America Band Live and In Concert…A Horse With No Name and Other Hits

“A Horse With No Name”, “Sister Golden Hair”, and “You Can Do Magic”…these are just a few of the many hits by the band, America. You have most probably heard one or more songs by America on the radio, but chances are, you might not realize how many amazing hits they’ve had over the years.

In May, 2014, I had the privilege of seeing the band, America live and in concert. It was a wonderful concert and our seats were amazingly close, so it was even more spectacular. They played all their hits, and all the songs sounded exactly like the originals. Overall, the band was excellent.

America is an American rock band formed in 1970 by three musicians, who first met and first performed in London. The trio consisted of Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley, sons of American fathers, who were in the service and stationed in London, and British mothers. Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley were born in American, and Dewey Bunnell was born in London.

They formed their band shortly after they graduated London Central High School. Their first album, entitled “America” produced two major hit songs: “A Horse With No Name”, and “I Need You”. In subsequent albums, they achieved success with songs such as “Ventura Highway”, “Tin Man”, “Lonely People”, and “Sister Golden Hair”.

Dan Peek left the band in 1977. They had another big hit in 1982 with the song “You Can Do Magic”.

After their string of hits in the 70’s and 80's, Dewey Bunnell and Gery Beckley continued to write and record music, as well as perform, for over four decades. They continue touring and performing live concerts.

After Dan Peek left the band in 1977, he released his first solo album, All Things Are Possible in 1978. Over the years, there was talk of the trio getting back together, but it never occurred.

Dan Peek passed away in his home in 2011 at the age of 60.

In 2002, America released their first Christmas album, named Holiday Harmony.

In 2007, America collaborated with Adam Schlesinger, and his musical partner, James Iha (previously with the group, the Smashing Pumpkins), and released an album entitled Here and Now. It was their first studio album since 1984. They released a follow-up album called Back Pages in 2011.

In 2012, America received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This is Hub # 14 of 30 of my 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge.