Journey Member, Hit Songwriter, Patriot Jonathan Cain Releases America’s 250th Anniversary Anthem, 'The Winds of Freedom'
Legendary songwriter, Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and Journey band member Jonathan Cain releases 'The Winds of Freedom: A Salute to America' (July 3) at digital and streaming outlets across the nation from The Fuel Music. As a proud American patriot, this prolific songwriter crafted the song in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of this remarkable country.
While on the road with Journey, Cain left the tour on Memorial Day, traveling to Nashville’s Addiction Sound Studios to sing lead vocals on “The Winds of Freedom” with David Kalmusky at the mixing council’s helm before returning to meet his band the next day in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America’s Constitution.
“When the 200th anniversary happened, I was in my 20s,” shares Cain. “I remember it being impactful, kind of a big deal. What an incredible time to be alive for America’s 250th year. I'm 76-years-old and I get to experience this, and me being a patriot, I wanted to frame it musically with a praise song to God.”
Taking a cue from the book REVOLUTION: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World by American author, speaker and radio / television host Eric Metaxas, whom he credits for the song title, Cain says, “Our very Constitution was forged by pastors, their sons and the Church, which had a lot to do with our liberty. In the Capitol building, most of those big statues when you walk in are pastors, not politicians. They're pastors that preached sermons and fought for our freedom toting rifles.”
Setting out to write a powerful, grand song with a rock’n’roll kick enveloping how incredible it is that we are a free nation today was a labor of love for Cain. He first recorded a demo of the song ahead of a Journey concert backstage in Sioux Falls, SD this past spring. Playing the demo for a retired Marine handling security at the event who gave his exuberant approval of the track, Cain received the confirmation he needed to move forward to produce the song.
“I wanted to joyfully celebrate, in a musical way, just how incredible it is that we are a free nation. It’s a big story, 250 years of trials and tribulations that began with people sailing across the ocean on winds that carry us. The song covers how America became completely free.
“And it’s meant for such a time as this,” continues Cain. “At the end of the single, I sing, ‘The winds of Freedom still calling our name.’ It's up to us now to continue to fly the flag on the winds of freedom.”
In addition to this patriotic anthem, Cain released earlier this year his Only A Prayer Away EP, a musical response to faith in action. He is also on an extensive “Final Frontier Tour 2026” tour with Journey that is packing arenas nationwide.
A Chicago native, Cain has spent decades pouring out his musical gifts in front of huge audiences. During his next two tours with Journey that extend into 2027, Cain will share his heartfelt farewell to Journey fans before moving into full-time ministry alongside his wife, Paula. When not on tour, Cain can be found serving as a worship leader in his home church, City Of Destiny, in Apopka, FL where Paula is pastor.
