Steve Perry Finally Got This Country Icon to Sing “Faithfully” with Him

Lauren Novak May 14, 12:17 pm

Willie Nelson and Steve Perry composite image — Taylor Hill/Getty Images; Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Steve Perry and Willie Nelson recently teamed up to perform a duet version of one of the most beautiful rock love songs of all time: Journey‘s 1983 hit “Faithfully.” The proceeds from the cover will benefit Farm Aid, which raises money for local farmers, in celebration of the annual concert and nonprofit organization’s 40th anniversary. Perry admitted that ever since he first recorded the song back in the ’80s, he has always hoped to sing it with Nelson.

He explained, according to Consequence, “No one has a voice or vocal phrasing anything like Willie Nelson. 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.”

Singer Steve Perry of Journey performs at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois, June 11, 1983

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Perry added that he has always thought of Nelson as an idol. He shared, “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. 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.”

Musician Willie Nelson performs during the Georgetown to Austin March for Democracy rally on July 31, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Texas activists and demonstrators rallied at the Texas state Capitol after completing a 27-mile long march, from Georgetown to Austin, demanding federal action on voting rights legislation

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Nelson said, “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 duo recorded the cover at Ronnie’s Place in Nashville, and at Perry’s studio, Love Box. Farm Aid will be held on September 20, 2025 this year in Minneapolis. The lineup is generally the same this year, featuring Nelson, of course, along with Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and more. Listen to the version of “Faithfully” by Perry and Nelson below and then share your thoughts on it in the comments!