Jefferson Airplane

About Jefferson Airplane

The classic rockers in America know how to work a serious hook. The band was heavily influenced by 60's psychedelia, while also throwing a harder-edged, 70's heartland rock sound into the mix. America are also known for their three-part vocal harmonies, which give all of their songs a distinct, folk rock sound. As boys, the original members of America-Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek-were all members of mixed British/American households, with their US military fathers stationed in London. This meant that, when still young, the members of America were hit in the face by Beatlemania, and they even eventually worked with famous Beatles produced George Martin. London in the late-60s was a musical paradise, and it's no surprise that the teens decided to start a band of their own. They picked the simple name America to honor the homeland that they'd barely seen. At the time, any group of long-haired youngsters with guitars could get a gig playing at local pubs and clubs, and America were soon performing at the city's celebrated Roundhouse pub. Though the band initially wanted to take their sound in a trippy, garage rock direction, their acoustic work got the best reception and their self-titled debut, America, focuses heavily on this folk-rock sound. The first edition of the album America initially got only a lukewarm reception, but it was re-released in 1972, with the added song "A Horse With No Name." Still one of America's biggest hits, the mystical song was an instant smash and got the band worldwide recognition and platinum sales figures. With the success of "A Horse With No Name" and the follow-up single "I Need You", America decided to relocate to the sunny entertainment capital of Los Angeles. America's aptly titled second album, Homecoming, produced the hits "Ventura Highway" and "Don't Cross the River" and the band picked up a Best New Artist Grammy in 1972. America have consistently released albums throughout their career, and still tour to sell-out crowds.