Former Journey frontman Steve Perry has released a touching music video featuring a virtual duet with his late father Ray Perry, performing "Call Me Irresponsible" as part of his expanded holiday album "The Season 3."
The poignant collaboration came to life after Perry discovered a 1993 Christmas karaoke cassette recording of his father singing. Through modern technology, engineers were able to isolate Ray Perry's vocals from the original tape and create new musical accompaniment, allowing father and son to sing together decades later.
"Singing with my father after all these years was a very emotional experience," Perry shared. "His voice was just as I remembered it as a child." The duet holds special meaning for Perry, who had limited contact with his father following his parents' divorce when he was seven years old.
The video release accompanies Perry's latest alternative rock Christmas album "The Season 3," which launched November 8 through Dark Horse Records. The collection features six newly recorded holiday songs, including classics like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Let It Snow."
Recorded primarily at Perry's home studio, the album was co-produced by Perry himself alongside engineer Thom Flowers. The project brought together acclaimed musicians including drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and multi-instrumentalist Dallas Kruse.
For Perry, who ranks among Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, the duet represents more than just a musical collaboration. The song's ending, which captures his father saying "Merry Christmas, God Love Ya," brought tears to Perry's eyes upon rediscovery, offering a chance for healing and connection across time.
"The Season 3" builds upon Perry's 2021 holiday album "The Season," showcasing his masterful interpretation of traditional Christmas music while adding this deeply personal father-son moment to his impressive musical legacy.
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