NASHVILLE |DATE: JUNE 21, 2011
FROM: TODD BRODGINSKI/MITCH SCHNEIDER
ICONIC ROCK GROUP
AMERICA
SELECTED FOR STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Iconic Grammy-winning rock group AMERICA have been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was announced this morning by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The group–Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell–will receive their star along the fabled Boulevard in 2012, which also marks the 40th anniversary of their “Best New Artist” Grammy Award.
“We are truly humbled and honored to be chosen to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame for the year 2012,” says DEWEY BUNNELL and GERRY BECKLEY. “Thank you to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for this wonderful gesture. We are truly thrilled that America has been chosen to be represented with this prestigious honor.”
AMERICA is celebrating their 40th anniversary with the July 26 release of their latest album BACK PAGES via Entertainment One Music. It’s a collection of interpretations of great songs by Bob Dylan, The Buffalo Springfield, Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, Jimmy Webb, Mark Knopfler as well as Fountains of Wayne, New Radicals and Gin Blossoms, among others. Upon hearing AMERICA’s version of his song “Caroline No” by the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson said: "An absolutely stunning version…I almost got tears."
The group was founded in England in 1971 and immediately rose to stardom with two #1 hits, “Horse With No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair,” garnering them the “Best New Artist” Grammy Award and multi-platinum records. They have toured essentially non-stop ever since and also charted with tracks like “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” “Daisy Jane” and “You Can Do Magic.”
In many ways, AMERICA’s journey in music, still very much in progress, reflects the story of a whole nation of listeners for whom the tunes on BACK PAGES continue to matter. The album offers a fresh take on timeless songs and proves that, for all of their own rich history, America still has the ability to surprise and enchant us. As one of the most beloved groups in the history of pop continue their 40th Anniversary Tour this spring, summer and fall, they maintain a large and devoted fan base.
For the full list of the 2012 Walk of Fame honorees, go to http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/
Catch up with the band and their tour dates at their official website: www.venturahighway.com.
About AMERICA:
The group’s debut album was released in late 1971 and quickly went Platinum. Five subsequent releases went either Gold or Platinum and their History greatest hits compilation reached the four million sales mark. #1 hits include “Horse With No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Other hits include “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Daisy Jane,” “I Need You,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Lonely People” and “You Can Do Magic.” At the same time, there was always more to America than the hits indicated. In many ways the band was rooted in the melodic pop rock of the British Invasion, most particularly in Gerry Beckley’s hook-laden songwriting. This connection was made explicit when legendary Beatles producer George Martin came on board to help refine their sound. For his part, Dewey Bunnell brought a tinge of folk-jazz, combining Latin-leaning rhythms with playfully rhyming words and impressionistic lyric imagery.
For more information on AMERICA contact:
MSO 818.380.0400
Mitch Schneider X235 mschneider@msopr.com
Todd Brodginski x239 toddb@msopr.com
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AMERICA: ICONIC ROCK GROUP SELECTED FOR STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
