WCSX Classic Cuts : Wheel in the Sky
WCSX Classic Cuts
Journey: “Wheel in the Sky”
The Hook: The song was co-written by Journey’s previous singer, Robert Fleischman. Steve Perry says he “just jumped in the driver’s seat and sang” it.
Album: Infinity
Year: 1978
Writers: Robert Fleischman, Neal Schon and Diane Valory
Stats: Journey’s first chart hit peaked at number-57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Background: In late 1977, Robert Fleischman, who only lasted six months as Journey’s singer, was replaced by Steve Perry. Perry immediately went into the studio with the band to record its fourth studio album, which included this classic cut co-written by his predecessor.
In a 1990s interview, Journey singer Steve Perry on their 1978 cut “Wheel in the Sky.” OC:…the radio. :24
“‘Wheel in the Sky’ is a song I came in and sang that they had already written for the Infinity record. That was one that I just jumped in the driver’s seat and sang. My voice has changed, though, since then. I’m not belittling the way I sounded then, but it was, y’know [sings in small voice] ‘Winter’s here again, oh Lord…’ You know? It was like that, which is great. But now I think I got some balls on that voice — if I can say that on the radio.”
