Remembering Charlie Kirk
Jonathan Kane first crossed paths with Charlie Kirk in 2016, just outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Kane recalls that Kirk, a young activist, held a sign proclaiming “Big Government Is No Good” and passionately declared, “We are going to change the world.”
Kane had a strong impression of Kirk, saying, “I told Paula, ‘He might be president one day.’ He had a certain drive and wisdom that felt timeless. People would talk about him for generations.” And that drive led Kirk to create the youth movement at Turning Point USA, which has empowered conservative college students nationwide and played a crucial role in President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election effort.
His persuasive arguments have resonated with many Gen Z individuals, igniting a renewed interest in faith and conservative values. Following the tragic murders on September 10, Kirk’s efforts reinvigorated many conservative campuses.
“There’s No One Else.”
Kane, a seasoned musician and Journey’s keyboardist for over 45 years, met Kirk through his wife, Paula White-Cain, who has served as a spiritual advisor to Trump. Reflecting on Kirk’s death, Kane expressed that it felt like a significant blow to free speech and a mockery of his impactful work. In tribute, Kane decided to write a song honoring the pastor’s legacy.
“Not many pastors matched his ability to revitalize the church and lift family values,” Kane added, prompting the creation of a new single titled “No One Else,” dedicated to Kirk’s memory and influence.
No one else has crossed generations.
Heal with truth and conversation
Put all the differences aside
There was no one else who could suspect hatred.
Move hearts with real debate
Our country is born from battle
Well done, my faithful servant.
There’s no one else.
Like several other songs in his long career, this one came to him quickly. “I went into the studio and, within 30 minutes, had laid out everything I wanted to express,” he remarked.
Reactions of Faith
However, the response to the song, much like the public’s reaction to Kirk’s death, revealed some ugly sides of online discourse. Kane recalled, “The comments were really jarring. People accused me of trying to profit from this. But honestly, there’s hardly any money in music these days.”
Despite being an industry veteran, Kane was astonished that Rolling Stone showed no interest in a feature about the song. “They didn’t want to interview me. The song was all about Charlie,” he lamented.
As individuals of deep faith, Kane and his wife have often interacted with Kirk over the years due to her connection to Trump. He consistently admired Kirk’s ability to resonate with young followers, as he conveyed conservative Christian values.
Once again, Kane found himself saying, “He could have been president one day.” He integrated Kirk’s enduring drive and wisdom into his memories, believing that he would remain a figure of significance for many years to come.
“He Saved You for Music.”
Kane credits his father, a devoted man of prayer, for instilling faith in him at a young age. However, an incident in 1958—a devastating school fire in Chicago that took the lives of 93 children—shook his faith. “How could such evil exist?” he pondered back then.
His father guided him back to faith, taking him to a music school, urging him to share his gifts. “He saved you for music,” his father said. Initially struggling to hold a guitar, young Kane eventually found that music flowed naturally when he played as encouraged.
The idea of Jesus, he reflects, continued to flourish within him.
A Musical Journey
The ensuing years became a significant chapter in musical history. Kane released his first solo record in 1976 and later joined the band the Babys before stepping into his role with Journey in 1980. His contributions to the band, especially in songwriting and arranging, helped propel them to iconic status.
He played an essential role in crafting Journey’s highly celebrated anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” inspired by his father’s life lessons. Now at 75, while preparing for Journey’s anticipated 2026 tour, he’s also aware of the need to step back when the time is right. “I don’t want to die on stage. I’ve worked in this field for 50 years. I think it’s time to get off the train,” he mentioned candidly.
Kane acknowledged that not all was harmonious among bandmates, mentioning that their relationships can be complicated. “It’s sad, but that’s usually how it goes with bands,” he reflected, highlighting the fractious history even among famous pairs like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Still, Kane remains thankful for his bandmates and especially the fans. “They’ve been a huge asset to my career. I’m grateful to them and want to stay on the right path. By the end of this tour, I’ll be nearing 78; that seems like enough,” he concluded.
