Why Journey’s iconic frontman went radio silent for 20 years

 before she died: “She said, ‘If something were to happen to me, promise me you won’t go back into isolation. Because that would make this all for naught.”

‘Open arms’

In 2018, Perry made good on that promise. After 24 years away from the studio, he released “Traces,” his first solo album since 1994. The album was deeply personal, shaped by grief, love, and reflection.

“I don’t even know if ‘coming back’ is a good word,” he told the Times days after the release of his album. “I’m in touch with the honest emotion, the love of the music I’ve just made. And all the neurosis that used to come with it, too. All the fears and joys. I had to put my arms around all of it. And walking back into it has been an experience, of all of the above.”

Despite his long absence, Perry’s influence never faded. The timeless track “Don’t Stop Believin’” found new life in pop culture, from the Sopranos finale to Glee, and the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, introducing his voice to a new generation. Rolling Stone has listed him among the greatest singers of all time, and his vocal style continues to inspire countless artists.

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