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Livin' Just to Find Emotion: Journey and the Story of American Rock
Relive Journey’s greatest songs and moments with this fiftieth anniversary tribute Since exploding on the scene in the late 70s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with “Don’t Stop Believin’” and other hits. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, David Hamilton Golland unearths the band’s true and complete story, incorporating exclusive interview material with band members. When Steve Perry joined jazz-blues progressive rock band Journey in 1977, they saw a rise to the top, and their 1981 album Escape hit #1. But Perry’s quest for control led to Journey’s demise. Perry refused to tour, and the band lost their record contract and much of their audience. After the unlikely comeback of “Don’t Stop Believin’” in movies, television shows, and as an underdog sports anthem, a new generation discovered Journey. Now, with singer Arnel Pineda, they are again a fixture in major stadiums worldwide. A professional historian, Golland dives deep into Journey’s complex biography, dispelling rehashed myths and showing how race in popular music contributed to their breakout success. As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of soul and Motown to speak to the darkness in primarily white teenagers’ lives and inspire them to hope for a better future. Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and a Filipino lead singer has given a new twist to the ongoing story.
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378 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 27, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Styx, Journey, Foreigner, Boston, you name it, I listened to it. Some disparagingly called it corporate rock or arena rock, but I enjoyed it. My older brothers and sisters introduced me to it, and it's a shared connection to the music and memories that were made while listening to various performers.
I only knew the basics about Journey, and part of that was from a documentary I streamed a few years ago. While I learned more about the individual members of the group throughout the years, the author was not objective and had an agenda, despite saying he was a fan and loved their music when he was younger. Really had a beef against Steve Perry, accusing him explicitly of the cultural appropriation of the soul sound in his music. Made it clear that it was okay for Elvis to get his influence from black musicians, but Perry was guilty of liking Motown too much. Later, while discussing Steve's minor involvement in the making of the movie, Monster, the author speculates that Perry might have enjoyed watching the lesbian love scenes in the movie because many men like that sort of thing? Like. what? Because Perry has notoriously stayed out of the spotlight as much as possible since leaving the group, I guess it's okay for an author to speculate about one's sexuality.
Then there's the fact that the author's feelings about the various musicians who have been part of the band throughout the years. Who knew Journey's story was actually about race?
This book was not what I expected it to be at all.
Styx, Journey, Foreigner, Boston, you name it, I listened to it. Some disparagingly called it corporate rock or arena rock, but I enjoyed it. My older brothers and sisters introduced me to it, and it's a shared connection to the music and memories that were made while listening to various performers.
I only knew the basics about Journey, and part of that was from a documentary I streamed a few years ago. While I learned more about the individual members of the group throughout the years, the author was not objective and had an agenda, despite saying he was a fan and loved their music when he was younger. Really had a beef against Steve Perry, accusing him explicitly of the cultural appropriation of the soul sound in his music. Made it clear that it was okay for Elvis to get his influence from black musicians, but Perry was guilty of liking Motown too much. Later, while discussing Steve's minor involvement in the making of the movie, Monster, the author speculates that Perry might have enjoyed watching the lesbian love scenes in the movie because many men like that sort of thing? Like. what? Because Perry has notoriously stayed out of the spotlight as much as possible since leaving the group, I guess it's okay for an author to speculate about one's sexuality.
Then there's the fact that the author's feelings about the various musicians who have been part of the band throughout the years. Who knew Journey's story was actually about race?
This book was not what I expected it to be at all.
April 4, 2024
By trade, author David Golland is an academic - Dean of Liberal Arts at Monmouth University. Golland has written prior books focusing on the role of race in American society. He also happens to be - like me - a huge Journey fan. I read this book from the lens of someone who has followed a band for some 40-plus years, not someone who is educated in concerns related to race. It was difficult for me to separate these when, early on in this book, Golland introduced his intent to show how Journey became popular - at least in some part - on the backs of their soul and R&B influences. Many of these influences were black artists who did not get the massive success that white artists did.
At times, especially in the first half of the book, I did find Golland's writing illuminating, and occasionally challenging. I asked questions I couldn't answer - like "how much is too much" influence, and at what point is it really considered "cultural appropriation?" I applaud Golland for attempting to start a discussion of this nature. However, the more I read, the more I came down on the side of Journey incorporating music they loved in their songs. I didn't feel this was purposefully done in an effort to be more successful, as Golland seems to allege. I think artists naturally use things they like in their own works, and when Journey did it, it just became more like Journey to me.
One of the things I always liked about Journey is that they could play many different styles of music. And, as a kid, I wanted to learn more about the influences I heard them talk about. I remember doing a deep-dive of Sam Cooke's music and being amazed at how much of his style Steve Perry incorporated into his own. That's allowed - at least somewhat, right? If it's not, it's like we have to hold everyone accountable - because everyone did it. The Beatles did "Twist and Shout", the Stones did "Just My Imagination", and so on. It's no small list, and it happened from the start.
I had more appreciation for some of Golland's more tangible analysis. I hadn't ever really studied the growth and development in Jonathan Cain's writing, from his time with the Babys to the next-level songwriting talent he became for Journey. But, the book made me revisit some songs I hadn't heard in years and provided excellent evidence of that growth. The analysis of Journey's business structure was also very interesting, and I wonder to what extent their model has been used by other groups. And, Golland writes extensively on some of the legal back-and-forth between the band members over the years. It is a wonder Journey has not succumbed to all of its power struggles long before now.
There is not too much academic discussion here, and that may or may not be the issue I have with the book. It's an entertaining read, especially for a Journey fan. But, because the discussion keeps going back to race as Golland's central them, it really hinges on whether that point comes across effectively. For this reader, it did not.
At times, especially in the first half of the book, I did find Golland's writing illuminating, and occasionally challenging. I asked questions I couldn't answer - like "how much is too much" influence, and at what point is it really considered "cultural appropriation?" I applaud Golland for attempting to start a discussion of this nature. However, the more I read, the more I came down on the side of Journey incorporating music they loved in their songs. I didn't feel this was purposefully done in an effort to be more successful, as Golland seems to allege. I think artists naturally use things they like in their own works, and when Journey did it, it just became more like Journey to me.
One of the things I always liked about Journey is that they could play many different styles of music. And, as a kid, I wanted to learn more about the influences I heard them talk about. I remember doing a deep-dive of Sam Cooke's music and being amazed at how much of his style Steve Perry incorporated into his own. That's allowed - at least somewhat, right? If it's not, it's like we have to hold everyone accountable - because everyone did it. The Beatles did "Twist and Shout", the Stones did "Just My Imagination", and so on. It's no small list, and it happened from the start.
I had more appreciation for some of Golland's more tangible analysis. I hadn't ever really studied the growth and development in Jonathan Cain's writing, from his time with the Babys to the next-level songwriting talent he became for Journey. But, the book made me revisit some songs I hadn't heard in years and provided excellent evidence of that growth. The analysis of Journey's business structure was also very interesting, and I wonder to what extent their model has been used by other groups. And, Golland writes extensively on some of the legal back-and-forth between the band members over the years. It is a wonder Journey has not succumbed to all of its power struggles long before now.
There is not too much academic discussion here, and that may or may not be the issue I have with the book. It's an entertaining read, especially for a Journey fan. But, because the discussion keeps going back to race as Golland's central them, it really hinges on whether that point comes across effectively. For this reader, it did not.
January 14, 2024
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers provided an early galley for review.
The music of Journey is part of the soundtrack of my junior high and high school years. For someone growing up in a western New York town, these songs were vibrant and expansive, evoking freedom and possibility. When this one popped up on upcoming releases, I was definitely interested to check it out.
Right from the introduction, Golland makes it clear that this is more than just a rehashing of the band history and discography. Given his profession, he looks at the band's journey from a very specific viewpoint: race. I was curious to see how this would play out as Journey is not a band I think of instantly when the word "race" comes to mind.
I learned a lot from the early chapters, especially the origins of the band and their connections with other groups. In fact, throughout I enjoyed seeing how Journey's path crossed with other acts of the time as well. It gave me a lot of context for the music going on at the same time. Of course, when Perry joined the group with the Infinity album, that is when they also hit my pre-teen listening radar.
The latter chapters after Perry's departure were also very interesting, especially for someone like me who put the band aside after that point. From what I can tell, I was hardly the only one. Still, watching as those who remained did everything they could to keep the band relevant was also an interesting read. Overall, this is very much a classic rock 'n' roll story.
The music of Journey is part of the soundtrack of my junior high and high school years. For someone growing up in a western New York town, these songs were vibrant and expansive, evoking freedom and possibility. When this one popped up on upcoming releases, I was definitely interested to check it out.
Right from the introduction, Golland makes it clear that this is more than just a rehashing of the band history and discography. Given his profession, he looks at the band's journey from a very specific viewpoint: race. I was curious to see how this would play out as Journey is not a band I think of instantly when the word "race" comes to mind.
I learned a lot from the early chapters, especially the origins of the band and their connections with other groups. In fact, throughout I enjoyed seeing how Journey's path crossed with other acts of the time as well. It gave me a lot of context for the music going on at the same time. Of course, when Perry joined the group with the Infinity album, that is when they also hit my pre-teen listening radar.
The latter chapters after Perry's departure were also very interesting, especially for someone like me who put the band aside after that point. From what I can tell, I was hardly the only one. Still, watching as those who remained did everything they could to keep the band relevant was also an interesting read. Overall, this is very much a classic rock 'n' roll story.
August 26, 2024
I have been a huge Journey fan since high school, which was during the 90's when grunge was king and everything from the previous decade was lame (according to the gatekeepers of coolness). Watching the band come full circle and regain their popularity over the past decade has been very satisfying. I've been to 4 Journey concerts, unfortunately never with Steve Perry because i was too young in 1987 when we stopped performing with them. I feel i was fairly knowledgeable about this band but I was pleasantly surprised to learn a lot more from "Livin' Just to Find Emotion".
This book spends many chapters covering the pre -Steve Perry era 1973 - 1977 which was a nice surprise as that portion of Journey's history does not get enough attention. The author interviewed and spent entire chapters discussing Aynsley Dunbar, Gregg Rolie, Steve Smith, Ross Valory as well as Schon and Cain. The research and detail are fantastic. He covers every version of the band, including George Tinker and Robert Fleishman who are important to the pre Perry era. Steve Augeri and Arnel Pineda get some attention as well, discussing how they were discovered and, in Augeri's case, why they left the band. Notable concerts and tours are analyzed, as is the legendary Rock N Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2017.
This book came out in 2024, so Golland has a chance to cover and explain in great detail the recent "firing" of Smith and Valory and what actually happened behind the scenes. The corporate maneuvering is not pretty, everyone in the band does not come out looking great. And I'm not just referring to the legendary pettiness of Steve Perry which has been widely documented elsewhere.
The only negative aspect was the author trying to interject race into the narrative, as if he was finishing a term paper and had to throw that in at the last minute. I enjoy Journey and AOR in general, but listening to Journey doesn't make a grand statement about race relations or society. Trying to cram that into the book is both heavy handed and unnecessary.
Besides that minor quirk, this book is chock full of anecdotes and information about my favorite band, Definitely worth a read for any hardcore Journey fan.
This book spends many chapters covering the pre -Steve Perry era 1973 - 1977 which was a nice surprise as that portion of Journey's history does not get enough attention. The author interviewed and spent entire chapters discussing Aynsley Dunbar, Gregg Rolie, Steve Smith, Ross Valory as well as Schon and Cain. The research and detail are fantastic. He covers every version of the band, including George Tinker and Robert Fleishman who are important to the pre Perry era. Steve Augeri and Arnel Pineda get some attention as well, discussing how they were discovered and, in Augeri's case, why they left the band. Notable concerts and tours are analyzed, as is the legendary Rock N Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2017.
This book came out in 2024, so Golland has a chance to cover and explain in great detail the recent "firing" of Smith and Valory and what actually happened behind the scenes. The corporate maneuvering is not pretty, everyone in the band does not come out looking great. And I'm not just referring to the legendary pettiness of Steve Perry which has been widely documented elsewhere.
The only negative aspect was the author trying to interject race into the narrative, as if he was finishing a term paper and had to throw that in at the last minute. I enjoy Journey and AOR in general, but listening to Journey doesn't make a grand statement about race relations or society. Trying to cram that into the book is both heavy handed and unnecessary.
Besides that minor quirk, this book is chock full of anecdotes and information about my favorite band, Definitely worth a read for any hardcore Journey fan.
January 14, 2026
An interesting book, the author a long time fan, has also run a fan site detailing anything and everything Journey. I am not really a big fan of the group but much like everyone else find it impossible to not hum or sing along with some of their hits. I think the most interesting part of the book is the backstory of the industry behind popular music and all the ups and downs of the group. Thoroughly researched it really covers everything, I think a bit too much so for the general reader but probably great for the Journey fans. Free ebook from the library.
April 30, 2024
At times repetitive, at times informational, and times entertaining, and at times down right boring, I had a hard time rating this book. Likely more of a 2.5, I rounded up to a 3. I really enjoyed the last fourth of this book and found the first 3/4s often redundant while it skipped around from telling the story of the whole group to focusing on on person, then back to the whole group again. My biggest complaint, that has nothing to do with the overall story and is merely a personal annoyance, is the over-use of the word "zeitgeist."
April 17, 2024
Too much time spent on a skimpy racial thesis, and it would appear the author hasn't listened to any music not performed by a member of the band. Good insight into the legalities though.
June 19, 2024
Journey was once my favorite group, and my introduction to the world of rock before MTV erupted on the music scene. It's actually coincidental that one of Journey's biggest and best albums, in my opinion, occurred in practically the same time frame. So, I was eager to get my hands on Livin' Just to Find Emotion by David Hamilton Golland. This book covers all the territory from the start of the band to their most recent fallout.
A few months ago, I read another Journey book, which makes it interesting to compare. I found this book easier to read in that it's set up more like a story or biography and not just a chronicle of the band. Both books gave me some interesting insights into the band, the origins, and what it meant to be part of Journey. I did prefer this one because of the way it's written although there are a few issues I have with the book that gave me pause.
The issues I'm speaking of were the comparisons to Motown in the book. Obviously, Motown influenced a staggering number of musicians and their music. It's accurate to say that lead singer Steve Perry considered Sam Cooke an influence on his singing, but I don't feel that Journey has its roots in Motown--it has roots in an endless amount of musical genres. The book brings up a divide between music beloved by the black and white communities, which I found to be an interesting angle but doesn't feel like it has a basis in reality with this band's music. Can't people just like whatever music they like? Does music really separate people as much as the underlying message of this book suggests?
Also, the assumptions that Steve Perry may be bisexual seemed completely unfound. Just because he became friends with Patty Jenkins and consulted on her movie, Monster, and liked the movie? If you remember, the movie was about female serial killer Aileen Wuornos who was involved with both men and women. Charlize Theron played the part and won an Oscar for her portrayal. She even thanked Steve Perry! Or just because he had long hair and wore some frilly shirts in the 1970s? I found this to be a stretch.
Otherwise, I thought this was a well-written, appealing book, which I enjoyed except for those blips mentioned in the last few paragraphs. Whereas the last book I read confused me about the tangled web of lawsuits infiltrating the band, this cleared up all the reasons and logistics of them, which I really appreciated it.
Thank you, Rowman & Littlefield | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
A few months ago, I read another Journey book, which makes it interesting to compare. I found this book easier to read in that it's set up more like a story or biography and not just a chronicle of the band. Both books gave me some interesting insights into the band, the origins, and what it meant to be part of Journey. I did prefer this one because of the way it's written although there are a few issues I have with the book that gave me pause.
The issues I'm speaking of were the comparisons to Motown in the book. Obviously, Motown influenced a staggering number of musicians and their music. It's accurate to say that lead singer Steve Perry considered Sam Cooke an influence on his singing, but I don't feel that Journey has its roots in Motown--it has roots in an endless amount of musical genres. The book brings up a divide between music beloved by the black and white communities, which I found to be an interesting angle but doesn't feel like it has a basis in reality with this band's music. Can't people just like whatever music they like? Does music really separate people as much as the underlying message of this book suggests?
Also, the assumptions that Steve Perry may be bisexual seemed completely unfound. Just because he became friends with Patty Jenkins and consulted on her movie, Monster, and liked the movie? If you remember, the movie was about female serial killer Aileen Wuornos who was involved with both men and women. Charlize Theron played the part and won an Oscar for her portrayal. She even thanked Steve Perry! Or just because he had long hair and wore some frilly shirts in the 1970s? I found this to be a stretch.
Otherwise, I thought this was a well-written, appealing book, which I enjoyed except for those blips mentioned in the last few paragraphs. Whereas the last book I read confused me about the tangled web of lawsuits infiltrating the band, this cleared up all the reasons and logistics of them, which I really appreciated it.
Thank you, Rowman & Littlefield | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
August 19, 2024
I believe that the era in which I lived as a young adult was slightly askew from the majority of Journey Fans/Steve Perry fans, but was willing to dive into learning more about the group by supplementing the book with You Tube clips and Spotify.
I have worked in the past on a common project with Dr. Golland when he and his family lived in the Chicago metro area. This past summer he returned to the area to promote the book, and I enjoyed seeing he, his spouse and daughter.
It was probably predictable that I found Steve Perry the most intriguing group member chiefly due to his decision to step down from the group. It sounded like that decision was made because the sudden success did not suit him in some way or fashion or in some way may have done him some harm. There appeared to be other factors that may or may have led to his departure from Journey such as vocal concerns and ultimately an accident which required orthopedic surgery somewhat later.
I found the legalities involved in popular music contracts interesting.
Mr. Perry has a great personality as may be found in You Tube interviews.
I do not agree with the possibility of Mr. Perry perhaps being bisexual but do find the connect between Mr. Perry's vocal stylings and Black pop music interesting.
Note: I read the book on a Nook e-reader. The index may be found on Dr. Golland's professional webpage.
Enjoyed the book.
I have worked in the past on a common project with Dr. Golland when he and his family lived in the Chicago metro area. This past summer he returned to the area to promote the book, and I enjoyed seeing he, his spouse and daughter.
It was probably predictable that I found Steve Perry the most intriguing group member chiefly due to his decision to step down from the group. It sounded like that decision was made because the sudden success did not suit him in some way or fashion or in some way may have done him some harm. There appeared to be other factors that may or may have led to his departure from Journey such as vocal concerns and ultimately an accident which required orthopedic surgery somewhat later.
I found the legalities involved in popular music contracts interesting.
Mr. Perry has a great personality as may be found in You Tube interviews.
I do not agree with the possibility of Mr. Perry perhaps being bisexual but do find the connect between Mr. Perry's vocal stylings and Black pop music interesting.
Note: I read the book on a Nook e-reader. The index may be found on Dr. Golland's professional webpage.
Enjoyed the book.
November 10, 2024
I am a Journey fan. They are not my favorite band, but "Don't Stop Believin'" is my favorite pop/rock song of all time, and has been since I first heard it over 40 years ago. "Livin' Just to Find Emotion" is a good book. I thought I knew a lot about the story of Journey going in, but my understanding of the dynamics of the band only scratched the surface of whole story.
Many of the verbal descriptions of all of the songs on the many albums were tedious, and at times the book read like a melodrama, with teasers of upcoming plot twists throughout. But, it was very well researched, the characters were well developed and story of the band and its members was compelling. I learned a whole lot, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I was up last night until 2:00 in the morning finishing the book, something I haven't done in decades.
Many of the verbal descriptions of all of the songs on the many albums were tedious, and at times the book read like a melodrama, with teasers of upcoming plot twists throughout. But, it was very well researched, the characters were well developed and story of the band and its members was compelling. I learned a whole lot, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I was up last night until 2:00 in the morning finishing the book, something I haven't done in decades.
November 25, 2024
What I expected from a book about Journey: A solid story about how a group of musicians came together to make fun rock jams and heartfelt ballads that have endured for decades and will continue to endure for decades in the future.
What I got: The above, but also an examination of how fame can be a double edged sword and how Rock music went from a style of music that appeals to all kinds of people to a style of music largely appealing to Red State White People.
It’s definitely well researched and David Hamilton Golland is clearly a die hard fan of all eras of Journey, from their early days as a Prog band to the insane success in the 80s with Steve Perry all the way to the era of replacement singers helping to keep the band active, so all in all, it’s a nice read.
What I got: The above, but also an examination of how fame can be a double edged sword and how Rock music went from a style of music that appeals to all kinds of people to a style of music largely appealing to Red State White People.
It’s definitely well researched and David Hamilton Golland is clearly a die hard fan of all eras of Journey, from their early days as a Prog band to the insane success in the 80s with Steve Perry all the way to the era of replacement singers helping to keep the band active, so all in all, it’s a nice read.
February 11, 2024
If I had to select just one rock group in the entire history of rock music that was the least likely subject for a book-length racial analysis, it would be Journey. Steve Perry sounds like Sam Cooke? Uh, well, sort of, I guess. Journey sounds like Motown? I suppose in the sense that both made catchy popular music, but otherwise, no. Not at all. But I’m just starting this book — and I have to say, while the title is very awkward, maybe the book ends up making a convincing case. If it does, I’ll update my review.
February 8, 2024
This book looks at the role of race and how it relates to an iconic American rock band. Having an interest in the origin of this particular band I was eager to read this book. The author delves deeply into Journey’s history, and does a thorough analysis of their music. The authors analysis of how race played a role in this band’s history is sure to create considerable dialogue . But I believe that is the author’s intention. Whether you agree or disagree, this book has you thinking.
February 14, 2024
Awful ... The author takes the once-in-a-lifetime musical 0dyssey of Journey, sucks all the fun out of it and somehow makes it a story about politics and race ... The reality of Journey has nothing to do with race and nothing to do with "resegregation" whatever that means; the author has black and white viewpoints and theories and for some reason tries to shoehorn Journey into them - it's weird and makes the book unreadable ... Disappointing, Journey fans beware
September 2, 2024
A good read full of information that I (a Journey fan of 40+yrs) did not know.
However, the author states from the beginning that this book would have a Race slant. But the Race Issues seem very forced. Almost as if the author suddenly remembered that Race hadn’t been mentioned in a while and was supposed to be a focal point.
That alone took a star away from my review of an otherwise informative history of my favorite band.
However, the author states from the beginning that this book would have a Race slant. But the Race Issues seem very forced. Almost as if the author suddenly remembered that Race hadn’t been mentioned in a while and was supposed to be a focal point.
That alone took a star away from my review of an otherwise informative history of my favorite band.
November 5, 2024
This is a rare DNF for me. I tried, and then I skimmed, and finally I just gave in. It was too deep of a scholarly dive into Journey. I like the 80s music but it was just too much fine detail for me to slog through.
February 26, 2024
Usually books about rock bands are fun and entertaining. I found this book extremely boring and had a tough time reading it. Very disappointing.
June 29, 2024
This book was poorly written and poorly edited. There are interesting tidbits scattered throughout the book but for the most part it was filled with boring and pointless information.
October 20, 2024
So Journey is actually the definition of "corporate rock music." Didn't know I'd be learning so much about bands being business entities.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews