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America, the Band: An Authorized Biography
As if recovering from a raucous dream of the 1960s, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek arrived on 1970s American radio with a sound that echoed disenchanted hearts of young people everywhere. The three American boys named their band after a country they'd watched and dreamt of from their London childhood Air Force base homes. What was this country? This new band? Classic and timeless, America embodied the dreams of a nation desperate to emerge from the desert and finally give their horse a name. Celebrating the band's fiftieth anniversary, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell share stories of growing up, growing together, and growing older. Journalist Jude Warne weaves original interviews with Beckley, Bunnell, and many others into a dynamic cultural history of America, the band, and America, the nation. Reliving hits like "Ventura Highway," "Tin Man," and of course, "A Horse with No Name" from their 19 studio albums and incomparable live recordings, this book offers readers a new appreciation of what makes some music unforgettable and timeless. As America's music stays in rhythm with the heartbeats of its millions of fans, new fans feel the draw of a familiar emotion. They've felt it before in their hearts and thanks to America, they can now hear it, share it, and sing along.
- GenresMusicBiographyNonfiction
232 pages, Hardcover
Published May 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 21, 2022
America remains one of the best concerts I’ve been to, so I was excited to see they finally had an authorised biography out.
This is a detailed account of the band, their history and discography. Jude Warne writes with a passion and enthusiasm that is to be admired. She clearly loves the band, and they no doubt love her. In fact, there’s barely a bad word about anything here – even when delving into their obscure, and less successful work.
Gerry and Dewey certainly come across like genuine, down to earth guys. They seem like the kind of guys able to make friends with anyone. It’s no wonder they’ve survived fifty years in the music business. This book was released to coincide with that fiftieth anniversary.
I really enjoyed aspects of this. It was a welcome change of pace to my recent reads. I could learn about various songs and their origins forever; so, this appeals to the music nerd in me. Jude Warne virtually talks about every song from every album, with in-depth critique behind their construction and lyrics. It’s as much a critical analysis of their discography, as it is book about the guys themselves. It’s relatively light when it comes to exploring the band members' lives, but incredibly detailed when talking about their music. This is fantastic when talking about their hits, but grew somewhat tedious when wading through random tracks on obscure albums which are probably best left to a brief paragraph. This critical breakdown even continued into Gerry’s solo work.
It sort of reads like a “why America matters” essay. The writing was dry at times, with sentences occasionally clunky or filled with random errors. It makes the reader delve into their America albums though, and enjoy listening to their hits; perhaps with new appreciation and different perspective. I’ve had A Horse with No Name stuck in my head for days.
I learned a lot about the contribution of Dan Peek that I didn’t know. The book references his 2006 memoir An American Band quite heavily. I loved how the book transported me into the 70s, just like America’s music - particularly when reading about their heyday. I was amazed at how sudden their success was at the time.
“We thought we could make a go of it. We really believed in ourselves, and then we got into a pattern of ‘let’s keep writing.’” – Dewey
Other aspects I really enjoyed included random facts like:
- Dewey was originally known as Lee. He was sarcastically teased with the nickname “Dewey” while trying to fit into surf culture at the time. He embraced it, and has kept the name ever since.
- America got its name from the Americana jukebox
I also had no idea they had worked extensively with Sir George Martin (producer of The Beatles). I liked seeing mention of their famous friends (like Harry Nilsson, Rod Stewart, The Beach Boys) and reading about the contributions of legendary drummer Hal Blaine too.
The book occasionally repeated itself, with some sentences appearing twice - but I didn’t mind this with my dodgy memory. It was nice seeing mention of how loved America is here in Australia too, with Gerry now living in Sydney.
“Most shows were stateside, but the band always made sure to play around Australasia and Italy, where their fan base was still huge.”
Prior to the pandemic, America was performing some 100 shows a year. It has been amazing to read about the longevity of this legendary band, and how they transformed into a touring machine over time. For die-hard fans of the band, or music nerds (like myself) I recommend this book. For all others, I recommend catching the guys in concert when they’re next in town – I know I will.
This is a detailed account of the band, their history and discography. Jude Warne writes with a passion and enthusiasm that is to be admired. She clearly loves the band, and they no doubt love her. In fact, there’s barely a bad word about anything here – even when delving into their obscure, and less successful work.
Gerry and Dewey certainly come across like genuine, down to earth guys. They seem like the kind of guys able to make friends with anyone. It’s no wonder they’ve survived fifty years in the music business. This book was released to coincide with that fiftieth anniversary.
I really enjoyed aspects of this. It was a welcome change of pace to my recent reads. I could learn about various songs and their origins forever; so, this appeals to the music nerd in me. Jude Warne virtually talks about every song from every album, with in-depth critique behind their construction and lyrics. It’s as much a critical analysis of their discography, as it is book about the guys themselves. It’s relatively light when it comes to exploring the band members' lives, but incredibly detailed when talking about their music. This is fantastic when talking about their hits, but grew somewhat tedious when wading through random tracks on obscure albums which are probably best left to a brief paragraph. This critical breakdown even continued into Gerry’s solo work.
It sort of reads like a “why America matters” essay. The writing was dry at times, with sentences occasionally clunky or filled with random errors. It makes the reader delve into their America albums though, and enjoy listening to their hits; perhaps with new appreciation and different perspective. I’ve had A Horse with No Name stuck in my head for days.
I learned a lot about the contribution of Dan Peek that I didn’t know. The book references his 2006 memoir An American Band quite heavily. I loved how the book transported me into the 70s, just like America’s music - particularly when reading about their heyday. I was amazed at how sudden their success was at the time.
“We thought we could make a go of it. We really believed in ourselves, and then we got into a pattern of ‘let’s keep writing.’” – Dewey
Other aspects I really enjoyed included random facts like:
- Dewey was originally known as Lee. He was sarcastically teased with the nickname “Dewey” while trying to fit into surf culture at the time. He embraced it, and has kept the name ever since.
- America got its name from the Americana jukebox
I also had no idea they had worked extensively with Sir George Martin (producer of The Beatles). I liked seeing mention of their famous friends (like Harry Nilsson, Rod Stewart, The Beach Boys) and reading about the contributions of legendary drummer Hal Blaine too.
The book occasionally repeated itself, with some sentences appearing twice - but I didn’t mind this with my dodgy memory. It was nice seeing mention of how loved America is here in Australia too, with Gerry now living in Sydney.
“Most shows were stateside, but the band always made sure to play around Australasia and Italy, where their fan base was still huge.”
Prior to the pandemic, America was performing some 100 shows a year. It has been amazing to read about the longevity of this legendary band, and how they transformed into a touring machine over time. For die-hard fans of the band, or music nerds (like myself) I recommend this book. For all others, I recommend catching the guys in concert when they’re next in town – I know I will.
June 28, 2020
Just the simple fact that having a book written about America, certainly the most underrated and under-appreciated rock band of all time (except, you know, one song), would and should have warranted a 5-star rating. Yet, despite having a really strong and captivating start, the book often times repeats itself by talking about the same themes over and over, like how Dewey loves nature or how, given their Air Force background, the band members could not settle down and so on. One particular reason for such repetition, I assume, must be the band's relatively "bland" character as far as the rock and roll bands go. Therefore, while the story of Mötley Crüe, with its near-death experiences, car crashes, sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle, could become a topic for best-selling books and TV adaptations, the comparatively safe and uneventful history of a consistently prolific band I guess does not make much intriguing reading.
But even then the book might have been less frustrating, at least personally, if it was not for the constant analysis of each song's underlying meaning. The majority of songs recorded by America are quite simply pop-ballads with considerably simple themes like love and relationships that have no broader symbolic meaning underneath that needs to be deconstructed and unraveled every single time. I would have understood the appeal if this was Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen (the theme of the author's master's thesis) with their strong symbolisms and allegories but it does not really stick with America's work and hence cause too much repetition after awhile. It would have been much more interesting for me if the author would have given some more context about the production of the albums and how certain periods in members lives had impacted their sound rather than her subjective analysis of the songs featured in them.
But even then the book might have been less frustrating, at least personally, if it was not for the constant analysis of each song's underlying meaning. The majority of songs recorded by America are quite simply pop-ballads with considerably simple themes like love and relationships that have no broader symbolic meaning underneath that needs to be deconstructed and unraveled every single time. I would have understood the appeal if this was Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen (the theme of the author's master's thesis) with their strong symbolisms and allegories but it does not really stick with America's work and hence cause too much repetition after awhile. It would have been much more interesting for me if the author would have given some more context about the production of the albums and how certain periods in members lives had impacted their sound rather than her subjective analysis of the songs featured in them.
October 14, 2021
There’re not many types of books that I enjoy more than a rock memoir set in the 60s-70s. My recently read Tommy James’ The Mob, The Music and Me is a good example of an interesting and very personal narrative. This book on America unfortunately, is the opposite of that one though. Dry, and kinda boring.
And, although written by someone with obvious great admiration for the band, that proved to be a liability. Warne basically fawned over them, with flowery detailed descriptions of each of the songs on the albums, much like a fan club president’s newsletter.
I never really felt the voice or personality of Gerry Beckley or Dewey Bunnell, though, or anything even vaguely personal about the band’s relationships with each other. It also glosses over any personal details of the band members which obviously could be mined for material; such as Dan Peek’s departure and myriad of tragedies, the Beatles connection with producer George Martin; and that cold winter at Caribou Ranch. Maybe Dan Peek’s (RIP) book is the one to read instead. 🤷🏻♀️
And, although written by someone with obvious great admiration for the band, that proved to be a liability. Warne basically fawned over them, with flowery detailed descriptions of each of the songs on the albums, much like a fan club president’s newsletter.
I never really felt the voice or personality of Gerry Beckley or Dewey Bunnell, though, or anything even vaguely personal about the band’s relationships with each other. It also glosses over any personal details of the band members which obviously could be mined for material; such as Dan Peek’s departure and myriad of tragedies, the Beatles connection with producer George Martin; and that cold winter at Caribou Ranch. Maybe Dan Peek’s (RIP) book is the one to read instead. 🤷🏻♀️
April 1, 2021
America was one of the first bands I truly fell in love with as my passion for music grew in the early 1970s, so I was very excited at the prospect of reading Jude Warne's book. Whilst I enjoyed the nostalgia trip it took me on - and the fact that it encouraged me to revisit the band's back catalogue in depth - I was left feeling distinctly unsatisfied by the time I reached the end. Where I wanted stories that delved into the band members' personalities and experiences, what I largely got was page after page of the author's musings on song lyrics and what they might mean. I hate to say it but, generally, the writing was mediocre at best - and pretty cringeworthy at worst. All in all, for me, a missed opportunity...
December 13, 2020
Before starting this biography, I had only heard the timeless song "A Horse with No Name," but there is a prolific discography behind America. One of my favorite things about the book is the way the writer describes individual songs. It's not only the anecdote behind the song, but also an analysis that gives each one a new layer upon listening.
Extensively researched and passionately written, I would recommend this biography to any America fan, both old and new. It was a shining highlight in an otherwise bleak year, and one I plan to return to over the years.
Extensively researched and passionately written, I would recommend this biography to any America fan, both old and new. It was a shining highlight in an otherwise bleak year, and one I plan to return to over the years.
September 19, 2021
It was fascinating to read this book. As a musician, I resonated with so much of it. Loved reading about their songwriting processes, and the interpretations from the author about the quallity of vocals as written and performed. So much I didnt know. I was surprised to realize just how many originals this 3-songwriter powerhouse had created. I will see them perform Friday. This book is an excellent resource, and I know I'll think of it during the performance.
October 29, 2020
A band that everybody's heard yet few know as personalities, Jude Warne's band biography reveals the people behind the songs and the history from the recording studio to touring warriors they are to the present day. Everything you've ever wanted to know about the band who did such gems as Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, Don't Cross The River, Sister Golden Hair, I Need You, Right Before Your Eyes, Woman Tonight, Daisy Jane, Muskrat Love and many others. A slice of modern music history. - BH.
June 3, 2020
I grew up listening to America and knew some of their songs simply because my dad had their music blasting in our home every weekend or during road trips. Ventura Highway, Tin Man I Need You, Sister Golden Hair & Lonely People are my all-time favorites. I just can't explain the feeling I get from it, plus some of their best songs were the non-hits in my opinion.
Anyway I found this book very informative and entertaining, though some part of it was quite sad. I had no idea of this band's difficulties that it's actually quite heartbreaking to say the least. Reading this book gave me an in depth look into America's past and present. From their childhoods, to meeting in school, to ultimately becoming one of the popular group in the 70s. As a reader, I was drawn into learning about the life of Gerry, Dewey & Dan, their individual stories were very insightful in this book. I like that they stayed humble & didn't seek individual fame. They succeeded as a team of equal partners. I think some would have mixed feelings about this book and wanted it to be a bit different, but I am honestly happy this one actually existed. I must say I actually enjoyed the amount of material on the lyrics and their interpretation with each chapter. I played the songs on my phone, read through the lyrics & sang along to the ones I know. To be honest I’ve never listened to some of their albums, so im happy I’m finally discovering their other stuffs in this book.
Overall, I highly recommend having America's music in the background while reading it. Thank you so much to Jude Warne for sharing this wonderful book.
P.S. I played America's songs since March and it's been the longest I've ruined a good music for ages because of my very unhealthy habit. Anyway I think it's time to check out The Beatles Oh my! that George Harrison and John Lennon star-struck moments were epic they got me curious. 😂
Anyway I found this book very informative and entertaining, though some part of it was quite sad. I had no idea of this band's difficulties that it's actually quite heartbreaking to say the least. Reading this book gave me an in depth look into America's past and present. From their childhoods, to meeting in school, to ultimately becoming one of the popular group in the 70s. As a reader, I was drawn into learning about the life of Gerry, Dewey & Dan, their individual stories were very insightful in this book. I like that they stayed humble & didn't seek individual fame. They succeeded as a team of equal partners. I think some would have mixed feelings about this book and wanted it to be a bit different, but I am honestly happy this one actually existed. I must say I actually enjoyed the amount of material on the lyrics and their interpretation with each chapter. I played the songs on my phone, read through the lyrics & sang along to the ones I know. To be honest I’ve never listened to some of their albums, so im happy I’m finally discovering their other stuffs in this book.
Overall, I highly recommend having America's music in the background while reading it. Thank you so much to Jude Warne for sharing this wonderful book.
P.S. I played America's songs since March and it's been the longest I've ruined a good music for ages because of my very unhealthy habit. Anyway I think it's time to check out The Beatles Oh my! that George Harrison and John Lennon star-struck moments were epic they got me curious. 😂
June 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much! Jude Warne captures the true sprit of the band, America. The band’s story is intertwined with historical events from the late 1960’s and onward. The author interviewed the remaining band members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell as well as members of the Beach Boys, the Eagles and Jimmy Webb. This is the only authorized biography of this, still musically, significant band!
July 5, 2021
I love this band! The book was a little slow moving but very well researched. Learned a lot about these three quiet men and their beautiful acoustics. Rip Dan Peeks.
July 29, 2022
Frictionless hagiography
I came away from the book feeling as though I know less about America than I did before. Warne sanitizes and idolizes and valorizes, when he's not giving potted interpretations of the various songs. And that's about it.
The band apparently indulged in what would have back then be called "scenes": partying with indiscriminate drugs and people. Are we privy to any of it? No. The only time that livin' hard comes to the fore is when Dan Peek falls off a cliff and survives. But that is just fodder for the true event: his return to deep Christianity and leaving the group.
America is a talented group, to be sure, and they've earned their popularity. But in telling its story it's as though Warne took as his thematic bent the dreck that is America's one pop failure: "Muskrat Love." All soft edges and sweet times, no friction or messiness to give these men any sense of life. It's a bloodless affair.
My advice? Just listen to the brilliant Hearts album and let the music (and not this book) dictate your own personal memories of the band.
I came away from the book feeling as though I know less about America than I did before. Warne sanitizes and idolizes and valorizes, when he's not giving potted interpretations of the various songs. And that's about it.
The band apparently indulged in what would have back then be called "scenes": partying with indiscriminate drugs and people. Are we privy to any of it? No. The only time that livin' hard comes to the fore is when Dan Peek falls off a cliff and survives. But that is just fodder for the true event: his return to deep Christianity and leaving the group.
America is a talented group, to be sure, and they've earned their popularity. But in telling its story it's as though Warne took as his thematic bent the dreck that is America's one pop failure: "Muskrat Love." All soft edges and sweet times, no friction or messiness to give these men any sense of life. It's a bloodless affair.
My advice? Just listen to the brilliant Hearts album and let the music (and not this book) dictate your own personal memories of the band.
August 30, 2020
If you know Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek you know these three Military brats came together to form the group of America. At a minimum you know their music with chart his like "Horse with no name, Sister Golden Hair and Ventura Highway. They met while their families were stationed in England. One of the things that made this band so different was you know how in most groups there is one voice that you can pick out that stands out. With America they blended so well together in their music. Did you know that they had a long successful relationship with record producer George Martin more commonly known as the fifth Beatle. This book goes deep into the music more on the lyrics which if you are a diehard fan may really interest you. This group's music can still hold its own today but this book is just average.
July 1, 2020
Who names their band America?
America weren't necessarily trying to represent an entire country (let alone a continent or two) when they picked their moniker, but they haven't exactly steered away from that conceit either. Throughout Jude Warne's authorized biography, there are confusing moments — for example, when an artist is "introduced to America" or a song is criticized for being "un-American." You just kind of have to roll with it.
I reviewed America, the Band: An Authorized Biography for The Current.
America weren't necessarily trying to represent an entire country (let alone a continent or two) when they picked their moniker, but they haven't exactly steered away from that conceit either. Throughout Jude Warne's authorized biography, there are confusing moments — for example, when an artist is "introduced to America" or a song is criticized for being "un-American." You just kind of have to roll with it.
I reviewed America, the Band: An Authorized Biography for The Current.
January 31, 2025
I listened to a digital audio editoin of America the band. America is one of my favorite bands but, I did not know any of the names of the people in the band.
I wanted to listen to this book a second time so I could remember it better but, I did not. I had trouble remembering the names of the people in the band. And also I am only familiar with some of their songs.
I listened to this book so long ago at the time of writing this review that I can't remember what I liked or disliked about the book. All I remember is that I kind of liked the book and wished I had listened to it again.
I wanted to listen to this book a second time so I could remember it better but, I did not. I had trouble remembering the names of the people in the band. And also I am only familiar with some of their songs.
I listened to this book so long ago at the time of writing this review that I can't remember what I liked or disliked about the book. All I remember is that I kind of liked the book and wished I had listened to it again.
October 10, 2020
Rock on! For some reason, I picked up this book and thought that it might be interesting. I knew the name of the band of course and a few of the songs that were theirs. But I didn't know how many of their songs that they sang that I didn't recognize as theirs. Wow. What a confusing sentence. Anyway, I enjoyed this book very much and appreciate their talents even more.
January 30, 2021
I’ll be brief. I love America, have loved them since my teens and have seen them in concert as recently as May of 2019. I would have loved this book had the author stayed away from lyric interpretation and just told the story of this incredible band and its members. The lyric interpretation disrupted the flow and in my opinion, humble as it is, seemed like a made-up reach in most cases.
September 25, 2020
I’m only a casual America fan, but I enjoyed this book. The author is obviously a huge fan; she says nary a bad word about them. I liked hearing about their work with George Martin and a collaboration with Steve Perry I had never heard about. If you’re a huge fan of America, you’ll love this book.
March 5, 2021
This book took me back to my teen years. I enjoyed America's songs as I lived through the seventies. Ventura Highway and A Horse with No Name are timeless hits. I loved it. Interesting to see the background of this group.
May 2, 2021
Great read. Not what I was expecting though. It's not a true biography, but a musical one. Information on Dewey, Gerry and Dan personally are scarce and vague.
I did listen to each album in order as I was reading it. Definitely increased my appreciation for the band and the men themselves.
I did listen to each album in order as I was reading it. Definitely increased my appreciation for the band and the men themselves.
September 2, 2025
LOVE America!!! I've seen them 3 times now and can't wait to go again.
May 2, 2021
The book provided insight into the band’s history and evolution with great detail about their adolescent years and family backgrounds from military families. The book fell short by droning incessantly about the origins, inspiration and style of every song in every album. Became tedious after several chapters. Also the author gave very little attention to the impact of Dan Peek’s death to the band’s reaction and reflection. On a positive note, I learned a lot about a group I enjoyed but never knew much about. It took me a while to identify which name was associated with which face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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