Journey (band)

Journey is an influential American rock band that helped shape the sound of commercial rock and pop.

Formed in San Francisco in 1973, the group eventually became one of the most successful musical acts in history. They are recognized for their ability to blend complex musical styles with catchy, popular arrangements. This skill allowed them to move from playing experimental music to becoming a staple of arena rock. Today, their songs are still widely played on rock radio stations around the world. Their massive popularity earned them a place as the fifth-best US rock band in history according to a 2005 poll.

The band's sound is created through the collaboration of several skilled musicians playing diverse instruments. The current lineup includes Neal Schon on guitars and vocals, who is the last remaining original member.

He is joined by Jonathan Cain on keyboards and guitars, Deen Castronovo on drums, and Arnel Pineda on lead vocals. Other members include Jason Derlatka on keyboards and Todd Jensen on bass. In the past, members used various tools to build their sound, such as Gregg Rolie's organ playing. When Jonathan Cain joined, he introduced synthesizers, which changed the texture of their music. This combination of guitars, keyboards, drums, and bass creates the powerful sound needed for large stadiums.

Journey's musical evolution can be seen through distinct stages of their career. They began as a progressive rock band, which focuses on complex structures and experimental sounds. This style was present in their early albums like *Journey* and *Look into the Future*. However, they underwent a major transition in 1978 with the release of the album *Infinity*. This album marked their shift toward a more popular, pop-influenced rock style. By embracing these pop arrangements, they redefined their identity and reached a much wider audience. This transition was aided by the hiring of new vocalists and producers to refine their melodic appeal.

The history of the band started in 1973 under the direction of manager Herbie Herbert. Initially, they were known as the Golden Gate Rhythm Section. Their original purpose was to act as a backup group for established artists in the Bay Area. The founding members included Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and George Tickner. After a performance in Hawaii, the group decided to pursue their own path as a standalone band. A roadie named John Villanueva suggested the name "Journey" after an unsuccessful contest to name the group. Their first major public appearance was at the Winterland Ballroom in 1973 for 10,000 people.

The band reached the height of their commercial success between 1978 and 1987. This era was defined by the leadership of vocalist Steve Perry. During this time, they released the album *Escape*, which reached number one on the Billboard 200. *Escape* contained famous singles like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." Their 1983 album, *Frontiers*, was also a massive success, reaching number two in the US and number six in the UK. These years established Journey as a global phenomenon capable of filling massive arenas. Their ability to maintain high sales during this period cemented their status in the music industry.

The scale of Journey's success is reflected in impressive commercial numbers. In the United States, the band has sold more than 52 million albums. This makes them the 11th-best selling band in the country according to the Recording Industry Association of America. On a global scale, their sales have exceeded 100 million records. Their 1988 *Greatest Hits* album is particularly notable, earning an 18-time platinum RIAA Diamond Certification. Additionally, they have achieved 25 gold and platinum albums throughout their career. Their single "Don't Stop Believin'" also holds a unique record as the top-selling iTunes track among songs not released in the 21st century.

Journey's impact extends beyond mere sales into the broader culture of music history. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the class of 2017. This honor recognized many key figures, including Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. The band also pioneered technical innovations, such as using very large video screens during live performances. This allowed them to connect with stadium-sized crowds more effectively. Their music has become a permanent part of the rock genre, bridging the gap between progressive roots and mainstream pop success.