Who's Cryin' Now (Live 1981)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Who's Cryin' Now (Live 1981)" by Journey, taken from their electrifying Live In Houston Escape Tour DVD, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful energy. This song, originally released in 1981 as the first single from the band’s iconic Escape album, was a defining moment for Journey. Written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain and lead vocalist Steve Perry, it soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. An interesting tidbit from In the Studio with Redbeard reveals that Neal Schon initially recorded an experimental guitar solo for the track, which he loved, but Perry and Cain pushed for a simpler, more melodic take. Schon improvised a second solo, described as the "simplest thing he could play off the top of his head," which became the version fans know and love, reminiscent of Santana’s style.

Another gem about "Who's Cryin' Now" comes from Steve Perry himself, who shared that the chorus popped into his head while driving to Los Angeles, capturing it on a mini cassette recorder. He rushed to Jonathan Cain’s house to flesh it out, laying the foundation for its heartfelt lyrics, which echo the vocal riffs of Sam Cooke. The live performance captured on the 1981 Houston DVD showcases the band at their peak, with Perry’s soaring vocals and Cain’s icy keyboards transitioning into Ross Valory’s bass riff, as noted in a Billboard review that praised it as one of Journey’s "strongest and classiest records" of 1981. Fans on Journey’s Facebook have echoed this love, with posts celebrating the song’s emotional depth and its ability to transport them back to the '80s.

Journey’s origins trace back to San Francisco in 1973, evolving from a progressive jazz-rock outfit into the arena rock giants known today. Founded by former Santana members Neal Schon (guitar) and Gregg Rolie (keyboards, vocals), alongside Ross Valory (bass), George Tickner (guitar), and Prairie Prince (drums), the band initially leaned into instrumental-heavy prog rock. Their early albums—Journey (1975), Look into the Future (1976), and Next (1977)—gained a cult following but lacked commercial success. The turning point came in 1978 with the addition of Steve Perry as lead vocalist, whose powerful voice shifted their sound toward melodic rock. The album Infinity marked their breakthrough, followed by hits like "Lights" and "Wheel in the Sky." By 1981, with Jonathan Cain replacing Rolie, Journey hit their stride with Escape, cementing their legacy with anthems like "Don’t Stop Believin’" and "Who’s Cryin’ Now."

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Journey’s official channels offer a wealth of content. Check out their official website for tour dates and discography, follow them on Facebook for fan discussions, or catch behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram. Their X account keeps fans updated on news and throwback posts. For community vibes, the Journey Fans Facebook Group is a lively spot where devotees share memories and rare photos. Fan sites like Journey-Tribute.com offer detailed histories and tributes to the band’s legacy, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out over Journey’s epic journey.