America was founded by Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek in London in 1970 and went on to become one of the most successful groups of the seventies. All three were sons of American servicemen stationed in England. Their music was strongly influenced by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Jeff Dexter and British rock pioneer Ian Samwell discovered the trio while playing clubs in London. Their first album was released in 1971, followed by their first single "A Horse With No Name." Both were big international hits and the first in a string of hit singles and million selling albums. They won a Grammy for best new artists of 1972. With the recording of 1974's "Holiday" album, they began a six year, seven album collaboration with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin. In 1977, after the release of the "Harbor" album, Peek left the group to persue a solo career in Christian music. Bunnell and Beckley decided not to replace him, and continued America as a duo. Subsequent releases did poorly until 1982 when "You Can Do Magic" became a top ten hit. But they were unable to sustain the comeback and album sales declined. Today they continue to tour and their songs have become mainstays on AOR, oldies, and classic rock stations. In 1998 they enjoyed a bit of a comeback with the release of the "Human Nature" CD and "From A Moving Train" single, which made the Adult Contemporary charts in the US and Europe.
Bio written by: anon |
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