Journey, an iconic American rock band, traces its roots back to San Francisco in 1973. Formed by former members of Santana, the Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch, the band’s enduring legacy is marked by its captivating music and talented lineup.
As of 2021, Journey comprises the following members:
- Guitarist and vocalist Neal Schon (the band’s longest-serving original member)
- Keyboardist, guitarist, and vocalist Jonathan Cain
- Keyboardist and vocalist Jason Derlatka
- Drummer and vocalist Deen Castronovo
- Bassist Todd Jensen
- Lead vocalist Arnel Pineda
Journey experienced its peak commercial success between 1978 and 1987, during Steve Perry’s tenure as lead vocalist. This era saw the release of a series of chart-topping hits, with “Don’t Stop Believin'” (1981) standing out as one of their most iconic songs. In 2009, this track achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the top-selling song on iTunes among songs not released in the 21st century.
One of Journey’s standout moments came with their seventh and most successful album, “Escape,” which claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. This album also spawned the enduring hit “Open Arms.” Their 1983 follow-up, “Frontiers,” achieved near-equal success in the United States, reaching number two on the charts and producing several hit singles. In the United Kingdom, “Frontiers” expanded the band’s reach, reaching number six on the UK Albums Chart.
Journey embarked on a successful reunion journey in the mid-1990s and has since regrouped twice: first with Steve Augeri from 1998 to 2006, and later with Arnel Pineda from 2007 to the present.
Journey’s remarkable music catalog has resulted in 25 gold and platinum albums, with their 1988 compilation album, “Greatest Hits,” achieving an incredible 15-time platinum RIAA Diamond Certification. Their chart presence has been felt with 19 top-40 singles in the US, the second-highest tally without a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, trailing only Electric Light Orchestra with 20. Journey has also made their mark on other Billboard charts, with two number-one hits.
In 2005, the timeless “Don’t Stop Believin'” made a resurgence, reaching number three in iTunes downloads. Originally known for their progressive rock style, Journey evolved their sound, as noted by AllMusic, embracing pop arrangements on their fourth album, “Infinity,” in 1978. This shift solidified their status as “one of America’s most beloved (and sometimes hated) commercial rock/pop bands.”
The Recording Industry Association of America recognizes Journey’s extraordinary achievements, with sales of 48 million albums in the US alone, ranking them as the 25th-best selling band. Globally, their records have reached over 100 million in sales, cementing their place as one of the world’s best-selling bands.
In a 2005 USA Today opinion poll, Journey was named the fifth-best US rock band in history. Their songs have become timeless classics, played on arena rock stages and rock radio stations worldwide. Journey’s enduring impact is further acknowledged by their inclusion at number 96 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”