America on 'Horse With No Name' | The Big Interview

Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of the band America talk about how famous music producer George Martin helped them hone their musical talents, how their famous songs "Ventura Highway" and "Horse With No Name" came to be, and more on The Big Interview!
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[@TC-eo5eb]

Gerry and Dewey, if you happen to read this, please know that as a teenager growing up in the mid 1970's, your music had a huge effect on my life and still does to this day. A few year ago my wife and I flew from Wisconsin to southern California. We rented a car and drove the PCH north of Malibu and played your America CD listening to Ventura Highway and Horse. Words cannot adequately describe the experience. We also saw you in concert in Milwaukee summer of 2023. Your music is timeless. Thanks for the memories.

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok...

[@NattyBumppo48]

TC - I'm now 75 yrs young and basically grew up parallel to you. America was/is one of my favorite bands! Comparing them to The Beatles or the Stones is pointless. Those three bands were all iconic in their own right. And while I liked them all, America held a special place in my heart & consciousness, and still does all these years later.

[@pangeaproxima3681]

@@NattyBumppo48 ok, ok...

[@stephennadal4103]

It's me Dewie....I'm glad our music effected you. I love our fans😊

[@sdcoinshooter]

Please add me to the list of people whom were affected by your music back in the 70s. Thank you, very much; Thank you

[@firefighterps2]

Horse with no name was not only the first record I ever bought, but the first item I ever spent my own money on. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@CarlosFlores-gm7dv]

That's awesome. That wasn't my first, however, it was the first song I sang and played on guitar, in class in high school, 1973. Hard to believe that was 51 years ago.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

And here I am, listening almost 53 years later, just as I did in '71

[@SuperMcabral]

Me too!

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok....

[@MsLoverockmusic]

I'm glad they mentioned Dan Peek towards the end and his important contributions to America.

[@graysonedwards8875]

Not to forget Michael Clarke

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

@@graysonedwards8875👍🏻 there’s no “i” in band 🎸🥁🎹 🎤🐥

[@charlie-obrien]

Dan is surely missed. He was so enigmatic on stage. Just my idea of what a folk singer should be.

[@graysonedwards8875]

You are correct @@Nicholas-m8n

[@glowaves]

These two with Dan Peek were such a beautiful trio and blend of harmonies.

[@leworsmiley]

“This is for all the lonely people, thinking their life has pass them by” Thank you very much, im so encouraged now😊❤️

[@rubicon-oh9km]

These three gentlemen are all part of the soundtrack of my youth. Hearing America songs sitting in the back of my parents '71 Town & Country and hearing Dan Rather every night on the CBS news while eating dinner with the family. Timeless memories.

[@Weshopwizard]

With the wood panels?

[@rubicon-oh9km]

@@Weshopwizard Absolutely 😃

[@johnmcascone]

We had a ‘71 Ford Country Squire with the fake wood paneling. What a simple beautiful time.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

@@johnmcascone so typical in life, we had no clue how good we had it at that time.

[@robertmalecki5979]

It sounds like we could have grown up together. What a different time that was.

[@5milessep]

I’d like to share something that happened to me while on holiday in LA. I’m an Aussie that had never been to the US. We visited Disneyland, and on our drive back from Anaheim to West Hollywood where we were staying, on the freeway I saw a sign that provided a lane direction to exit for Ventura. Automatically Ventura Highway rang in my head. I hadn’t heard the song for years, yet I was singing the tune all the way back. The lady that we were staying with in West Hollywood would have a music channel on her TV that just played in the apartment all day. When I walked through the door, I couldn’t believe it, but Ventura Highway was playing. I was just blown away at the coincidence.

[@CaliKiwi-]

“America’s” songs are an integral part of my childhood soundtrack.. I can’t believe they aren’t in the Hall of Fame!

[@raynagel7462]

My God how I LOVED this group America one of the all time best!!

[@kimberley-xu8ff]

America is one of my favorite groups. Thank you Dan Rather. From Canada 🇨🇦

[@Charleybones]

Dan Rather has nothing to do with how great America is. I watched Rather as a tv anchorman for over 20 years. It's likexwatchiing a cadaver with a political agenda.

[@tracythorleifson]

America - such a great band! Terrific interview!

[@kylewood8327]

These guys wrote some of the most beautiful music, there records were revolving around my turntable during the mid 70’s quite often!

[@beowulfthedane]

America, Bread, Carpenters, Jim Croce, John Denver, Olivia Newton John, ELO, Steve Miller, Bob Segar, Guess Who, Eagles, .38 Special were and still are my favorites. They all still get airplay, and covers of their songs are good. Not as good as the originals, of course. None of them screeched and all of them had songs that could touch your soul.

[@overcomerbtboj]

You named some of my favorites as well

[@davelachey8118]

Those choices are some of the best. I could add a few more but will close by saying the Seventies was the absolute best decade of music. It never gets old.

[@tomscerbo1588]

That's hell've a lineup right there! Great tunes of yester year!👌🎤 7:35 4:22

[@kenskinner6948]

Brilliant band, brilliant music and real musicians. Thank you for the music.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Great interview. Both very intelligent guys. These songs were the soundtrack of my youth.

[@mpg9788]

Why isn’t America in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

[@markwilliams974]

Their name is offensive to liberals.

[@NWLee]

@@markwilliams974 I want to say something bad about how your whole group thinks this way and the liberals all think one way as well, whatever...

[@duanedelperdang1749]

@@markwilliams974 That's absurd bs.

[@charlie-obrien]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present @markwilliams, the man who is incapable of discussing any topic without bringing his obnoxious views on politics into it... For his next trick he will refer to me as a snowflake and scream "Fake News!".

[@markwilliams974]

@@duanedelperdang1749I know it's absurd. LOL! I was using hyperbole just to see who I could flush out of the woodwork.

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

Sister Golden Hair is my favourite song. My daughters mother, who is no longer with us, loved that song as well. Absolutely phenomenal band from the best decade of music.

[@theblytonian3906]

Is a really well crafted song. Released in '75 as I recall. My wife loved it too. Our song at that time, the year we first met. Shame it marked the end of America's run of hits. I'd been a huge America fan since 1971 and the release of "A Horse With No Name". Still am. I still have five of their best albums since republished on CD I listen to regularly.

[@jimluciano9448]

Dewey and Jerry, you were such a part of my childhood musical soundtrack. You hooked me in 72 with horse and I’ve been listening ever since. Saw you in Pompano Beach last fall. I so appreciate your music. Keep on trucking and thanks!!!

[@russelldaye9813]

Wonderful interview, no pretensions or arrogance. Simply accomplished musicians. 🎼🎶🎵

[@brewster84067]

I so love this band. I was fortunate enough to inherit my older brother's vinyls as an 8 yr old in 1978 and it was flooded with America. You can feel the meaning and passion in their lyrics and riffs. Truly one of the great songwriter bands of music.

[@mooneymooney251]

They aged very well! Respect! America!

[@RayGoettler]

I have loved their music for fourth years.

[@guitartec]

Horse With No Name obviously has hit a musical nerve with countless people, me included! I remember when and where I heard it in 1971 for the first time. It struck me in a musical way that literally re-shaped my brain. From the odd lyrics to the heavily reverb'd mysterious bongos (or congas) in the background that sound like the clip-clop of a horse along with the textured vocal harmonies were what took me back, even tho I didn't know any of this at the time. Plus as a budding guitarist, I could hear it was simple to play on the guitar. Another thing to note is that while it "sounds" like a simple melodic two-chord progression, it's anything but simple. There's a 12 string guitar texturing as well as a second 6 string filling in with a more complex version of the 2 basic chords. Strum it in the least bit wrong and even non-guitarists can tell you're playing it wrong. There's a bass fill after the first verse when the drums come in which gets the song chuggin'. This amazing tune captures people in a big way even 50 years later.

[@robertludlam272]

Superb stuff from three top guys

[@TucsonDude]

It hit me very personally as a lifelone desert lover/dweller.

[@guitartec]

Yeah, I totally believe it. @@TucsonDude

[@Larry-go8bg]

Horse with no name was the first song l was shown by 2 friends who were playing guitar in 1975. I was 16 years old and it set my life up with an obsession with music to this day which has enriched my life so much and it all started with horse with no name. Whenever l hear it l thank God for it and America like so many other great artists of the 60s and 70s were the soundtrack to our lives. I'm 66 years old now and am retired from 44 years of doing gigs but still play music every day its food for the soul and it all started for me with horse with no name thanx guys America was a great band great songwriters like so many others of that era an era that seems like will never be outdone by anything coming out since it was the golden era of music.

[@tomscerbo1588]

You nailed brother! Loved late 60s thru the 70s, soft rock, hard rock, funk. All genres of that time period!👍🎶

[@susanmann5286]

My friend would have loved this interview. She followed this group as if she were an old school groupie. They were on a first name basis with her. RIP Deb.'

[@anneartis565]

I heard Ventura Highway in 1972. My life was never the same. I still listen to that song, Tin Man, and a couple of Todd Rundgren songs every single day.

[@davidmatela9868]

So much Great Music from these guys. Captured the 70’s in such a beautiful way

[@richieflenniken9974]

Gerry Beckley was the coolest looking and sounding guy out there for this lil boy in the 70's

[@glengamble526]

I love the story in Neil Young’s father’s book: he heard HORSE WITH NO NAME on the radio and called Neil and congratulated him on the success of his new single! 😂 That aside, it’s still a classic song.

[@jayweiss4378]

Love America! Always takes me back in time

[@CHT420]

These songs bring back memories for me❗️

[@robsaxepga]

I love their music. Always have.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Saw these Guys on their first Tour. Horse’ had just hit charts. Memorial Auditorium’-Sac Town CA. Great Band. Songwriting geniuses every one!🇺🇸

[@michael_caz_nyc]

These guy were phenomenal. Wrote incredible songs, Killer vocal harmonies. Real Musicians = Timeless music. oNe LovE from NYC

[@waynefromnewfoundland8740]

America’s music is part of the soundtrack to my teenage years. Just a lot of great melodies and songs that produced emotions and made you think. Great band and I’m glad I stumbled across this interview.

[@brucemclennan9715]

What a great interview; Dan Rather is in his element, his enjoyment shines through.

[@stephenb4164]

One of the best bands ever.

[@nige-g]

They were/are a damn good band, and my ears always prick up whenever I hear America. Top band

[@kurthartle5473]

Wonderful music from the iconic group! So many favorites, still feel fresh, and a perfect synergy of rich sounds through simplicity and tight ensemble playing!

[@notrut]

I finally got to see America at The Sage, Gateshead, England having been a lifelong British fan, it was the best show ever ... you're overdue back soon!!

[@w.harrison7277]

So many great songs but the greatest was Sister Golden Hair. Those background vocals and bass coming in after the middle eight was pure joy! On par with Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts for an exquisite summer song.

[@justmy2pesos]

One of my favorite bands. I remember the first time I heard Horse With No Name. It was on the radio at night and I stayed upr for hours waiting for it to be played again!

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Really enjoy listening to Gerry & Dewey talk about the old days. Maybe fewer close ups though haha...just kiddin' the looks great! Aged well..

[@alastairmurray9539]

What a great interview. No ego's, just respect! Respect for the Late, Great George Martin, to their soulmate Dan Peek and to The Beatles. Not just one of The Greatest bands EVER, but True Gentlemen, Humble, Beautiful People!!

[@mad_cat_1st]

2:52 - I lived in California for 23 years of my adulthood (1996 thru 2019). I live in Wyoming now, and whenever I hear Ventura Highway I start crying. NO OTHER song ever written grabs the vibe of Central Coast California and can make me feel that homesick - AND I sing along like a canary...Thanks, Dewey. You and Leo Kottke are the reason(s) why I own a 12 string Taylor acoustic guitar.

[@mariapilarme]

Don’t be sad come over anytime! I also loved that song how many times driving Ventura highway!

[@jeffthebracketman]

And don’t forget the incomparable Hal Blaine on drums…

[@markthrasher6770]

That song probably brought so many people to California too 😂

[@OnlyInLasVegas]

One of my favorite and best groups from the 1970’s and 1980’s. They still rock!

[@MrTrotwood]

My wife and I fell in love to their music and we go and see them every time they come to the Arcada theatre.

[@clannad99germany70]

This is a real interesting interview. I always loved the music of America, starting with the first song I listened "A horse with no name", already loved this band. Later on Tin man, Sister golden hair, Ventura Highway....so much more.

[@charlie-obrien]

I am always so glad to hear Gerry and Denny give credit to Dan Peek, who was obviously an important part of the groups early successes. He was also a very beautiful soul. I never knew him, didn't read up on him too much, but I can tell by his music. All the guys in America are wonderful, in their songwriting and how they handled themselves over all these years. I play a little solo guitar Troubadour kind of thing at some local bars and coffee places and people are always asking me for my "America set" which consists of those 3 songs mentioned; "Horse With Name", "Sister Golden Hair" and "Lonely People". All great sing-along songs!

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

I love the song Don’t cross the River! The three of them on acoustic guitars and harmonies is brilliant!💕💕

[@MrBrynmair]

What lovely guys.Have always loved them, and never heard them speak. I could listen to them all day.

[@kevinlawrence6635]

I was stationed at Vandenberg AFB as well in the late 70s, and that drive down to Malibu via the 101 and onto the PCH been imprinted on my psyche partly because of how well Ventura Hwy has become so complementary of that phenomenal imagery of that part of the SoCal coastline. You can't traverse any part of that area without that song coming to mind

[@socalpal8416]

Having grown up in Oceanside during the 70's, Horse With No Name and Ventura Highway were the quintessential SoCal sound of the era. So much excellent music was produced then....it's almost surreal.

[@binathere2574]

Being an Aussie, it was definitely sureal for me.

[@truckerman8301]

A great group that put out songs that make you feel so good! Still love this group and their songs. God bless America!!!

[@kurtvanluven9351]

These songs, and when they came out, were like mileposts in my growing up years. If I tell you I won't cry if I hear them, I am lying.

[@verseau8360]

New layer of respect and admiration!, thanks to this interview!

[@gregggoss2210]

America was the first album I ever had. My parents got it for me for Christmas the year after it came out. I still have it too.

[@overcomerbtboj]

I’ve always loved America and have always had a crush on gerry and he’s still got it ❤️😍

[@tomscerbo1588]

Great 70s soft rock that never gets old to listen to. kudos to America!👌 7:35 4:15

[@mattf49006]

some of the best soundtracks to my teen years and beyond here...thanks guys

[@Gk2003m]

The heat was hot. Storytelling just doesn’t get any better than this.

[@SydneyGreenstreet1227]

Yeah, I always wondered,is that the best they can come up with ?

[@mccloysong]

Such classic songs, definitely in the soundtrack of my high school years and beyond. I got a 12-string guitar my senior year Christmas and Sister Golden Hair was the first song I played on it. It sounds simpler than it is.

[@ricksaunders8074]

My friend loved this group I thought they were OK I now love this group in my later age 😊

[@lynnturman8157]

Great clip! I never associated Sister Golden Hair with My Sweet Lord. But now that he pointed it out, it's so obvious.

[@intrepidtraveller8212]

We were 3 school pals and played gigs in local pubs and restaurants [1973 onward] - this song is such a memory for us - loved playing and singing the not too difficult harmonies - will go to the grave with me.

[@lorriemcgee5562]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview, not only because it's on a great band (summer of 80, Chico Ca, concert, but that Dan Rather knows his subjects and asks knowledgeable questions.

[@rodneydelboy6910]

We young musicians just discovered America couple of months ago and have been listening them for couple of months non stop. They are such an underrated band.

[@michaelgregory2231]

Their first album, with their first hit "Horse With No Name", was produced by the late Ian Samwell. Ian was an original member of Britain's seminal rock band, Cliff Richard & The Shadows. Ian wrote their first hit "Move It", which was occasionally played by Jimmy Page in his solo sections of Zeppelin shows and it is also a guitar riff that John Lennon biked over to Paul McCartney's house to learn. Ian was England's first independent producer, not being in the employ of a record company or studio. He shepherded 80s band, Bourgeois-Tagg into their deal with Island Records and managed my band in the 90s, finishing out his last years (extended by receiving a heart transplant) in my hometown of Sacramento, California.

[@cunn9305]

went through some tumultuous family times in the early 70's as a very young boy .. their music proved a welcome respite back then and brings calm, peaceful memories now ... cannot thank them enough 🙌

[@scott1099]

saw these guys in Ft Wayne Ind back i think 73 they were the best band i ever saw and i have seen a lot in my day

[@prometheus5700]

These guys are amazingly talented and articulate. "Today's the Day" is one of my favorites.

[@dskywalker3397]

The group, America, made many excellent songs. Horse With No Name is a song that seems to sit above these other great songs. It is timeless.

[@jonniep]

I am learning A Horse With No Name on acoustic right now. I am a HUGE America fan...

[@terrypeckham4744]

Excellent! How old are you Johnnie? Always like to know young people are getting into older music

[@charlie-obrien]

It's a great song. You'll have a lot of fun with it.

[@jonniep]

Thanks for calling me young but I am 52 and just started my guitar journey in ernest.@@terrypeckham4744

[@jonniep]

I have always been a fan of America. So far it is not hard to learn. Only problem I am having is proper tuning. @@charlie-obrien

[@jonniep]

I am 53, not a young buck by any means. America's music was a huge part of my childhood because my uncles listened to it and that is how I got into it. @@terrypeckham4744

[@susanfox-mx3nv]

What a wonderful interview. I wish it had been longer. I would have loved to hear about the idea or thought behind "Horse with no Name." I lived in Colorado when it came out and still do. I remember driving in the mountains high as the clouds listening to that song, just the song. I didn't need drugs. It was that up lifting.

[@73firebird11]

My fellow Air Force Brats stationed in the UK in the 70s, you guy's had plenty of time to name that horse LOL. Thanks for all the great music

[@colindeer9657]

This is a great interview. Many thanks.

[@dougshankle7946]

I still watch the Central Park concert on KZbin and have so many times. Love this band and their songs.

[@dubbelhelix]

Thanks for bringing back memories of the early seventies when I was a 17 year old! I love your reference to the UK, the country of my birth!

[@martincull4914]

This is one of my favourite bands. Getting George Martin was pure gold.

[@_stardust62]

The 70s was a magical time for misic.... masterpieces of music coming at you from ever direction. Will never be recaptured sadly.

[@jackcrozier1982]

Great interview. Dan Rather gets out of the way, and let's Gerry and Dewey tell insightful and eloquent stories. Such creative minds matched to immense musical talent. America's music will always be loved and stand the test of time, as it already has.

[@JusticeRyan-n6d]

God,i love listening to their songs,it makes me feel like I'm 18yrs old again .(71 yrs old now)

[@diannediamond8643]

so many good songs, always takes me back to a good place!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Hey guys. Please come back to Denver. We saw you in Denver back about 2019 and it was awesome.

[@georgeadams8230]

That track has one of the best bass lines ever.

[@duanedelperdang1749]

Agree

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Consistency. The power to open any door, creative or between people. Magical intensity. The best.

[@563421094]

America is the first band I saw live...Liverpool Stadium circa 1972

[@kalnwi2023]

Horse with no name is about heroin .

[@rawirigilgen6846]

After I heard 'Horse' in 1972 I weeded gardens for my dad and he bought me a Yamaha 12 string guitar. I still have that guitar and play it regularly 52 years later.

[@EdwardKrzynowek-fx5to]

I meeant to add this comment, then forgot. Something that stands out to me is the fork in the road these guys took as musicians. I'm talking about the fact that their foundation was built on acoustic music. There are certainly other bands and musicians who contribute great acoustic music. But, while many of them use them as some tasty side dishes, America served them up as the main course. All 3 of them contributed songs, instrument tracks, and their voices. Their trifecta (or Hat Trick iif you will) helped keep acoustic songs in the forefront of our vision. I can't believe it's been more than 50 years since I started listening to them, and loving their unique sound.

[@mjphoto45]

Amazing band and stories

[@jeremyhunter1459]

The guitar play and rhythms from all the band members is just un-human, out of this world talent.

[@roybean7166]

Saw America, 1980s in Cape Town , South africa 🇿🇦 Great show ! Did anyone else see those concerts? Roy b , CapeTown South africa 🇿🇦

[@gonzoexpress9885]

Ventura Highway was and is a time capsule gem - the quintessential track that evoked the Californian dream so many people longed for - surf, freedom, Laurel Canyon cheesecloth earth mothers, and laid-back lifestyle.

[@mariapilarme]

My favorite group! ❤

[@moepanetta9028]

I just recently became hooked on you guys, the music is totally awesome, ❤❤❤❤❤, I especially love ventura high way and tin man. 😊

[@weejim48]

America were a great band. As a 17 year old I’d listen to horse with no name & dream of going to America and driving for miles in an open top car. 🇬🇧👍👍🇺🇸

[@scottkellogg9736]

I've met Deweys parents and brother. They lived in Westport, WA. They owned a small motel and so did my parents. My older brother and I installed new carpet in their house. Several gold records hanging on the walls.

[@rowan655]

I never knew George Martin was involved with America?? Blew my mind❤

[@injoelsgarage3934]

Miss you guys. God bless!

[@twistoffate4791]

My boyfriend died in 1987, the man I was about to marry. I was 22 years old. For years, after he died in an accident, I couldn't listen to "I Need You" without falling apart.

[@MuzixMaker]

My condolences. 😢

[@twistoffate4791]

@@MuzixMaker Thank you.

[@cjmueller5455]

Sorry for your loss. Music is incredibly powerful.

[@Ronbo765]

I think Horse with No Name is deeper than just a longing for Southern California. “…but the humans would give no love.”