The band America emerged during the first half of the 1970s, a period characterized by introspective songwriting and close-harmony singing. Their debut with “A Horse with No Name,” a song reminiscent of Neil Young’s style, soared to number one in the U.S. and achieved global success. Hits like “I Need You” and “Ventura Highway” contributed to their Grammy win for Best New Artist in 1972. Throughout the mid-’70s, America continued to dominate the charts with Top Ten singles and albums, including favorites like “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Their success extended into 1982 with the release of “You Can Do Magic.”
The trio of vocalists/guitarists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley formed America in the late ’60s during their high school years in the U.K. After establishing themselves as an acoustic folk-rock trio, they signed with Warner Bros in 1970, embarking on a journey that saw them rise to fame with hits like “A Horse with No Name” and “Ventura Highway.” The group’s self-titled debut album and subsequent records solidified their place in the music industry, leading to accolades such as the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972. Their sound evolved but remained distinctive, with albums like “Homecoming,” “Hat Trick,” and “Holiday” defining their legacy.
Despite a decline in the late ’70s, America bounced back in 1982 with the chart-topping single “You Can Do Magic.” The departure of Dan Peek in pursuit of a solo career marked a transition for the band, which continued as a duo releasing albums like “Silent Letter.” Their enduring popularity was evident with hits like “The Border” in 1983. America’s journey continued with successful tours into the ’90s, followed by releases like “Human Nature” in 1998 and a series of live albums in the new millennium. Collaborations with renowned producers and musicians rejuvenated their sound, resulting in albums like “Here & Now” in 2007 and “Back Pages” in 2011. The passing of band members like Dan Peek and Willie Leacox added chapters to America’s storied history, yet Beckley and Bunnell carried on, commemorating their 50th anniversary in 2019 with a tour and compilation album, celebrating the enduring legacy of America.