America celebrates 5 decades of hits on ‘Happy Trails’ tour

4/1/2026

A classic American band, aptly named America, is in its fifth decade of touring. The group recently embarked on its “Happy Trails” tour for 2026 and will perform at the Des Moines Civic Center on April 25.

America, a folk-rock band, is known for its vocal harmonies and numerous hit songs. “A Horse With No Name” topped the Billboard charts, along with “Sister Golden Hair,” “Tin Man” and “Ventura Highway.”

The band won a Grammy Award for best new artist in 1972, and two members have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Dewey Bunnell co-founded the trio with Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek. The three young men’s fathers were stationed in England while serving in the military. Bunnell recently spoke to CITYVIEW magazine about the band’s tour.

Bunnell is the only remaining original member. Peek left the group early, and Beckley retired from touring three years ago. Bunnell said he and Beckley agreed on a hiatus from touring when the COVID-19 pandemic derailed concerts.

When promoters later suggested a tour, Beckley declined. 

“It was tough moving on from my longtime bandmate,” Bunnell said. “Gerry was music director and good at arranging vocal harmonies. I wanted to keep performing. Gerry was always the front man on stage, so I took that role. I’m still a little anxious, but once I get on stage, I’m backed by a great band.”

The band formed when its members were in their late teens. Their first album was a hit, and they began performing concerts. On their first tour, they lacked a backing band. 

“We were just three guys, sitting on stools with our acoustic guitars,” Bunnell recalled. “We weren’t seasoned with live shows, and it exposed our flaws and lack of training.”

They quickly added a bass player and a drummer and began conducting serious rehearsals. Because their first single and album went to No. 1, they were approached by producer George Martin, who produced albums for the Beatles. 

“It was terrific to have that connection with George to produce our records. It was a very special time,” Bunnell said.

Their musical style, notably their harmonizing melodies, was inspired by the Beatles and the Beach Boys. The Eagles were recording in the same office. 

“We were in awe of their vocal harmonies,” he said.

America toured extensively, playing nearly every state, festival and venue in the U.S. and around the world. Their music is treasured by fans in many countries. 

“Our music has no limitations, as opposed to heavy metal genres. Singer-songwriter songs are easily digestible,” Bunnell said.

America headlined concerts and also opened for Pink Floyd, the Who and the Beach Boys. They performed at venues such as Central Park and the Washington Monument on July 4, where 600,000 fans attended.

Bunnell admitted to answering a common question: Why didn’t the horse have a name? He explained that he and his brother were outdoorsy and liked to explore different habitats, including the desert. 

“The horse was just a vehicle to get through the desert. Songwriting is funny that way — I can’t tell you why the horse has no name,” he laughed.

When naming themselves America, the band expected possible negative feedback. 

“It was a bold move to call ourselves that. We thought we’d have more repercussions and braced ourselves for that,” he said. “Fortunately, we’ve never had a bad protest. Our name is superfluous to the music we make.”

Bunnell said America is a baby boomer band, yet he enjoys welcoming young concertgoers. 

“We have great loyal fans who see us over and over. I laugh and think, haven’t you seen the show enough already?”

Diehard fans crave new music, which the band occasionally performs. However, during the Des Moines concert, Bunnell promises to play favorites and a few cover songs. 

“People don’t want to hear obscure album cuts or those that didn’t get airplay,” he said. “The songs we play aren’t oldies — this is classic rock.”