America: In The Beginning - Part 3
Introduction Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

Well, LP #1 was launched, a smashing success & the threesome were rewarded with a Grammy for best new artist of 1972. Anyone out there who was at the Whiskey in LA for the 4-day LA "debut" after LP #1 was launched? By the way, the band's name emanated from a lot of different forces, however, it all seemed to merge & make good sense when they saw a jukebox - - > Americana, that settled it & the homesick boys agreed it was right. Homesick indeed for the States, after LP #1, they packed up & moved back to the US for keeps. Of course, this did not go down well with their British "mentors" who got them started. But as GERRY has said, "We were homesick & needed to get back."

HOMECOMING was launched as their tribute to a return to California. This LP started an AMERICA tradition of stunning LP visuals & "H____'s" for LP names. By the way, Henry Diltz, who provided photographic & banjo (2 LP's) assistance, is working on a project with others to show old LP covers of many bands on CD rom with stories. He expects release in a year or so. (Note: Under the Covers was released in 96.) Well, some critics said with the launch of HOMECOMING, "great", but where is the single? A sure sign that all the songs are OUTSTANDING. "VENTURA HIGHWAY" was a smash & the LP actually outsold LP #1. Could life be more beautiful for AMERICA? They were eyeing that private jet.......... More to follow on "VENTURA H" & HOMECOMING.


Last Revised: 19 September 1997