"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey is a classic rock song that has left an indelible mark on popular culture since its release in 1981. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic track:
Origin of the Title: The song's title, "Don't Stop Believin'," was inspired by an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, which featured a story about a high school baseball team from South Detroit. The phrase resonated with the band and became the song's chorus.
Prolific Songwriter: Jonathan Cain, the band's keyboardist and co-writer of the song, came up with the famous keyboard riff while experimenting on a piano. He presented the riff to the band, and it became the foundation of the song.
Last Track Recorded: "Don't Stop Believin'" was the last song recorded for Journey's "Escape" album, and it almost didn't make it onto the album. The band had already completed the rest of the album when they decided to include this track.
Chart Success: The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
TV and Film Appearances: "Don't Stop Believin'" has been prominently featured in various movies and TV shows, including the final episode of "The Sopranos" and the pilot episode of "Glee." These appearances revitalized interest in the song for new generations.
Cultural Icon: The song has become an anthem for perseverance and hope. Its chorus, "Don't stop believin', hold on to that feelin'," has resonated with countless listeners, making it a symbol of optimism.
Repeated Fades: The song is known for its multiple fade-out endings. It fades out three times, which is quite unusual for a rock song. This was a creative choice by the band to give the impression that the song could go on forever.
Record-Breaking Streaming: In the digital era, "Don't Stop Believin'" became the first song from the 20th century to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Neil Diamond, Miley Cyrus, and the cast of the TV series "Glee." Each cover version has added a unique spin to the classic track.
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Don't Stop Believin'" features the band performing in an empty theater. It's a simple yet effective video that complements the song's message of perseverance.
"Don't Stop Believin'" has firmly cemented its place in music history as one of the most beloved and enduring rock anthems of all time.