Jonathan Cain — longtime keyboardist, songwriter and member of Journey — has released a new solo single titled “No One Else”, which he says is written in tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Cain previewed the track on his Instagram and premiered the full piece during an appearance on the Christian podcast The Strang Report.
Cain described the song as an “appreciation” for what he sees as the calling on Kirk’s life: a mix of faith, activism and conviction. In interviews and on the podcast Cain framed the tribute in explicitly religious terms, saying he admired Kirk’s “righteousness, truth and the gospel,” and comparing the late activist’s impact on young people and campuses to a revival-like influence. He told listeners the title reflects the sentiment of many of Kirk’s supporters — that there was “no one else” like him.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a high-profile conservative voice on college campuses and in media, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death prompted widespread reaction across the political and cultural landscape — tributes from some entertainers and conservative leaders, and criticism from others given Kirk’s polarizing public profile. Cain’s tribute joins a growing number of musical and public acknowledgments following Kirk’s assassination.
Cain’s post and his podcast premiere generated attention across music and political media outlets. Some fellow musicians have also paid their own respects in recent weeks — for example, Sammy Hagar performed a somber, modified rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Are the Good Times Really Over” as a public tribute — underscoring how Kirk’s death has been commemorated in varied ways. Coverage of Cain’s single has both praised his earnestness and noted the political content of the tribute, which places the song at the intersection of faith, rock legacy and contemporary political debate.
Cain has an established solo career alongside his role in Journey, and his recent work increasingly blends worship and faith-based themes with mainstream rock. His public honoring of Kirk aligns with that pattern: a faith-forward statement delivered through a pop/rock songwriter’s voice. Industry pieces have also mentioned the broader Journey story — tensions and reconciliations among members — but this single is squarely a Jonathan Cain solo project and a personal expression rather than a band release.
