![]() ![]() Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. Their best-known tunes, which also include "I Need You," "Ventura Highway," "Don't Cross The River," "Tin Man," "Lonely People," and "Sister Golden Hair" were cornerstones of 1970's Top 40 and FM rock radio. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.Īmerica's journey has found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate, the late Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song "A Horse With No Name." America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Thousand Oaks Blvd.When America, the perennial classic-rock favorite, hit the road in 2023, they’ll celebrate their 53th Anniversary with their powerful performances. 8 at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. ![]() Tickets to America’s show at The Coach House are $75 and can be purchased at The group also is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. “You can never replace that feeling when we did break through.” “There are a lot of great memories but I can still visualize those early, early years when we were just three guys sitting on stools with cheap guitars trying to get some traction,” said Bunnell. Today, Bunnell and Beckley continue to tour and Bunnell said they are having the time of their lives continuing on the success that made America a household name. Over the years, America earned numerous gold and platinum albums, as well as a Grammy award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He ultimately produced seven projects for us and he brought all of his experience to the table. “When we sat down with him to see if he would consider producing us, he agreed and liked what we were doing. “We loved George Martin and were in awe of him and his body of work, which is unequaled in popular music,” said Bunnell. From 1974 to 1979, Martin produced several albums for the trio, which Bunnell said took the band’s sound to a whole new level. “A great set of lyrics and a great melody is the core of any great song but layer on vocal harmonies and it just really sparkles.”Īdding to America’s sparkle was having Beatles producer George Martin at the helm of many of their hits. “Harmony singing is a very magical thing,” said Bunnell. ![]() The young men seemed to have all the right stuff in that regard. According to Bunnell, that set them apart from other aspiring acts of their day. No complaints on our end.”īunnell said when America was starting out, it set it sights on being a vocal harmony band like the Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and the Everly Brothers. The band is as good as it’s ever been and audiences are great. “It’s been a wonderful career and we’re still really happy to be performing live. “We’re in our 48th year and it’s a marvel that we’ve been here this long,” said Bunnell, 66. 9 and 10 they will bring their beloved and timeless music to the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. ![]() The group’s breakout hit, "A Horse With No Name,” was followed by chart-toppers including, “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Tin Man” and “Lonely People,” to name a few.Īll these years later, Bunnell and Beckley continue to tour extensively and at 8 p.m. In 1971, the guys were signed by Warner Bros records and were well on their way to achieving everything they ever dreamed of. They decided to form the band America and honed their skills playing at nightclubs in London’s Chalk Farm district. Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek (now deceased) met in London while their fathers were stationed at South Ruislip Air Station. Just about the time the Beatles were disbanding in 1970, three young American musicians were hoping to become rocks superstars just like the Fab Four. ![]()
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