GERRY BECKLEY: Crafting AMERICA's Iconic Hits

Has Gerry Beckley retired? Does he still sing with America? Who influenced the band America? All these questions answered this week. Gerry Beckley is a singer/songwriter best known as a founding member of the classic soft rock outfit America. Alongside bandmates Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek, Gerry first gained recognition for hits like 1971's "Horse with No Name," 1972's "Ventura Highway," 1975's "Sister Golden Hair," and others. Though he and Dewey have continued to perform as America until recenlty, Gery has also recorded under his own name since the mid '90s, releasing such mellow, well-crafted albums as 2022's Aurora and 2024's self -titled album Gerry Beckley. Gerry was born in Texas in 1952. He grew up as the son of an American air force officer and a British mother. Interested in music from a young age, he began playing piano at age three and later added guitar. By the time he was ten, Gerry was a promising musician playing in the surf rock band the Vanguards. He had also come under the influence of The Beatles and other British Invasion-era bands as a result of spending his summer vacations in England. In 1967, Gerry moved with his family to London after his father took over as commander at the United States Air Force base. It was while attending High School that he befriended classmates Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek. The three quickly formed a band and began performing at a local all-ages club, playing covers by bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young and others. The trio eventually caught the attention of a local promoter and producer, who recorded them and helped them get a record deal. In 1971, they released the single, "A Horse with No Name." A hit the world over, the single propelled the band to early success. With America, Gerry Beckley enjoyed decades of popularity, releasing over 20 albums, touring globally, and penning numerous songs that helped to define both the soft rock and adult contemporary radio formats. Gerry Beckley began to release successful solo material in 1995 with Van Go Gan. The album featured Gerry backed by a bevy of longtime friends and collaborators, including Dewey Bunnell, trumpeter Mark Isham, the Eagles' Timonthy B. Schmit and others. That album was followed by a remix album. Away from America, Gerry next delivered 2000's LIke A Brother- a collaboration with Chicago singer/keyboardist Robert Lamm and the Beach Boys' Carl WIlson who died from lung cancer after completing the album in 1998. The record featured a mix of originals from each member of the band , as well as a cover of Harry Wilson's "Without You" In 2006, Beckley returned with his third solo album, Horizontal Fall. The compilation album Happy Hour was released in 2009. SInce then many solos albums have followed. Gerry has recently married and moved to Sydney Australia where he spends six months of the year. He has resigned from touring with America to concentrate on furthering his solo career. His latest self titled solo album is being touted as his best ever. Gerry plays the bulk of the instruments but gets help from a core group of players that includes former Chicago bassist Jason Scheff, guitarist Steve Fekete, drummers Brian Young and Ryland Steen along with backing vocalists Jeff Larson and Brian Eichenberger. Nick Lane and Matt Combs, also longtime musical fellow travelers, arranged horn and string parts, respectively. It's a collection of 12 original tunes featuring the singles "Red and Blue" and "Well Worn Shoes." Gerry Beckley joins us this week to walk us through his incredible career. For more information head to https://www.gerrybeckley.com/