La Vie Artistique Magazine: America at Atlanta Symphony Hall on April 1st

America (the band) - Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

America: Rich Campbell, Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, Ryland Steen and Bill Worrell
Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

America is a rock band that formed in England in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. The trio first met as sons of U.S. Air Force personnel stationed in London, where they began performing live. Shortly after the members' graduation from high school, a record deal with Warner Bros. Records was in the works.

Their first album was recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Ian Samwell. Jeff Dexter, Ian's roommate was involved with the music business himself. He co-produced the album and became the trio's manager.

The debut album was released in 1971 to only moderate success, although it sold well in the Netherlands, where Dexter had taken them as a training ground to practice their craft. Samwell and Dexter subsequently brought the trio to Morgan Studios to record several additional songs. One of them was a Bunnell composition called "Desert Song."

The song had its public debut at The Harrogate Festival, four days later, to great audience response. After several performances and a TV show, it was re-titled "A Horse with No Name." The song became a major worldwide hit in early 1972. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1972. America's debut album was re-released with the hit song added and quickly went platinum.

Dan Peek left the group in May 1977, to begin his solo career. He was an early pioneer of Christian music. He died in his sleep on July 24, 2011.

With over forty years in the music business and a myriad of hits, the sound of America continues. Below are the set list from their performance and highlights Atlanta Symphony Hall on April 1st:

Set List:

Tin Man

You Can Do Magic

Don't Cross the River

Daisy Jane

Riverside

I Need You

Here

Ventura Highway

Driving

Woodstock - (Joni Mitchell cover)

Cornwall Blank / Hollywood