Wednesday, September 12, 2007

The Music of AMERICA


America is an English-American folk rock band, originally composed of members Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek. The three members were barely past their teenage years when they became an overnight musical sensation in 1972; they reached a peak in popularity in the early to mid 1970s and early 1980s. Among the band's best known songs are "A Horse with No Name", "Sister Golden Hair" (both of which reached Number 1), "Ventura Highway", and "Tin Man".

Although their music was frequently derided by critics, from a commercial standpoint the band's singles and albums were exceptionally successful. They were popular enough to attract the services of famed Beatles producer George Martin for a run of seven albums. The band survived the loss of one of its original members near the peak of its success only to see Beckley and Bunnell return the act to the top of charts as a duo with "You Can Do Magic" in 1982. Consistently touring for well over three decades, America still maintains a strong following and performs over 100 shows per year. On January 16, 2007, America released Here & Now, the band's first major label studio album in over twenty years.

Original members
* Gerry Beckley (born September 12, 1952 in Fort Worth, Texas) 1970-present: Lead and backing
vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass, harmonica, lap
steel guitars
* Dewey Bunnell (born January 19, 1951 in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England) 1970-present: Lead and backing vocals, guitars
* Dan Peek (born November 1, 1950 in Panama City, Florida) 1970-1977: Lead and backing vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, harmonica

Listen to their songs.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

america's songs are as timeless as ever.........their kind of songs are from the heart..........makes you nostalgic.........the best.

Anonymous said...

Yep. yes it is. I really like them since i was a child. Makes you feel loved...

Hey Anonymous, where are you from???

Anonymous said...

i went to philly in the early 80's to see them in concert thinking it would be one of those la de da moments. boy was i wrong. these guys rock! one of my all time favorites. now if they would only settle their differences and collaborate with Dan...

Anonymous said...

Just saw them live in Annapolis MD. AWESOME - I graduated HS 1971.
See these guys if you can.