seven albums and several Top Ten hits, including “Tin
Man” and “Sister Golden Hair”.
By the mid-70s, inter-band conflicts combined with
an exhaustive touring and recording schedule exacted
its toll on the group. With Peek’s departure from the
fold in 1977, Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell rose to the
challenge and carried on as a duo. Shifts in sound and
direction, changes in producers and managers, and a
renewed dedication to the craft of songwriting helped
rocket America to the upper reaches of the pop charts in
1982 with their smash single, “You Can Do Magic.” During
this tumultuous time in their career, Beckley and Bunnell
immersed themselves in their craft, infusing a newfound
maturity into their rich body of work. Their growth as
singers, songwriters and musicians has continued into
the present day as illustrated by landmark releases
such as 2000’s Highway 3-disc box set, 2002’s Holiday
Harmony, an album comprised of seasonal classics
and live showcases, 2007’s Here & Now, 2009’s Live In
From their formative years, America has been a
band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting
music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of
divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to
grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third
generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s
enduring appeal. “I think that the ingredients of the
America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate
internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge
fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad--they’re
romantic at heart. It’s the same in the Far East. A lot of
times in these countries, we see people singing along,
and they don’t really know what the words mean. Music
is truly the international language.”