Iconic Band on the Story of a 70s Classic That Even The BEST Guitarists Play WRONG-Professor of Rock

Coming up an interview with one of the biggest-selling bands of the 70s, America led by Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek. Here the 2 principals Dewey and Gerry give us the story of a song that became their third consecutive top 10 hit and a radio staple of the early decade, Ventura Highway. The song conjured up imagery of a wondrous and mystical destination, although the group has taken flack for decades for some of the lyrics… including one about flying alligators? or maybe listeners just heard them wrong? One strange lyric was used by Prince a decade later in a song and a record that would blow up… Purple Rain but then America was the first to use it in a pop song… Maybe Prince was listening.! Featuring one of the most creative guitar lines of the time, Ventura Highway is a sonic time machine and will take you back to the carefree 70s in an instant. the interview is next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you ever got your hair cut with a flow bee… you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below and click the bell so that you never miss out on our daily content. Also, check us out on Patreon.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations- where featured artists go deep on their greatest songs and albums. Stories you won't get anywhere else. We have a great show today with one of the biggest bands of the 70s… they took over radio when their first single and album both hit #1. Their next single hit the top 10 as well. and they were off to the races. Then they won the Best New Artist Grammy in a competitive year that had that up against the likes of Loggins and Messina, Eagles, John Prine and Harry Chapin. Then they released their second album Homecoming that was kicked into high gear by their 3rd straight top 10 hit, the carefree singalong Ventura Highway. The song became a staple of classic rock and pop radio thereafter but as the band will tell you, they took some flack for some of the out-of-this-world lyrics like alligator lizards in the air and the old man joe and of course being hit by Purple Rain… Prince might’ve been listening to that one… We know that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who co-wrote and produced most of Janet Jackson’s biggest hits were listening since Miss Jackson sampled this song in one of her biggest hits. Up next both Dewy Bunnell and Gerry Beckley tell us the story of this 70s classic in our exclusive interview.
Thanks for watching Leave us a comment about this all-time 70s masterpiece. What are your memories and thoughts on this song and the band America… what do you think of the memorable guitar line and the alligator lizards? What other 70s songs should we cover Let us know in the comments. If you like our content join our community by subscribing to this channel below. Also, you can become an honorary patron to help us keep the music alive. Until next time, three chords and the truth my friends.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the SMOOTHEST Song of the rock era?

[@peterd.9978]

I Can't Tell You Why.

[@christineml1476]

"Summer Breeze" Seals & Crofts

[@surlechapeau]

1. Deacon Blues- Steely Dan; runnerups: Me And Mrs Jones- Billy Paul; Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye, Lets Stay Together - Al Green; Black Magic Woman- Santana; Havana - Camila Cabello.

[@witchy6978]

That song by 10cc

[@thetitleisours1]

So many good ones to chose from but BREAD was the master. So I will go with. “Baby I’m-a Want You” by Bread. "Lotta Love" by Nicolette Larson is another personal favorite

[@dillsplace]

This is a windows down, arm leaning on the door, driving around in the Summer song for sure. Puts me in a good mood immediately when I'm out driving around.

[@user-mx9gn1yo2j]

Great visual

[@tjg555]

Sister Golden Hair will always be my favorite, but how can you not love this song?

[@carlacook5181]

My niece has four daughters, three with dark hair and one blonde, guess what we call her? Yes! She is our Sister Golden Hair, when she hears someone singing along with it, she will shush them and say that she wants to hear it, love you Rainy Day, our very own Sister Golden Hair.

[@carlacook5181]

Love this band, I did wonder what alligator lizards were.

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

I agree on both counts! Sister Golden Hair Surprise is what I sometimes call wife.

[@rickallen1908]

As an old trucker, two of my favorite driving songs. Horse With No Name & Ventura Hiway

[@cindysnow2123]

Whenever you hear that guitar intro, it sends you right back to the 70s!! You can picture someone hitch hiking along the Ventura highway while loads of gas guzzling convertibles drive past you!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a time machine!

[@LazyIRanch]

I first got to visit California in 1972 when I was eleven. My dad had business in Santa Monica to take care of, so we flew to LAX and rented a car. Once his business was done, we spent the next 3 weeks visiting all the tourist spots from LA to San Francisco. I fell in love with California and decided if I ever had the chance, I'd move there. In 2001, I _had_ to move from my hometown in Texas because my life was in danger, so I loaded up my truck and drove West @ 1500 miles. It was one of the few smart decisions I've made as an adult!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a pleasant image.

[@christineml1476]

America has always had such an ethereal sound. They could sing the McDonald's menu and somehow it'd be mesmerizing.

[@ChristinaFromFlint]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@witchy6978]

😂

[@Sherwoody]

America, along with bands like Poco, Doobie Brothers, Crosby,Stills, Nash and Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Eagles helped to make the 70’s a decade of great music.

[@stevenhanson6057]

“I’m sorry, the machine is down.”

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, I would love to hear that for real!

[@scottdonohue3379]

America put out some truly wonderful music. They don’t often get the recognition that they deserve.

[@jamesevans3492]

I Was Born In 1962, So I Literally Grew Up In The 1970's, And Listened To America, When My Older Brother Played Their Records, And On The AM, And FM Stations, As Well As The Carpenters, And Many Other 1970's Songs . . . :-)

[@CowGirlKat8691]

America sends my mind back to a time in the 70's when a guy from CA kept asking me out & I kept saying no because I knew I would fall hard for him & he'd go back home to CA leaving me behind when the time came. He would sing "I Need You" to me & boy howdy did he have a voice & a face to go with it!!

[@100hooker]

Greg Allman had a similar syllable story when he wrote Melissa. He said he was racking his brain to come up with a three syllable name for days. He was in grocery store when he heard a woman calling here daughter who had gotten away from her who shouted Melissa and it hit him. He said he could have hugged her.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

…with sweet Melissa.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

Cool story. I do wish Gregg was still with us. The Allmans, one of America's musical treasures.

[@normatible9795]

Yes thats true. He said " Barbara" did not fit till he heard Melissa, melissa whwre are u from a mom in grocwry

[@madbrowniac7871]

"Melissa" for something sweet" fits in more ways than one. "Melissa" is Greek for "Honeybee!"😂😉🎤🍯🐝B.W.

[@dad4ever-c90]

As a teenager, I must have heard Ventura Highway on the radio HUNDREDS of times! But somehow, I didn't recall that lyric when Prince did Purple Rain a decade later. Another great episode with details that conjure up long forgotten memories of my youth. Thank you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For me it never gets old!

[@Sherwoody]

@@ProfessorofRock I’ve noticed lately a lot of songs and artists you’ve been covering lately are songs my friends and I used to play when we’d get together. We were broke college kids and evenings just hanging out with our guitars and a few beers. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

[@hoppes9658]

I’ve noticed that u tube is leftard and hates truth.

[@thetitleisours1]

Ventura Highway is one of my favorite songs of all time. That guitar riff moves me every time

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@kellyalves756]

Here’s a moment- actually driving down Ventura Highway in the summer and this song comes on. ( Road Trip to Ojai, 2009.)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a memorable riff.

[@lauraallen55]

@@kellyalves756 There is no Ventura 'highway' though :d

[@kellyalves756]

@@lauraallen55 Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[@marisawood6345]

Ventura Highway gave me the final push out the door of a horrible job. My then-boss was forcing me to work 15-20 hours of unpaid overtime a week, and verbally abusing me. Both of these things affected my physical and mental health to the point where my family, my friends, and eventually my doctors were afraid I might die. I had to get out of there to save myself--but there was a point on my last night in that hellhole where I almost didn't. And then I logged on to Pandora... and the first song that came on was Ventura Highway. Somehow, that song reminded me of my life before the abusive boss... and what it could be like after. I walked out of that cramped, windowless office forever that night, with my head held high and a smile on my face. And in the icy November rain, waiting for the bus home, I could feel "the free wind blowing through my hair." One of my doctors would later confirm that quitting that job when I did had saved my life, but I didn't tell him the role Ventura Highway had played in that. I finally did get the chance to tell Dewey and Gerry my story four years ago, before a concert. Ventura Highway will hold a special place in my heart forever.

[@kevinstaggs5048]

Gerry and Dewey are two of the best songwriters in the history of pop music. Ventura Highway is a masterpiece.

[@bartbluemusic]

America flew under the radar with me for the longest time. But then, a friend handed over a Greatest Hits album by them and after hearing it, I realized that I had known all the songs all along, I just never knew who sang them! LOL - You can't go wrong with this band. Loved the vid! :)

[@davidstrother496]

I was born in the 50s, and my parents actually liked the early rock, so I'm fortunate. We who have lived through the progression of rock had the best music ever. I'm quite eclectic in my taste in music, and I remember loving America just as much as "hard rock", funny to hear the old folks talk about the Rolling Stones as hard rock. Keep up the great videos, Professor.

[@afterlate8866]

‘Moon Song’ is SO evocative of feeling nostalgic for one’s student days. A Dewey song that captures in succinct simplicity the aspirations and feelings of seventeen/eighteen +, year olds who mistakenly think/dream/wish that they can stay ‘just as I am’ around a camp fire with their trusted friends.

[@Whisper_292]

I've never been a fan of Ventura Highway, but it's amazing how hearing the artist break down a song gives me a new appreciation for it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@panamericachicago]

Oh My God... I KNEW it was the clouds and nobody took me seriously... Love these guys and their music... So-o-o many memories.

[@martineldritch]

Funny, I don't remember ever hearing this on the radio but we had the album at home so didn't need to. Probably my favorite America song. "Chewin on a piece of grass, walking down the road..." The song plays out like my childhood dreams of the time

[@AFRetired04]

At 62, I STILL regularly play America's music on my guitar, and in my car....always a favorite.

[@ponzo1967]

That has always been one of my favorite lyrics "Alligator Lizards in the Air" 🎶In the air 🎶

[@user-zk8rl2he8h]

Mine too. They are referring to shapes of clouds

[@georgemathie8123]

America is one of the finest albums bands of the 70s catchy hooks, to die for vocal harmonies, amazing musicianship and those iconic radio hits that you can't get out of your head all in all a fantastic band

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! So many hits!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So many great songs.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yes absolutely even after Dan peek left in 1978 Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley still wrote some great music as a duo you can do magic, the border, pretty much all of the excellent 1982 effort view from the ground, and the underrated 1984 album perspective and 1998s human nature are excellent later day efforts from America

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@georgemathie8123 You Can Do Magic is such a smooth song!

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 written by the super talented Russ Ballard I'm really hoping Adam can do a show on him soon such an underrated musical genius

[@bettertvreceptionwithfoilf7100]

I totally love Dewey's writing, because it produces such an imagery in your mind, that you can take as your own, and each of us probably have a slightly different idea of what he means. From the age of 17, i emulated those jumping chords, adding that rhythm to my stumming. The feel of the song is great.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. He really has a way with that type of writing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Listening to these songs is like taking a road trip through every state in America.

[@afterlate8866]

I agree with you totally. Dewey’s writing is extremely evocative, for example, ‘Amber Cascades’ places me, in an instant, in some beautiful autumnal wood kicking up crisp burnt-orange leaves and feeling carefree and contented, hand in hand, in a relationship which has only just begun, and (unknowingly) selfishly all-consuming, as well as thrilling.

[@ericschlebus6488]

One of the greatest songs written of all time. America is one of my favorite bands of that era.

[@travismiles5885]

I have an America sheet music book in the backseat of my car right now. My dad bought it back in the late 70s or very early 80s and gave it to me recently.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Travis!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow!

[@brentcox7772]

Love this band! Saw them in Norman, OK. In ‘77!! Amazing! “Lonely People” is still my favorite!!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love Lonely People.

[@GiyHill]

Sung by Peak

[@Coldpack13]

Have to agree.

[@areneesouder]

I absolutely love this band and their music! Their harmonies were amazing and I practiced with them all the time. 💜😎👍

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Love America! Great band of the 70s. Ventura Highway is my favorite song by America. Dewey Bunnell is supremely talented. Thanks for this episode, Professor! Great backstory for this Thursday.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Roger!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Mine too!

[@marvinkline5667]

Tin man

[@SamanthaMunitz]

Ventura Highway is one of few songs that epitomizes the beauty of '70s rock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And of the United States in general.

[@Boblobblaw88]

Bench On A Highway is my favorite 70's song!

[@bobdavis4848]

You mean "Denture A Highway"! Dentures are what chewin' on pieces of grass much of your life will eventually get ya! Yes, we love America!

[@guntherdawg]

@@bobdavis4848 importants clarifications for bones-chewings and chompings purposes teh numbers ones Bobs commentings todays in positions number 2!

[@bobdavis4848]

@@guntherdawg You're gonna go...for bo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-one...'cause the free wind is blowing through your fur...hearing monitors that poozkat purr...beagle striving only fair...to meet saucy blizzards in the air...in the air...

[@guntherdawg]

@@bobdavis4848 here’s another verse to adds to teh 'For Bone' remix: “Wishin' on a falling stars...Watchin' for the flying saucer...Sorry good boy, but I've been hit by...Hot saucy”

[@bobdavis4848]

@guntherdawg Dats is what it sounds like, when teh dawgs source French fryyy. Meh sees what you did theres, skillfullys substitutings furhaps Prince inspiration "purple rain" fur teh hot sauces fur potatoes, breads und mores!

[@BaddogSports]

Absolutely love “Ventura Highway” just really soothing and relaxing. Always just picture myself driving down an empty back road, in a warm Summer’s twilight, although I’ve never actually done that, yet!

[@beenaplumber8379]

I've been a hard rocker since I was little, but everything I heard from these guys on Mom's car radio made me feel really nice, relaxed, and optimistic. They will always have a place in my heart.

[@nanreynolds9351]

America has been woven deeply into the colors of the tapestry that was my youth. I remember endless summer nights with America's music playing as gently as the summer breeze. Lonely People is such a deeply felt song due to its recognition of an emotion that everyone has experienced. They are relatable on so many levels. Ventura Highway is the prototype for long days of journeys in life and the decisions that result from those journeys. It's melodic, it's thought provoking and in certain situations, it can be haunting. Regardless of that, this song is always a lifting and happy thing. It takes you back in time to reflect on specific moments that are fondly remembered. I'm 64 now, but I still remember listening with my eyes closed, sun on my face, riding along and being lost in the visions of my journey down the Ventura Highway. Timeless music from a simpler time. Who could ask for anything more? Thank you Adam, your love and appreciation of music is greatly notable and you always give us, your audience, the opportunity to share your love of music. Keep it coming and we will watch, learn and listen. Great job!!!! Oh, in response to the question of the smoothest song of the rock era,......... Guitar Man by Bread.

[@btchhopperou812]

AlligatorLizards... always made me glad I lived in Florida when I would hear Ventura Highway on the ol Kraco radio back in the 70's- Absolutely loved the tune, and still do 45+ years later! Thanks Adam, appreciate you brother, peace

[@joseph-ow1hf]

I have a whole new appreciation for these guys now. What charming intelligent people. Thanks Professor!

[@nanettebear295]

One of the greatest happiest songs ever and it evokes many wonderful memories from my teens to my retirement.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Possibly their FINEST composition. 🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

I tend to agree!

[@richardjohnson6205]

My favourite America song. I was 17...ish, had just bought my 1st motor bike which meant independence and freedom. I remember riding it down the motorway (Highway) with Ventura Highway playing in my head. This song is my youth. Thanks guys, you rock!!

[@kristitimbrel189]

I saw these guys play in Mesquite Nevada. Truly one of the greatest concerts I've ever been to! They blew me outta the water! Their sound is so pure and crisp. These guys are genuinely funny and neighborly! I was an "ok fan" before the concert.... I walked out of there, a "huge fan" after the concert!!! I love America!!!! ❤️

[@cowboy8681]

I was born in 67 ,And the song Ventura Highway takes me back to a better time and place and alot memories.Also love the song ,You can do magic that was released in my freshman year in High School in1982.I grew up in the central valley of California. The group America is such an amazing band ,With so many great feel good songs🇺🇸🤘😃🎸

[@johnwanko9318]

As a former resident of Ventura and Ventura County, I have always loved this song. It reminds me of warm days up in the hills, driving along the 33 through Los Padres National Forest past Ojai. Beautiful country and great song.

[@aprilrich807]

I’m a lifelong Californian. A playlist was begun in my head in my head in the ‘70’s, and it’s never stopped growing. This song, Jackson Browne’s Running On Empty, etc. , It’s happened organically-I have no control of it! This is certainly not very interesting, but it is what it is, I guess.

[@dpjacobs28]

I’m so happy Professor is finally getting a decent following. I was baffled he didn’t have many million subscribers already. His content is second to none.

[@natemcdonald8853]

Remember the Pontiac Ventura ? That's what comes to mind for me when I hearthis song 😊

[@kwilliams1958]

Yes, I do!

[@tomloucks779]

My first car. My high school ride. Good times.

[@jodifisher2183]

Me too. My first car was an orange Ventura.

[@davidbush6482]

I must say how much I appreciate your channel. I am an older drummer who played in small bands in the 70s and must say how much I admired America as their music was so positive and thankfully I finally got to see them in concert in the early 2000s and what a great concert.

[@rebeccacorbin1590]

One of the things I love about your show is it always sends me back to my album collection. Suddenly I'm listening to a band I've not heard in ages and am right back to my youth. 🙂

[@charleslyall5857]

Beautiful song. As a 14 year old in 1972 it was a standout. Brings back memories of sunny summer days even although I'm in Scotland.

[@GiyHill]

Always enjoyed the Acoustic era of the 60s and 70s. Became a fan of America. I remember seeing them perform Sister Golden Hair on the Smother Brothers show. I always included that song in my set. Now I'm 69 years old with greàt memories

[@aasja7739]

Venture a Highway is my favorite America song. Always and still is.

[@kwilliams1958]

Love these interviews, Professor...these interviews with America sparkle and enlighten our imaginations.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@cathyopthof8136]

One of my most favorite bands of all time!! Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley continued on and on for a long time!! I still will Not miss an America concert if they come anywhere Utah or Wendover or Las Vegas Nevada!!!❤❤❤❤

[@jeffdeupree7232]

What a nostalgia trip. I grew up just north of Ventura, in Santa Maria, in the 70s and 80s. This song was always on the radio and I caught a fair number of alligator lizards. Wish I could share that time with my kids. They just can’t understand.

[@roscianyt]

"On your waters I see a strange reflection. Rumor has it I'll see you when I die." I always liked that lyric from America. Another great video Professor!

[@joycekunzelman7435]

The love song, love the band. I was sad when Dan Peek left, but I've seen Dewey and Gerry play since and they are great!

[@someguy4911]

I saw America in concert a few years ago. One of my best memories of that concert is the when they did the refrain from "A Horse with No Name", the whole audience was singing La La Lala La La. It was freakin' awesome!

[@neilfisher7999]

One of my favorite bands. Great songwriting, vocals and musicianship. So soothing to listen to their stuff all day long without it getting fatiguing. Their stuff conjures up happy times and feeling carefree. It is timeless music that will live on for decades or more.

[@luckydog73718]

I graduated high school in 73 so this song brings a lot of nostalgia.

[@tedbecker4051]

Love the episode, Professor. Great interview. The interviews with Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley are among my favorite interviews. I wondered if there was any connection between Prince and "Ventura Highway." On another note, I'm glad that America decided to keep "alligator lizards" in the song. It got me and my friends talking about the song. I grew up in California, but never saw an alligator lizard. Unusual lyrics can get music fans talking about a song. Unless they are music execs. Artists need to keep them in. We're still talking about "alligator lizards" and "not even the chair" decades later, and we couldn't name any of those music execs who criticized them.

[@Fred_Lougee]

True story here... A couple of years ago a long time friend who lives in a small town perched on the shore of Puget Sound posted a picture of some sort of lizard, asked if anyone knew what it was. My immediate reply was that it was some sort of skink, but don't ask how I came to that conclusion, even as it was correct. Internet sleuthery revealed that it was, in fact, an alligator lizard. This information caused me a bit of an issue... just like the guys in America I was a military brat growing up. Dad was career Navy, retired in 1980 as a Chief Petty Officer. When I was in elementary school dad was stationed at Long Beach, CA, and we lived nearby in San Pedro. Something we kids would occasionally find in the grass was a critter we called an alligator lizard. Looked nothing like that picture. It looked exactly like a six inch long alligator. So that was the mental image I got when listening to the song, basically for almost my whole life up until two years ago. Question I have nowadays is just what it was we were finding back then. Some miniature species of crocodilian? Perhaps they were actually baby gators. But that makes no sense because gators are not native to Southern California. Maybe someone was buying gator eggs in Florida or Louisiana and hatching them in San Pedro, releasing them in hopes of terrorizing the swimmers at Cabrillo Beach?

[@robertbrescia3196]

I had read somewhere that Dewey's inspiration for the lyric came from him lying on his back (probably in a field of grass) watching the clouds roll by and imagining one of them looked like an alligator/lizard. We've all done this at some time in our life. Looking up at the clouds and saying, "Oh, that one looks like..."

[@ericleiter6179]

I love this song and band...my first exposure to them was sort of unique; I had saved up my allowance (early-mid 80's) to buy a used record player off of my grandparents neighbor...when I took it home, there was an LP still on the turntable with a faded olive green label on it that said, "America's Greatest Hits", I thought maybe it was a compilation of patriotic songs until I put the needle on it,,,and I have loved every song on it ever since!!! When I was 10, my two favorites on it were this song and Sandman

[@dgarve]

Would be interesting to hear more about the America connection with the Jacksons, since Gerry and Dewey seemed willing to discuss it, if there was time. Thanks! - Dave

[@Moondoggy]

I was lucky enough to spend some time with Dewey a number of years back as we crossed paths the afternoon of their evening performance outside in the back of their the venue.. Dewey was such a pleasant individual and didn't try to rush off but actually spent some time with me as we continued to talk. What an afternoon and thanks Dewey for coming to Champaign, IL

[@paulelverudlasvegashs7023]

Legends. Always insightful to hear Dewey and Gerry talk about their iconic music.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Love that song. Drove down that highway when I was out in LA in the 90’s

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should drive down that highway too.

[@mt0115]

Great episode (as usual), Ventura Highway is a timeless feel good song, never tire of it. America and their songs were great listening in a time of great music. 😎🍺☮️

[@larx4074]

THE most perfect song in every way!!! Used to play Ventura Highway back to back back in the early 70s; living in rainy Lancashire England, the vision was one of that warm wind and constant sunshine of California and wishing I was there................ I eventually went to some very warm and sunny countries over the ensuing years, but never made it to California, maybe next year...... Delighted to hear Dewey and Gerrie dissect the creation of this fabulous track, thanks chaps...................

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a smooth song!

[@simonmason8582]

Dewey was born in Yorkshire like I was and he also wrote "Newton-under-Roseberry topping. And it's cold and it's wet. And you feel like you're part of all time. " North Yorkshire Moors reference!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Makes me love California even more.

[@laurat1129]

As a '71 baby, I think America and songs like "Ventura Highway" and "Sister Golden Hair" were at least part of the reason that I moved to SoCal as an adult. That "Go West" motif. You're right, Adam, that America is the '70s, and these songs captured the mood, nice to know that Prince and Janet felt and heard the same.😉 *Ventura means "fortune/luck" and sounds like adventure. Ventura Fwy is US-101/CA-134 and runs from Hollywood to the Ventura Cty line heading up to Sta Barbara.

[@jotacalvo]

I absolutely love Ventura Highway. The feelings it evokes take me way, way back. Some 10 years ago I came across a guy on KZbin that played both guitar parts at once while singing. Impressive. My favorite memory of America, though, is Lonely People. Before cable tv, when the stations would sign off at 1 or 2 am, after the late shows, they would play Lonely People while showing still pics of the 1969 lunar landing and flower-filled fields. Oddly, those two things went well together with a song that had nothing to do with either lol. Good memories nonetheless.

[@brucejones1867]

America is another great band from the days of my youth. I feel blessed to have come of age in the 60's and 70's. Thanks for another great interview, Adam.

[@tbjgold]

America came along at the best time of my life. I loved every one of their songs for multiple reasons. When parents allowed a bunch of fifteen-year-olds to travel alone to the deserts of So. Utah it was Horse With No Name played over and over again that accompanied a love for the red-rock world. It was the first love of my life who rode with me for nights on end listening to The Best of America, but Ventura Highway has always emerged as one of my favorites.

[@johnwestervelt1525]

Nothing can hurt me now music. Perfect.

[@samanthab1923]

Woman Tonight is one of my all time favs. Everyone I knew had their Greatest Hits LP. ❤

[@kimberleesmith1178]

I loved the songs of the 70's. The song always told a story and you would lose yourself in the music

[@Cafeman_2D]

It dawned on me that i never learned the song on guitar. Need to look up the tabs! Your video titles keep baiting me in, I read the title and i must watch the vid. Great interviews and topics!

[@seanarmstrong8460]

Newest memory: my wife and I driving along a stretch of road in the foothills of the Himalayas looking at the majestic mountains and plunging gorges while listening to to the America: Holiday album.

[@tammyk1792]

I LOVE America. One of my very favorite all time bands. I have been lucky to see them in concert twice ❤️

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Great song. I remember when I first heard it, sometime in the late 70s on the greatest hits package - instantly fell in love with this band. This song in particular really stands out. Really enjoyed watching this interview, I’m inspired to look up the lyrics and grab my acoustic guitar and learn it right now!👍🎸🇺🇸

[@jenslodholm3071]

Love this song. So pure and beautiful.

[@proffitt72]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. I love to sing along whenever I hear it. It was and still is a definning song from my youth.

[@edmendiola3330]

at that time I was a kid and my dad introduced me "Ventura Highway" and I was impressed .....since that time America is my favorite band

[@natshellok]

I'm a child of the 60s and a teen if the 70s and I am VERY nostalgic for that time but I can't really call them "carefree" since my brother's were all in Vietnam being changed forever. Going in as cleancut 17 and 18 year olds and coming out bitter old men in hippie garb. But man, the music was incredible.

[@ProfessorofRock]

The music was definitely care free!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The music really reflects that carefree vibe.

[@person2463]

One of the best interviews ever, very fresh and open. Being born in the 60's and being young when America was big, yaya me!!! So much of them on the radio, really only am back then. I live these throwbacks. Always loved this song and sister goldenhair as my top two. But would love to see some Hollies. Air that I breathe is in my top 5 all time songs.

[@PhilMoskowitz]

Severely underrated band. The greatest hits albums are among the best of that format.

[@machfront]

Thank you SO much for this! I’m a rock, prog, industrial, electronic guy, but bands like Bread and America (despite being born in 1974) are part of my make up! Ventura Highway is something I’d never wanna be without whilst driving down a rural road here in GA when I was 19 in 1993 nor today! It’s a perfect spring or summer road song! ❤️🙂

[@chrismaggio7879]

Very few groups that I ever wished I were part of, and these guys were at the top! Thank you gentlemen for all my memories where your music flowed through.

[@jonathonmain9157]

I’m still listening to this song a lot on KZbin! It’s in my rotation of music videos that pops up frequently.

[@johntiggleman4686]

Their first album is still my favorite. I have four of their albums and they are all a joy to listen to. Love your interviews. Keep 'em coming!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

When i was young i "borrowed" this album from my older sister's room and Ventura Highway was the song i played almost nightly before going to bed to dream of the west snd the things to see and feel there. Dewey Bunnell lyrics paint such a picture and that guitar riff is one of the best ever! I could feel California without ever being there. Fantastic interviews absolutely love these guys and their personalities, true artists! More America!!

[@jamescoady5765]

I think there is a strong spiritual connection between Gerry and Dewey because it's very rare for human friendships to last longer than 40 years. I can't believe the band never got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On syncopation, I remember last year you had a show on Neil Diamond's song Sweet Caroline and you mentioned that Neil needed a female name that had 3 syllables because Sweet Wendy or Sweet Cathy just didn't cut it; so, long story short, Sweet Caroline it was.

[@fredsbarbercuts6375]

Great interview as always. America one of my favorite musicians

[@Spitnchicklets]

Hey there Adam, I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, and I must say you keep getting better and better every day!!!

[@JT-sz7xc]

Absolutely love this channel, it’s great to hear the artists talk about how lyrics, riffs, instrument arrangements etc. all came about on the songs I grew up with.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@777colin1]

The legacy of America is that you can go back to any of their first few albums, America, Homecoming, Hat Trick, Holiday, Hearts, History and play them and they are still as vibrant today as they were back then, and in addition, those albums take you right back to the 70's. I first saw America in September 1971 supporting Cat Stevens in Southampton, Uk.. America weren't even on the Billboard, but I knew I had heard something unique and amazing. Thank you Gerry, Dewey. RIP Dan

[@matthewclark9652]

The America song "Saturn Nights" (also from 1972 "Homecoming") has the Carole King 1971 lyric "One more song about movin' along the highway" ('So Far Away").

[@hughjass1044]

One of the things I like best about The Professor's videos is they give a new insight into music that was familiar but not necessarily top of mind at the time. They give a whole new appreciation for what really were some great bands and great music that we might not have been fans of back in the day.

[@Agg1E91]

as an early teen in the late 70s, I preferred BTO, Rush, Boston, etc. Music similar to this, at the time, was MUZAK to me. But not America. I liked everything I heard from them. It was only later, in my 30s that I began to appreciate *some* similar acts from the 70s. My capacity for folksy, "Nothing Can Hurt Me" music from the 70s is still relatively limited but I still dig America. Definitely a groovy band!

[@warnerchandler9826]

Professor, great candid stories from these artists! Great stories, great song.

[@robertfriesen5038]

I always loved this song - so smooth - takes me right back to high school!

[@lauroluera4502]

One my favorite sing along songs. I still listen to it when I travel on vacation and road trips through Sirius XM 70s station.

[@grizzywald]

Remembered seeing 'Horse With No Name' as a very young boy on UK TV, and at the time of glam rock and stomping melodies, it really stood out. I remember thinking through the monotone verses 'where's the catch, where's the catch', and these guys only seemed to be using 2 chords let alone three - and then the refrain hits (as you mentioned in the vid) and it's in my head for weeks. Always enjoy hearing it again