America burst onto the music scene in the early 1970s, a band whose members came together from diverse backgrounds, unified by their shared passion for melodic folk-rock. Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek first crossed paths at London Central High School, a school primarily for children of U.S. Air Force personnel stationed in England. Their unique experience overseas became an essential part of their identity, setting the stage for their distinct sound.
In 1970, the trio officially formed America, blending vocal harmonies and acoustic melodies influenced by iconic groups like Crosby, Stills & Nash. They soon found success in England, signing a deal with Warner Bros. Records, and in 1971, released their self-titled debut album. The album initially didn’t include their breakthrough single “A Horse with No Name,” but once it was added, the record became an instant classic, topping the charts in the United States and earning them widespread acclaim.
“A Horse with No Name” wasn’t their only hit; America consistently delivered memorable songs, demonstrating their ability to craft catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Singles such as “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” became staples on American radio, showcasing the band’s remarkable consistency and musicianship throughout the decade. Their ability to seamlessly merge folk, pop, and rock elements helped America maintain a broad appeal.
Throughout their prolific career, America has released more than 20 studio albums, including notable works like “Homecoming,” “Holiday,” and “Hearts.” Each album revealed new facets of their sound, often collaborating with notable producers such as Sir George Martin, famous for his legendary work with The Beatles. Martin’s guidance was especially instrumental in refining their mid-1970s records, enhancing their sophisticated sound.
America’s impact on popular music was formally recognized when they earned the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1973, a testament to their immediate and lasting appeal. Beyond awards, their legacy is cemented by the respect of peers and the enduring affection of fans, solidifying their place among iconic bands of their era.
While the trio achieved notable success together, in 1977, Dan Peek departed to pursue a career in Christian music. Beckley and Bunnell continued as a duo, maintaining America’s presence on the music scene, releasing albums regularly and embarking on extensive tours. Their unwavering dedication has allowed them to sustain a devoted fanbase and draw new generations of listeners to their classic sound.
Outside the realm of music, America has made significant contributions through various charitable initiatives and benefit concerts, exemplifying their commitment to social causes. Their music has also had a lasting cultural impact, prominently featured in films and television shows, further underscoring their widespread influence and the universal appeal of their songs.
Over five decades since their formation, America’s harmonious blend of acoustic rock and thoughtful songwriting continues to resonate profoundly. With their music deeply embedded in the tapestry of American culture, the band’s contributions remain as relevant and beloved today as ever, firmly establishing America not only as hitmakers but as genuine musical storytellers whose work transcends generations.
Complete List Of America Songs From A to Z
- 1960 – Silent Letter – 1979
- 5th Avenue – Perspective – 1984
- A Christmas to Remember – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- A Holly Jolly Christmas – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- A Horse with No Name – America – 1972
- A Road Song – Back Pages – 2011
- All Around – Silent Letter – 1979
- All I Think About Is You – Here & Now – 2007
- All in All – Lost & Found – 2015
- All My Life – Silent Letter – 1979
- All Night – Silent Letter – 1979
- Always Love – Here & Now – 2007
- Amber Cascades – Hideaway – 1976
- America – Back Pages – 2011
- And Forever – Silent Letter – 1979
- Another Try – Holiday – 1974
- Are You There – Harbor – 1977
- Baby It’s Up to You – Holiday – 1974
- Bell Tree – Hearts – 1975
- California Revisited – Homecoming – 1972
- Call of the Wild – Hourglass – 1994
- (Can’t Fall Asleep to A) Lullaby – Perspective – 1984
- Can’t You See – Hideaway – 1976
- Caroline, No – Back Pages – 2011
- Cast the Spirit – Your Move – 1983
- Catch that Train – Alibi – 1980
- Chasing the Rainbow – Here & Now – 2007
- Children – America – 1972
- Christmas in California – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Cinderella – Perspective – 1984
- Clarice – America – 1972
- Close to the Wind – Hourglass – 1994
- Coastline – Alibi – 1980
- Company – Hearts – 1975
- Cornwall Blank – Homecoming – 1972
- Crying in My Sleep – Back Pages – 2011
- Daisy Jane – Hearts – 1975
- Desperate Love – View from the Ground – 1982
- Don’t Cry Baby – Harbor – 1977
- Don’t Cross the River – Homecoming – 1972
- Don’t Let Her Close Your Eyes – Lost & Found – 2015
- Don’t Let It Get You Down – Hideaway – 1976
- Don’t Let Me Be Lonely – Your Move – 1983
- Donkey Jaw – America – 1972
- Down to the Water – Harbor – 1977
- Dream Come True – Lost & Found – 2015
- Driving – Lost & Found – 2015
- Early Days – Lost & Found – 2015
- Even the Score – View from the Ground – 1982
- Everyone I Meet Is From California – Hourglass – 1994
- Fallin’ Off the World – Perspective – 1984
- Foolin’ – Silent Letter – 1979
- From a Moving Train – Human Nature – 1998
- Frosty the Snowman – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Garden of Peace – Hourglass – 1994
- Glass King – Here & Now – 2007
- Glad to See You – Holiday – 1974
- God of the Sun – Harbor – 1977
- Golden – Here & Now – 2007
- Goodbye – Hat Trick – 1973
- Green – Lost & Found – 2015
- Green Monkey – Hat Trick – 1973
- Greenhouse – Hourglass – 1994
- Half a Man – Hearts – 1975
- Hangover – Alibi – 1980
- Hat Trick – Hat Trick – 1973
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Head and Heart – Homecoming – 1972
- Here – America – 1972
- Here & Now – Here & Now – 2007
- Hidden Talent – Human Nature – 1998
- Hideaway Part I – Hideaway – 1976
- Hideaway Part II – Hideaway – 1976
- High in the City – Silent Letter – 1979
- Hollywood – Holiday – 1974
- Honey – Your Move – 1983
- Hope – Hourglass – 1994
- Hot Town – Human Nature – 1998
- Hurricane – Harbor – 1977
- I Do Believe in You – Alibi – 1980
- I Don’t Believe in Miracles – Alibi – 1980
- I Need You – America – 1972
- In the Country – Holiday – 1974
- Indian Summer – Here & Now – 2007
- Inspector Mills – View from the Ground – 1982
- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- (It’s Like You) Never Left at All – Perspective – 1984
- It’s Life – Hat Trick – 1973
- Jet Boy Blue – Hideaway – 1976
- Jody – View from the Ground – 1982
- Lady with a Bluebird – Perspective – 1984
- Let It Snow – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Letter – Hideaway – 1976
- Lonely People – Holiday – 1974
- Look at Me Now – Here & Now – 2007
- Love and Leaving – Here & Now – 2007
- Love on the Vine – View from the Ground – 1982
- Love’s Worn Out Again – Your Move – 1983
- Lovely Night – Hideaway – 1976
- Mad Dog – Holiday – 1974
- Many Colors – Lost & Found – 2015
- Midnight – Hearts – 1975
- Might Be Your Love – Alibi – 1980
- Miniature – Holiday – 1974
- Mirror to Mirror – Hourglass – 1994
- Molten Love – Hat Trick – 1973
- Moment to Moment – Human Nature – 1998
- Monster – Harbor – 1977
- Moon Song – Homecoming – 1972
- Muskrat Love – Hat Trick – 1973
- My Back Pages – Back Pages – 2011
- My Dear – Your Move – 1983
- My Kinda Woman – Your Move – 1983
- Never Be Lonely – View from the Ground – 1982
- Never Found the Time – America – 1972
- No Fortune – Silent Letter – 1979
- Now She’s Gone – Harbor – 1977
- Old Man Took – Holiday – 1974
- Old Virginia – Hearts – 1975
- Oloololo – Human Nature – 1998
- On the Way Home – Back Pages – 2011
- One Chance – Here & Now – 2007
- One Horse Town – Lost & Found – 2015
- One in a Million – Alibi – 1980
- One Morning – Silent Letter – 1979
- Only Game in Town – Silent Letter – 1979
- Only in Your Heart – Homecoming – 1972
- Out on the Street – Lost & Found – 2015
- Overwhelming World Suite: Overwhelming World/Come Back/Barstow – Human Nature – 1998
- Pages – Human Nature – 1998
- Paradise – Here & Now – 2007
- People in the Valley – Hearts – 1975
- Pigeon Song – America – 1972
- Political Poachers – Harbor – 1977
- Ports-of-Call – Hourglass – 1994
- Rainbow Song – Hat Trick – 1973
- Rainy Day – America – 1972
- Ride On – Here & Now – 2007
- Right Back to Me – Alibi – 1980
- Right Before Your Eyes – View from the Ground – 1982
- Riverside – America – 1972
- Sailing to Philadelphia – Back Pages – 2011
- Sandman – America – 1972
- Sarah – Harbor – 1977
- Saturday Sky – Here & Now – 2007
- Saturn Nights – Homecoming – 1972
- Seasons – Hearts – 1975
- See How the Love Goes – Perspective – 1984
- Sergeant Darkness – Harbor – 1977
- She’s a Liar – Hideaway – 1976
- She’s a Runaway – Your Move – 1983
- She’s Beside You – Hideaway – 1976
- She’s Gonna Let You Down – Hat Trick – 1973
- Silent Night – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Silver Bells – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Simple Life – Hearts – 1975
- Sister Golden Hair – Hearts – 1975
- Sleeper Train – Hourglass – 1994
- Sleigh Ride – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Slow Down – Harbor – 1977
- Someday We’ll Know – Back Pages – 2011
- Someday Woman – Your Move – 1983
- Something in the Way She Moves – Back Pages – 2011
- Sometimes Lovers – View from the Ground – 1982
- Special Girl – Perspective – 1984
- Stereo – Perspective – 1984
- Submarine Ladies – Hat Trick – 1973
- Survival – Alibi – 1980
- Tall Treasures – Silent Letter – 1979
- The Border – Your Move – 1983
- The First Noel – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- The Quiet Inside – Lost & Found – 2015
- The Story of a Teenager – Hearts – 1975
- These Brown Eyes – Harbor – 1977
- This Time – Here & Now – 2007
- Three Roses – America – 1972
- Til I Hear It from You – Back Pages – 2011
- Till the Sun Comes Up Again – Homecoming – 1972
- Time of the Season – Back Pages – 2011
- Tin Man – Holiday – 1974
- To Each His Own – Homecoming – 1972
- Today’s the Day – Hideaway – 1976
- Tomorrow – Hearts – 1975
- Tonight Is for Dreamers – Your Move – 1983
- Town and Country – Human Nature – 1998
- Unconditional Love – Perspective – 1984
- Valentine – Alibi – 1980
- Ventura Highway – Homecoming – 1972
- Walk in the Woods – Here & Now – 2007
- Watership Down – Hideaway – 1976
- We Got All Night – Perspective – 1984
- Wednesday Morning – Human Nature – 1998
- What Does It Matter – Holiday – 1974
- Wheels Are Turning – Human Nature – 1998
- Whispering – Human Nature – 1998
- White Christmas – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Who Loves You – Hideaway – 1976
- Whole Wide World – Hourglass – 1994
- Willow Tree Lullaby – Hat Trick – 1973
- Wind Wave – Hat Trick – 1973
- Winter Holidays – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Winter Wonderland – Holiday Harmony – 2002
- Woman Tonight – Hearts – 1975
- Woodstock – Back Pages – 2011
- Work to Do – Here & Now – 2007
- World Alone – Human Nature – 1998
- You – Holiday – 1974
- You Can Do Magic – View from the Ground – 1982
- You Can Do Magic – Hourglass – 1994
- You Could’ve Been the One – Alibi – 1980
- You Girl – View from the Ground – 1982
- Young Moon – Hourglass – 1994
- Your Move – Your Move – 1983
Albums
America (1972): 12 songs
Homecoming (1972): 10 songs
Hat Trick (1973): 11 songs
Holiday (1974): 12 songs
Hearts (1975): 13 songs
Hideaway (1976): 13 songs
Harbor (1977): 12 songs
Silent Letter (1979): 11 songs
Alibi (1980): 11 songs
View from the Ground (1982): 10 songs
Your Move (1983): 11 songs
Perspective (1984): 11 songs
Hourglass (1994): 12 songs
Human Nature (1998): 12 songs
Holiday Harmony (2002): 14 songs
Here & Now (2007): 16 songs
Back Pages (2011): 12 songs
Lost & Found (2015): 10 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining America articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of America Albums And Discography
America’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums
Complete List Of America Band Members
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