Gerry Beckley (America)
from Rock & Roll High School With Pete Ganbarg
Along with his two teenage classmates from London’s Central High School, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek, Gerry Beckley formed the band America in 1970 - with the name being a nod to the three Americans living in London. Incorporating three part vocal harmony and with all of the band members contributing to the songwriting - America signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1971. Their self titled album debut would ultimately feature two of the band’s signature songs - the #1 hit A Horse With No Name and it’s successful followup “I Need You” - and lead the band to a Best New Artist Grammy Win in 1973 - besting iconic nominees that year like Harry Chapin, Loggins & Messina and The Eagles. Working with legendary Beatles producer George Martin, America continued to release hit after hit in the 1970’s and 80’s with even more classics like Ventura Highway/Tin Man/Lonely People/Daisy Jane and Gerry’s classic “Sister Golden Hair.” With over 20 studio albums, multiple compilations and live albums, America has sold over 30 million records worldwide and continue to tour all over the world.
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What this episode covers
Founding member, co-lead vocalist and one of the principal songwriters of the legendary band America.
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