Mercedes 450SL, along with a custom-made touring tuxedo tails jacket worn by Perry during past concert performances and an autographed copy of “The Season”. The classic silver convertible was driven to many JOURNEY writing, recording, and rehearsal sessions.
The Giants Community Fund has been grateful for Perry‘s support for nearly 20 years. Sue Petersen, executive director, said: “Steve‘s not only an inspiration to Giants fans; he’s a believer in the Fund‘s work and a dedicated friend and supporter. What a cool and creative way to share something personal with fans and help the community at the same time.” Proceeds from the auction support the Junior Giants program, which provides a free, noncompetitive baseball and softball program for nearly 24,000 kids, ages 5-18 years old, in more than 85 leagues in underserved communities.
For Steve, the most vivid memories of holidays remind him of his grandmother’s home. The sentiment is evident throughout the record, including the first track released ahead of the album, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. He explains: “When I was recording vocals for ‘I’ll be Home For Christmas’ as I was singing ‘Please have snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree.’ I was emotionally thrown into standing in my grandmothers’ house staring through the door that I always hung mistletoe on. And then I saw her beautiful Christmas tree in front of her living room window. I had to stop singing because it felt like I was really there … I was a bit stunned… back home for Christmas is where everyone wants to be.”
One of the most recognizable voices in rock and roll history, Perry has captivated generations with the sheer power of his range and extraordinary tone. One of Rolling Stone‘s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, he fronted JOURNEY during the band’s most massively successful era, and gained entry into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Perry returned to music in 2018 with the release of his Fantasy album “Traces”, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard album charts and No. 6 overall — a personal best for his solo work.
“The Season” track listing:
01. The Christmas Song
02. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
03. Auld Lang Syne
04. Winter Wonderland
05. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve
06. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
07. Silver Bells
08. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Perry credited his late girlfriend, psychologist Kellie Nash, who died more than eight years ago, with helping him want to sing again; she’d made him promise he wouldn’t go back into isolation when she passed.
Perry dated Nash for nearly two years before she died in December 2012 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. He mourned for two years, and then began recording again.
Perry reunited with JOURNEY for the first time in years as they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2017. The iconic singer appeared onstage with his former bandmates as they each gave speeches, but did not perform with the group later in the event.
Photo credit: Myriam Santos
