Oh Sherrie

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO with the Zoo Crew, your favorite hippie DJs spinning the grooviest vinyl! Right now, we’re vibing to the soulful sounds of Steve Perry’s “Oh Sherrie” from his 1984 solo debut, Street Talk. This track is a straight-up love letter to Perry’s then-girlfriend, Sherrie Swafford, who even stars in the iconic music video. Fun fact: the song was born late one night when Perry, along with songwriters Randy Goodrum, Craig Krampf, and Bill Cuomo, started jamming around midnight with just the chorus—“Oh Sherrie, hold on, hold on.” Sherrie herself was in the room but went to bed because it was so late, unaware they were crafting a hit about her! The song’s unforgettable intro, where Perry belts “You should’ve been gone” with no backing music, was a stroke of genius by keyboardist Bill Cuomo, who sequenced it to hit hard and set the tone.

Now, let’s talk about that video, Zoo Freaks—it’s a classic! Shot at the historic Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles (now called The MacArthur), it starts with this over-the-top royal wedding scene, complete with trumpets and a crowned Perry as the groom. But Steve wasn’t feeling the pomp, so he rips off his crown, ditches the set, and sings straight to Sherrie, who strolls in rocking a white skirt. The video’s meta vibe, poking fun at the era’s bloated music video budgets, was a first of its kind, with Perry storming off with Sherrie while the director begs him to stay. Fans on Reddit still swoon over their chemistry, with one user noting how Perry’s shoulder kiss to Sherrie felt so real, like they were truly in love. Sadly, their romance didn’t last past the ‘80s, but Perry told the Tampa Bay Times in 2011, “Sherrie and I were crazy in love,” despite the strain of Journey’s peak fame making it tough.

Here’s a cool tidbit: “Oh Sherrie” hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the rock charts, but it almost had a sax solo! Guitarist Waddy Wachtel stepped in, insisting it needed a gritty guitar instead, telling engineer Niko Bolas, “A saxophone? Are you joking?” That rock edge helped make it Perry’s biggest solo hit, though it’s often called an “honorary” Journey song since it vibes so hard with their sound. Journey even played it on their Raised on Radio tour, breaking the usual rule that solo tracks stay off band setlists. Songwriter Randy Goodrum, quoted in a 2024 Journey: Worlds Apart biography, called it “a perfect record,” blending drama, melody, and production. And for you vinyl collectors out there, the Street Talk album nods to Perry’s pre-Journey band, Alien Project, with a dedication to their bassist Richard Michaels in the liner notes.

Let’s rewind to how Steve Perry got his start, Zoo Freaks. Born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, he grew up as the only child of Portuguese parents. Music was in his blood early—by age 12, he was hooked on singing after hearing Sam Cooke’s “Cupid” on the radio. As a teen, he fronted local bands, including Alien Project, which tragically lost its bassist in a car accident, pushing Perry to pursue music harder. His big break came in 1977 when he joined Journey, a San Francisco prog-rock outfit looking for a new voice. Perry’s soaring vocals transformed them into arena-rock legends, with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” His soulful style, inspired by Motown and R&B, made him one of rock’s most distinctive voices. After Journey’s peak, he launched his solo career with Street Talk, proving he could shine outside the band.

Want to keep up with Steve Perry today? Check out his official website for the latest news. He’s active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and throwbacks—like a 2018 post linking to a Rolling Stone article about his career. Fans go wild on sites like Discogs for his vinyl and CD rarities, and you can join the Steve Perry Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks. There’s also love on Instagram at the unofficial fan page, where folks post vintage pics and memes. So, crank up “Oh Sherrie,” vibe with us, and let’s keep the love holding on, Zoo Freaks!