AceShowbiz - Dewey Bunnell stands as the enduring voice of America, carrying the torch after decades of music and touring alongside his longtime bandmate Gerry Beckley. As the last original member still touring, Bunnell shares insights about the band’s beginnings, evolving dynamics, and his thoughts on retirement.

The story of America began in the early 1970s when three teenagers from U.S. Air Force families stationed in England—Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek—formed a band inspired by the harmonies and songwriting of artists like Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Their unique blend of folk-rock and melodic harmonies quickly earned them hits such as “A Horse With No Name,” “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Sister Golden Hair.”

After Dan Peek left the group in 1977 to pursue contemporary Christian music, the band continued with Beckley and Bunnell at the helm. Peek passed away in 2011 due to uremic pericarditis. More recently, Beckley retired from touring in late 2023, relocating with his wife to Australia. This left Bunnell as the sole original member on the road, a role he never anticipated but has embraced with a dedicated support team and band.

“This is my third year doing it without Gerry, which I never expected in my wildest dreams after 50 plus years,” Bunnell told Rolling Stone during a Zoom interview from Southern California. “But you never know in life what happens, and it's been going really well. I've got a great support team, a great band.”

Bunnell grew up in Los Angeles, where he earned the nickname “Dewey” after surf legend Dewey Weber, despite being a poor swimmer. He developed a love for surf music, drawn to artists such as Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, the Surfaris, and the Beach Boys. The pivotal change came in 1967 when his father was transferred to an Air Force base near London. There, Bunnell forged friendships with Beckley and Peek and was exposed to groundbreaking music from acts like Pink Floyd, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Led Zeppelin.

Reflecting on those formative years, Bunnell said, “It's only when you step back and decades later you see how intense and rich the times were, and how fortunate we were to be right there.” This period also allowed the three friends to discover their remarkable musical chemistry, which would sustain them for nearly six decades.

When asked about the early days singing together, Bunnell recalled that initially, none of them imagined forming a band. After graduating high school, Beckley and he remained near the base, while Peek briefly returned to the U.S. for college. Upon Peek’s return, the trio began writing songs and harmonizing. “None of us knew what we were doing,” Bunnell said, “but we got together and said, ‘Hey, I got a song. You got a song?’ and arranged them vocally.”

Harmony became a defining hallmark of their sound. Bunnell admitted he was new to harmony singing, having only participated in choir before. The group rehearsed in unconventional spaces like a small bedroom and even inside an old Morris Minor car, which provided an intimate acoustic environment. Beckley was the primary arranger, assigning vocal parts to each member, while Peek also contributed to the arrangements. Listening back to their recordings, they realized they had stumbled upon something special—a blend of voices that captured the essence of their inspirations like the Beach Boys and the Beatles.

Bunnell acknowledged their sound was often compared to Crosby, Stills, and Nash but emphasized that their music reflected the broader influence of both British bands and American folk-rock pioneers. Over the years, America carved out a distinct identity defined by melodic songwriting and close vocal harmonies, which continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Since Beckley’s retirement from touring, Bunnell has been supported by singer Andy Barr, who performs Beckley’s songs such as “Sister Golden Hair,” “Daisy Jane,” and “I Need You.” Together with his band, Bunnell has maintained the quality and spirit of the live shows, ensuring the legacy of America endures despite the changes in lineup.

Looking ahead, Bunnell is contemplating retirement but remains committed to sharing the music that has defined much of his life. His journey from a surf music-loving teenager to the frontman of a legendary band showcases a lifetime of passion, friendship, and artistic collaboration.

As the last original member still performing, Bunnell embodies the resilience and enduring appeal of America, keeping the band’s spirit alive for new generations of fans. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the lasting impact of a group born out of friendship and musical exploration during one of rock’s most vibrant eras.