'South Detroit' from 'Don't Stop Believin' explained by Jour

[jrny84]

'South Detroit' from 'Don't Stop Believin' explained by Journey's Jonathan Cain

By Edward Pevos | epevos@mlive.com
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on April 29, 2016 at 7:31 AM, updated April 29, 2016 at 8:12 AM


DETROIT, MI - Detroit played a big role in the most downloaded song of all-time. We talked with Journey songwriter and keyboardist Jonathan Cain about the origin of the words "South Detroit" in the band's huge hit song "Don't Stop Believin.'"

The song is from Journey's seventh studio album "Escape" in 1981. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was used in the final scene of "The Sopranos" in 2007 and was also featured on the hit show "Glee" in 2009.

Journey's Jonathan Cain co-wrote the song. I asked him to explain where "South Detroit" came from.

"This is how it went down. Steve Perry had just come off Journey's live album "Captured." Part of it was recorded at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Steve felt a kinship with Detroit and said that experience for him was super natural, and he felt like Detroit had adopted Journey as one of their hometown fans. Steve also felt Detroit was one of the reasons Journey succeeded. He credited the fans for a lot of the success of the album and excitement for the band."

"I was at the show as a keyboard player for the Babys. I was also writing songs with Steve for the new album. For "Don't Stop Believin'," we tried different things: North Detroit, West Detroit, East Detroit... but we needed that word. When he said South Detroit, it sounded right. We said I don't know if there's a South Detroit but it just sounds right. It was kind of a reverence for the acceptance for the particular live show."

More with Jonathan Cain:

See the rest of my interview with Cain on MLive.com next week. He also talks about why he once got a phone call from Prince and where things stand with Steve Perry and a possible reunion.

Upcoming Journey Michigan concerts:

You'll hear Journey perform "Don't Stop Believin'" and many of the band's other big hits at two upcoming shows in Michigan. They will be in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 2 2016 and at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016 with the Doobie Brothers and Dave Mason.

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/detr ... expla.html

[scarab]

never knew Jon was writing with Journey while still touring with the Babies.
the South Detroit and upcoming Prince call is old news.

I expect the Perry reunion talk will be the same...Steve can join Arnel anytime on stage.

[JourneyHard]

I predict the Steve Perry reunion with Journey will be for one concert in Detroit which will be recorded for a DVD/CD, but they will only do covers of Prince songs.

(I am joking, but this might actually sell.)