By the time he reached his mid-30’s, Jeff Scott Soto had already spent twenty years splitting his time between recording studios and concert stages around the world. From heavy metal and funk to AOR and pop, Jeff has done it all.
Born November 4, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, Jeff Scott Soto relocated to the San Fernando Valley in California at the age of eight. During his formative years, while his friends were drawn to the likes of Kiss, Jeff’s musical tastes leaned more toward bands like Queen, Journey and Motown artists like the Jackson 5. Following graduation from high school in 1983, Jeff and his older brother Joey formed a series of dead-end metal bands.
In late 1984, Soto answered an open call for audition tapes by former Alcatrazz guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen. Jeff’s major label debut on ‘Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force’ was released on Polydor that year. In 1985, Jeff returned to the recording studio to record Malmsteen’s ‘Marching Out’. The band began kicked off a tour in Japan, creating quite a stir; a Tokyo concert was filmed and later released on video as ‘Chasing Yngwie: Live in Tokyo, ‘85’.
After leaving Yngwie’s band, Jeff recorded demos with ex-Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent and later resurfaced with Japanese guitarist Kuni Takeuchi on 1988’s ‘Lookin’ for Action’. Jeff also recorded vocals, albeit under an alias, for ‘Kryst the Conqueror’, a project spearheaded by members of punk legends The Misfits.
In 1990 Jeff Scott Soto collaborated with former Rising Force band mate, bassist Marcel Jacob, in a distinctly European metal band called Talisman. He also appeared with hard-rocking California party band Eyes. Neither band toured extensively; Jeff found time to record 1991’s ‘Skrapp Mettle’ album, wisely appearing under an assumed name.
1992 brought Jeff together with German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell for ‘Eternal Prisoner’, the first of four studio albums he would record with Pell. Throughout the Nineties, Soto split his time between Axel Rudi Pell, Talisman, the short-lived Eyes and Takara. 1993 saw the release of four albums to feature Jeff’s vocal work: Talisman’s sophomore release ‘Genesis’, the Eyes demo album ‘Windows of the Soul’, the soundtrack to the cartoon film ‘Biker Mice from Mars’ and ‘Eternal Faith’ by Takara. Jeff went on to write and record two more albums with Takara, 1995’s ‘Taste of Heaven’ and 1998’s ‘Blind in Paradise’.
1994 was a banner year. Talisman released ‘Five Out of Five Live’, recorded on their successful debut Japanese tour. While they busied themselves writing the next studio album, ‘Humanimal’, Jeff recorded ‘Between the Walls’ with Axel Rudi Pell, and paired up with Takara’s Gary Schutt, contributing lead vocals to Schutt’s ‘Sentimetal’ solo disc.
1995 brought Soto’s first solo endeavor, ‘Love Parade’. It was a funky affair, with affectionate nods to influences Prince and Queen. Following the release of Talisman’s ‘Life’ that year, Marcel and Jeff recorded the first of two albums as Human Clay. Former taskmaster Yngwie Malmsteen appeared on the album, repaying Jacob and Soto’s contributions on Malmsteen’s own ‘Inspiration’ album. Rounding out 1996, Jeff recorded a third studio album with Axel Rudi Pell, ‘Black Moon Pyramid’. Two Talisman best-of compilations also appeared that year, ‘Besterious’ and ‘Best of Talisman’.
While Jeff could be heard on the raw ‘U4IA’ album by Human Clay and his final Pell album, 1997’s ‘Magic’, he could also be heard singing “Grease” and “YMCA” on the Boogie Knights album ‘Welcome to the Jungle Boogie’. The band was the premier party band of its kind, appearing in movies, on TV and at special events nationwide. The grueling pace of his Boogie Knights schedule didn’t keep Jeff from completing 1998’s ‘Truth’ album with the revamped Talisman. ‘Truth’ featured some of Jeff’s most impressive vocal work, as well as innovative arrangements of songs by Queen, Prince and Madonna.
Most of 1999 and 2000 was spent doing odd sessions here and there. Jeff recorded contributions for tributes to both Van Halen and Ozzy, laid down lead vocals for the film ‘Rock Star’ and recorded a series of demos with Zakk Wylde. Perhaps most interesting was an invitation to perform with Queen’s Brian May at the annual Queen convention in the UK. Jeff has since furthered his reputation among Queen fans with a series of appearances with the SAS Band (Spike’s All Stars), Queen sideman Spike Edney’s band.
In early 2002 Jeff, Marcel and guitarist Pontus Norgren convened under the banner of Humanimal to record a single self-titled album. Later that same year, Jeff shared the stage with Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor at an October event celebrating Queen’s induction to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jeff also made his UK debut as a headliner at the 2002 Gods festival, an acclaimed performance later released on CD and DVD.
2003 was all about Jeff Scott Soto the solo artist. First came the release of Jeff’s second solo album, ‘Prism’, featuring a who’s who of musicians from Jeff’s career and a duet with the great Glenn Hughes. Then upon the release of ‘Cats & Dogs’, a reunited Talisman undertook a short tour in the late summer, at the tail end of Soto’s successful European solo tour. Highlighting Jeff’s solo tour was an encore performance at the 2003 UK Queen Convention, issued on CD and DVD to the delight of Soto’s growing fan base.
Soto began 2004 with the writing and recording of his third solo album, titled ‘Lost in the Translation’. In addition, a performance at the January, 2004 NAMM show with Journey guitarist Neal Schon blossomed into a new project called Soul SirkUS. Jeff released ‘Lost in the Translation’ – which also featured Soul SirkUS band mate Neal Schon - to widespread acclaim, and effectively brought 2004 to a close with a return to stages in the United States, Europe and South America in support of the album. He also extended his reach around the globe with a two-week solo tour of Australia.
Soul SirkUS became Jeff’s focus for much of 2005. Following the release of the band’s debut CD ‘World Play’, Soul SirkUS spent all of April and May on tour, criss-crossing the United States and Europe. Soto returned to Europe and South America for a solo tour in the Fall of 2005, before returning home to begin work on what would be his fourth solo album.
The early months of 2006 were spent writing music in an altogether new direction, as Jeff collaborated with several notable Swedish songsmiths. At the same time, Jeff squeezed in enough time to record vocals for a somewhat unexpected Talisman album, the appropriately titled ‘7’. Thanks to a promotional push in the UK spearheaded by Richard Mace, Soto’s music garnered valuable airplay on the BBC radio network. In May of 2006, Soto parlayed his surge in popularity into ‘Essential Ballads’, a compilation of album cuts, b-sides and rarities that acted as a perfect calling card for the uninitiated. In July 2006, having just kicked off a major co-headlining tour of North America with Def Leppard, Journey suddenly found itself without a lead singer. Within the week, and without the benefit of a rehearsal, Jeff Scott Soto found himself face to face with 20,000 screaming Journey fans. By the time the tour buses rolled to a halt at the tail end of November, due to overwhelming demand the tour had been extended a full three months beyond its original August ending date. In December of 2006 came the official announcement of Jeff Scott Soto as the lead singer for Journey.
June 2007 brought the disappointing news of Jeff Scott Soto’s departure from Journey. This turn of events precluded any opportunity for Journey and JSS to collaborate in the studio and capitalize on the enormous potential of their union, a sentiment echoed on countless forums and fan sites across the internet. Jeff wasted no time, however; he dedicated the remainder of 2007 to completing his next solo album, begun prior to joining Journey. ‘A Beautiful Mess’, initially released via iTunes in September 2008, proved to be some of the most forward-thinking songs of Soto’s career, making it apparent that Jeff had reached the next stage in his evolution as an artist.
Jeff Scott Soto, or JSS as he is affectionately referred to by his fans, continues to stir the numerous irons he has in the fire at any given moment. News of Jeff’s latest and greatest endeavors will be forthcoming, as always, when they are ready to share with the world.
It’s an exciting time to be a fan of the music of Jeff Scott Soto. And in case you hadn’t noticed, Jeff’s made a lot of music to be a fan of. This biography is only the tip of the iceberg. So for the completists out there, print off a copy of Jeff’s discography, and happy hunting!
W.E.T.
Alongside members of Work Of Art and Eclipse, Soto founded W.E.T. The group, named after the initials of the band involved, Soto's representing Talisman, released a self-titled debut album in November 2009. In 2013, they released their second album Rise Up, and their third studio album Earthrage followed in 2018. They began recording a new album in 2020.
Sons of Apollo
In May 2017, he joined a progressive metal supergroup named Sons of Apollo with Derek Sherinian, bassist Billy Sheehan, drummer Mike Portnoy and guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. Their debut album, Psychotic Symphony, was released Oct 20, 2017 with Inside Out/Sony. After releasing a live album in 2019, Sons of Apollo released their second album MMXX in January 2020.
Octavision
In 2020, alongside his Sons Of Apollo co-bandmate Billy Sheehan, Soto was invited by a Glendale, California based Armenian guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan to participate in his progressive metal project Octavision. There, Soto performed vocal duties on two tracks - "Coexist" and "Apocalyptus". The album titled Coexist was released on 29th December 2020.
Solo albums
* 1994 - Love Parade
* 2002 - Holding On (EP)
* 2002 - Prism
* 2003 - JSS Live at the Gods (live)
* 2004 - Believe in Me (EP)
* 2004 - Lost In The Translation
* 2006 - Essential Ballads
* 2009 - Beautiful Mess
* 2012 - Damage Control
* 2017 - Retribution
* 2020 - Wide Awake (In My Dreamland)
* 2021 - The Duets Collection, Vol. 1
* 2022 - Complicated
People
Jeff Scott Soto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's talk about all the silly games people play
On a blood strained mirror, we try 2 c thru all the insecurities
Yes, I'm talkin' 'bout morality, I'm talkin' 'bout sex
& all the fucked up things we just can't relate 2
I'm talkin' 'bout the things u sweared u never, ever, no, u'd never...
Tell me, tell me
Tell me, tell me
Tell me what the hel u think the world has got in the store 4 u
It's all about people - Take a look around
It's all about people - Searchin' 2 b found
Someday we're gonna live 2 gether - All 4 1
I'm talkin' 'bout people - Make no nevermind
I say: Brother - Can u spare a dime?
Hand in hand we're gonna brave the weather - All 4 1
I'm here 2 talk about justice, anarchy
A badge doesn't give you the right 2 take ours
& that's y nobody ever, ever wins (never wins)
I'm talkin' 'bout prejudice, hatred (don't wanna)
& let's not forget racism (don't wanna hear about it)
I'm talkin' bout the people with the cloud in their head
Someday the rain is gonna wash the violence dead
Tell me, tell me
Tell me what the hell u're thinkin' that it's all about
I think it's about time u figured out, baby
It's all about people - Take a look around
It's all about people - Searchin' 2 b found
Someday we're gonna live 2gether - All 4 1
I'm talkin' 'bout people - Make no nevermind
I say: Brother - Can u spare a dime?
Hand in hand we're gonna brave the weather - All 4 1
It's all about people - Take a look around
It's all about people - Searchin' 2 b found
Someday we're gonna live 2gether - All 4 1
I'm talkin' 'bout people - Make no nevermind
I say: Brother - Can u spare a dime?
Hand in hand we're gonna brave the weather - All 4 1
The song "People" by Jeff Scott Soto explores the themes of pleasure, pain, morality, sex, prejudice, anarchy, and racism. The lyrics describe how people play silly games and struggle with their insecurities, and how they are pitted against each other in an endless cycle of conflict and violence. Soto talks about the need for justice and equality, and how the rain of change will one day wash away the clouds of prejudice and hatred. Ultimately, the song celebrates the idea of solidarity and unity, as people come together to brave the weather and live as one.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as Soto talks about the dichotomy of pleasure and pain, and how people are driven by their desires and fears. He also touches upon the issue of morality and how people often fail to live up to their ideals of right and wrong. The second verse delves deeper into the darker side of human nature, touching upon issues like prejudice, racism, and anarchy. Soto suggests that a badge does not give anyone the right to take away someone else's rights and freedoms.
The chorus of the song speaks to the message of unity and solidarity that pervades the entire lyrics. Soto emphasizes the importance of coming together as one, and discarding petty differences and prejudices that divide people. The final verse of the song serves as a call to action, urging people to wake up and realize that they are all in this together. The song ends on an optimistic note, with Soto singing about how people will overcome their differences and live as one.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's talk about pleasure & pain
Discussing the complexities of life and human experience.
Let's talk about all the silly games people play
Examining the ways in which humans interact with each other and potentially harm one another.
On a blood strained mirror, we try 2 c thru all the insecurities
Reflecting on one's own vulnerabilities and the challenges of navigating personal insecurities.
Yes, I'm talkin' 'bout morality, I'm talkin' 'bout sex
Exploring the intricate connections between personal morality and sexuality.
& all the fucked up things we just can't relate 2
Acknowledging the existence of experiences that are difficult to comprehend or relate to.
I'm talkin' 'bout the things u sweared u never, ever, no, u'd never...
Addressing the taboo or uncomfortable topics that people often try to avoid.
Tell me, tell me
Inviting open and honest communication.
Tell me what the hell u think we been fightin' 4
Questioning the underlying motivations and goals behind personal struggles and conflicts.
Tell me, tell me
Continuing to ask for honest and open communication.
Tell me what the hell u think the world has got in the store 4 u
Challenging individuals to consider their place in a larger societal context
It's all about people - Take a look around
Recognizing the importance of human relationships and interactions.
It's all about people - Searchin' 2 b found
Emphasizing the human desire for connection and belonging.
Someday we're gonna live 2 gether - All 4 1
Holding out hope for a more unified human experience.
I'm talkin' 'bout people - Make no nevermind
Continuing to prioritize the importance of understanding people's experiences and perspectives.
I say: Brother - Can u spare a dime?
Demonstrating empathy and understanding for those who may be struggling.
Hand in hand we're gonna brave the weather - All 4 1
Striving for unity and collective resilience in the face of adversity.
I'm here 2 talk about justice, anarchy
Discussing issues of fairness, power dynamics, and societal structure.
A badge doesn't give you the right 2 take ours
Asserting the importance of individual rights and freedoms.
& that's y nobody ever, ever wins (never wins)
Highlighting the pitfalls of power struggles and conflicts.
I'm talkin' 'bout prejudice, hatred (don't wanna)
Confronting harmful biases and discriminatory attitudes.
& let's not forget racism (don't wanna hear about it)
Acknowledging the existence and impact of racial discrimination, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
I'm talkin' bout the people with the cloud in their head
Recognizing the ways in which individual experiences and perspectives can shape one's worldview.
Someday the rain is gonna wash the violence dead
Believing in the possibility of a brighter, more peaceful future.
Tell me what the hell u're thinkin' that it's all about
Encouraging individuals to examine and articulate their own values and beliefs.
I think it's about time u figured out, baby
Challenging individuals to take responsibility for their role in shaping the world around them.
Contributed by Charlie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@CavemanJesus4Life
Probably the only singer from the early 80's who's voice never faltered
@chrisslooter2825
Correct. No rock singer's voice last forever, but the are a few rare exceptions. Glenn Hughes and Jeff Scott Soto are the exceptions - thier voices actually get better?
@sweetsinnndy5201
JLT can still bring it
@Maritopensado
@@sweetsinnndy5201 Steven Tyler too
@shanerobinswpr7027
Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids still has it..
@vanessacetin
Let's not wait til they are dead to appreciate this great music of today 🔥🔥🔥🤟🤟🤟
@bbowman105
Soto knows how to write the most uplifting stuff. I'm always smiling after hearing a new tune from him.
@antoniomarciosouzaprates1648
The Great Singer ! Great musicians !
@alcidesveiga1019
Simply awesome!!!!! One of the greatest voices in this world, JSS🎤🎤🎤👋👋👋🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘
@jstraub78
Thank you, J.S.S.! There should be a requirement to play this kind of music on the U.S. Airwaves....God knows we could use some decent music on the radio these days....