Band

America

Mapped through Folk rock influences; 21 albums in the Staimusic archive.

America
Biography

America: history and sound

America is an American rock band, formed in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. America is a country that has seen some of the greatest careers in music. Artist after artist continues to showcase their best work, and each one offers something unique that sets them apart from past performers. Some of these classically talented individuals have written some truly amazing songs and they remain timeless anthems that can be heard around the world! Listening to these tracks will never get old: they possess absolute musical firepower and lyrical depth, which are qualities people admire everywhere!
America: The Unsung Heroes of Soft Rock
When we talk about classic rock bands from the United States, it's easy to point to the usual suspects like The Eagles, Aerosmith, and Journey. However, there's another iconic band that often gets overlooked - America. Formed in 1970, this trio has amassed a loyal following thanks to their melodic harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and understated instrumentals. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at America's musical biography, best songs, and their unique contribution to the soft rock genre. We'll also delve into some of their most famous concerts and hear what the critics have to say.
It all started when high school buddies Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell met while attending an American school in London. The two hit it off musically and soon began writing songs together. They later met drummer Dan Peek, and the trio formed the band America. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1971, featured the hit singles A Horse with No Name and I Need You. These songs showcased America's mellow yet intricate sound, which drew inspiration from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Beatles. They quickly became part of the 1970s music scene.
Over the next few years, America continued to churn out hits, including Ventura Highway, Lonely People, and Sister Golden Hair. Their songs often dealt with themes of love, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. One of America's signature moves was their use of vocal harmonies that blended the three band members' voices seamlessly. They also employed acoustic guitars, mandolins, and other folksy instruments to create a sound that was distinctively their own. They were pioneers of the soft rock genre that blended elements of rock and folk and made it a pop sensation, unlike its previous cult status.
America's music was hugely popular in the United States, and they had a massive following in other parts of the world, especially the UK. They sold millions of records, and their popularity continued well into the 1980s and beyond. Despite numerous line-up changes, Beckley and Bunnell have kept the music alive, and they continue to tour and record today.
When it comes to standout America concerts, one that springs to mind is their legendary In Concert performance at the Greek Theatre in 1982. The concert was broadcast on HBO and was a big hit, showcasing America's timeless appeal. The band performed classic hits like Tin Man, Daisy Jane, and Sandman, among others. Critics praised their dynamic, polished performance, and the concert bolstered America's reputation as a band with staying power.
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In conclusion, while America may not be as household a name as some of their contemporaries, their legacy and influence are undeniable. Their signature sound of acoustic guitars and melodic vocals was groundbreaking and paved the way for countless other soft rock bands. Their hit songs continue to be relevant and resonate with fans around the world. America remains one of the unsung heroes of classic rock, and any music listener would do well to add their catalog to their rotation.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Old Man Took
America Old Man Took
Baby It's Up To You
America Baby It's Up To You
Glad To See You
America Glad To See You
These Brown Eyes
America These Brown Eyes
Catch That Train
America Catch That Train
Hat Trick
America Hat Trick
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

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DISCOGRAPHY OF AMERICA